Lead Java Software Engineer Jobs

Discover Lead Java Software Engineer opportunities for experienced developers ready to guide teams and shape complex software systems. These roles combine hands-on Java development with technical leadership, architectural decision-making, and collaboration across product and engineering teams. Explore vetted positions with salaries of $100,000 or more on Ladders.

What Does a Lead Java Software Engineer Do?

Lead Java Software Engineers design, build, and maintain applications while helping set engineering standards and delivery direction. They may lead code reviews, mentor developers, break down technical requirements, and coordinate with stakeholders to deliver reliable software. Depending on the organization, the role can emphasize backend services, distributed systems, cloud platforms, or enterprise applications.

Skills and Qualifications

Employers typically seek substantial Java experience and a strong understanding of object-oriented design, data structures, APIs, and software development practices. Familiarity with frameworks such as Spring, databases, testing approaches, and cloud or distributed-system architecture is often valuable. Communication, prioritization, mentoring, and the ability to make sound technical decisions are also important for a lead role.

Career Opportunities and Compensation

Lead Java Software Engineers work across industries including financial services, healthcare, technology, retail, and enterprise software. Career paths may lead to roles such as Principal Engineer, Software Architect, or Engineering Manager, depending on a professional’s strengths and goals. Browse Ladders for vetted Lead Java Software Engineer jobs paying $100,000 or more and find opportunities aligned with your experience.

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$234K - $398K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of portfolio construction by leading engineering efforts to deliver innovative tools and insights. Drive strategy, enhance operational excellence, and empower tal...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$234K - $398K *

Lead the charge in building a high-performing engineering organization that delivers innovative tools and insights for risk-aware portfolio construction, enhancing investor decision-making through str...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$248K - $422K *

Champion innovation by leading a high-performing engineering team to enhance portfolio construction tools. Drive strategy, execution, and operational excellence while collaborating with stakeholders t...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$180K - $300K *

Transform complex challenges into innovative solutions for cutting-edge space vehicles. Collaborate with diverse engineering teams to ensure robust fault tolerance and autonomy in high-stakes environm...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $300K *

Lead the development of innovative space vehicles and systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to solve complex engineering challenges. Drive technology integration and ensure fault toleranc...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $200K *

Engage with a dynamic team to develop innovative software solutions, driving the full development lifecycle from design to deployment while collaborating across teams to enhance educational technology...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$120K - $145K *

Drive innovative test solutions as a Senior Applications Engineer, leading technical engagements and ensuring seamless integration of semiconductor test systems while building strong customer relation...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Shape the future of software engineering by leading complex projects, mentoring teams, and designing scalable solutions. Drive innovation in high-stakes environments while optimizing performance and e...

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $130K *

Optimize mission-critical applications in a regulated environment, providing Tier 3 support and enhancing legacy systems. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure secure integrations and maintain high...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$72K - $126K *

Unlock potential by joining a dynamic Agile Scrum team to design, develop, and maintain complex software solutions, collaborating across multiple teams to enhance security and meet enterprise requirem...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$58K - $108K *

Unlock potential by enhancing production-test processes and systems. Collaborate across teams to design, implement, and troubleshoot test methods, ensuring quality and efficiency in a fast-paced envir...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$98K - $147K *

Drive system-level verification for complex sequencing platforms, ensuring performance and reliability from development to launch. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish best practices a...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Transform your career by driving hands-on software evaluations and integrations in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with experts to assess and onboard innovative technologies, ensuring operational r...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$100K - $130K *

Develop innovative software solutions to enhance client capabilities, collaborating across teams to deliver effective applications while navigating unique deployment challenges and limited resources...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's pioneering automated testing solutions to enhance software delivery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and maintain robust test automation frameworks, ensu...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$196K - $243K *

Unlock your potential by building critical, large-scale distributed systems that simplify Kubernetes deployment for engineers, enhancing their productivity and experience in a dynamic, collaborative e...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$90K - $110K *

Elevate your career by building impactful software solutions across the stack. Collaborate with Product and Design to create user-friendly experiences while leveraging AI tools to enhance development...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $110K *

Join our dynamic Engineering team to build and enhance core product features. Collaborate across the stack, leveraging AI tools to deliver high-quality software solutions from concept to deployment, w...

Montreal, QCIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $110K *

Transform the user experience by building and shipping innovative software solutions across the full stack. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality features while leveraging AI...

Ottawa, ONIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $170K *

Join a dynamic team to establish a robust quality foundation, driving root cause analysis and supplier accountability while collaborating across engineering and manufacturing to enhance processes and...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$67K - $136K *

Join a dynamic team as you ensure software quality through testing and automation. Collaborate with experts to deliver high-quality technology solutions for financial services clients, managing the fu...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$95K - $115K *

Champion mission-critical web service development for an ICAM solution, focusing on AWS cloud-native design and operational maintenance. Collaborate within a dynamic team to deliver high-performance...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$95K - $115K *

Transform your career by collaborating with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and maintain enterprise software solutions. Leverage your expertise in Java, Python, and modern CI/CD practices t...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring reliable software operations. Oversee live production environments, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with development and operations to maintain system hea...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Analyze missile defense system performance, leveraging MATLAB and Python to evaluate effectiveness and operational capabilities. Collaborate with engineering teams to develop tools and communicate fin...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Lead Java Software Engineer do?question toggle

    A Lead Java Software Engineer develops Java-based systems and provides technical direction for a team or project. Responsibilities can include system design, coding, code reviews, mentoring, and coordinating delivery with product and engineering partners.

  • What qualifications are common for Lead Java Software Engineer jobs?question toggle

    Employers commonly look for extensive Java development experience, knowledge of software architecture and APIs, and familiarity with tools and frameworks such as Spring. Leadership, communication, mentoring, and collaborative problem-solving skills are also important.

  • How much do Lead Java Software Engineers earn?question toggle

    Compensation varies by employer, location, industry, and experience. Ladders focuses on vetted professional roles paying $100,000 or more, so candidates can explore opportunities in that salary range.

  • What career paths can follow a Lead Java Software Engineer role?question toggle

    Potential next steps include Principal Engineer, Software Architect, Engineering Manager, or other senior technical leadership roles. The best path depends on whether you want to deepen technical expertise or focus more on people and organizational leadership.