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.
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.
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.
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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Lead the charge in innovative development for foundational services in a fast-paced environment, guiding engineering teams to enhance a state-of-the-art serverless vector storage solution with signifi...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
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Elevate engineering quality by designing scalable automation frameworks and enhancing test coverage. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to modernize testing practices and ensure reliable software...
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Join our innovative team to develop advanced simulation software for air traffic control, enhancing training and operational capabilities. Collaborate with experts and contribute to safer aviation thr...
2 weeks ago
$106K - $169K *
Create scalable data pipelines and analytics solutions to drive economic insights. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance data architecture and support machine learning initiatives, ensuri...
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$135K - $160K *
Shape the future of financial technology by building robust infrastructure for a stablecoin platform. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver secure, reliable services that impact customers...
3 weeks ago
Forward Deployed Engineer (Model Customization and Optimization), AWS Forward Deployed Engineering
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Champion innovation by embedding with customers to build and optimize generative AI models. Drive end-to-end model workstreams, from data preparation to production deployment, while collaborating with...
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$125K - $155K *
Grow your career with a dynamic team focused on designing and implementing scalable systems. Collaborate on complex projects, mentor peers, and drive technical excellence while contributing to impactf...
1 week ago
Software Dev Engineer II - AMZ26314.2
$165K - $223K *
Shape innovative software solutions by designing, developing, and implementing robust applications. Collaborate through the full development cycle while mentoring junior engineers to enhance team capa...
3 weeks ago
$170K - $253K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of cloud solutions by developing and maintaining innovative software. Collaborate with engineers to solve complex challenges and enhance system performance while...
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$120K - $145K *
Optimize cloud services by developing and maintaining automation tools that enhance reliability and efficiency. Collaborate with engineers to streamline operations, troubleshoot issues, and improve wo...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, AI Developer Experience
$135K - $160K *
Lead the charge in building AI-powered engineering systems that enhance developer workflows, ensuring reliability and ease of adoption for engineers. Collaborate with teams to create innovative soluti...
3 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead comprehensive software testing initiatives to ensure compliance with aviation standards, enhancing airworthiness and safety. Collaborate with teams to evaluate software life cycles and improve te...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Manage software testing oversight for Army aviation programs, ensuring compliance with aviation standards and airworthiness objectives. Collaborate with contractors, evaluate testing processes, and en...
3 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer II, DC Bridge
$143K - $194K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and development of innovative software solutions for data center infrastructure, ensuring high availability and reliability while collaborating with a dynamic Ag...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Transform the future of aviation technology by planning, automating, and executing tests for an AI-driven flight simulator. Collaborate with experts to ensure software quality and performance while tr...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Software Development Engineer, AWS Transform
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Unlock potential by designing and implementing advanced AI systems that modernize enterprise applications, ensuring scalability and reliability while driving technical alignment across teams and enhan...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Software Development Engineer, AWS Transform
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Transform the future of AI by designing and building autonomous agents for cloud migration. Lead innovative projects that enhance infrastructure efficiency and drive enterprise solutions with minimal...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Software Development Engineer, AWS Transform
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Transform the future of AI-driven infrastructure with innovative solutions. Take ownership of developing an autonomous migration platform, driving intelligent decisions and seamless transitions for en...
1 month ago
Software Quality Assurance Engineer (BT-26189)
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Elevate software quality through comprehensive testing, automation, and collaboration. Engage with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality applications, driving continuous improvement and effect...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Test Engineer - Kinetic Effects
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Deliver innovative software testing solutions for tactical strike programs, focusing on automation and integration testing. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to enhance product quality and ment...
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$179K - $210K *
Transform the quality assurance landscape by leading testing initiatives for mobile and web applications, ensuring robust functionality and user experience through innovative test strategies and autom...
2 days ago
$130K - $175K *
Drive your career forward by developing cutting-edge software for hardware-in-the-loop test environments, collaborating with engineers to enhance aircraft systems integration and ensure reliable perfo...
1 week ago
Software Engineer II, Backend (Test Infra)
$133K - $183K *
Drive developer productivity by enhancing test automation frameworks and CI pipelines. Collaborate with teams to ensure quality software delivery, optimize testing processes, and implement innovative...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Software Integration Engineer 4 (NHK - 005)
$120K - $145K *
Unlock your potential by joining a dynamic team focused on advanced system administration and automation. Collaborate on innovative solutions while leveraging your expertise in Linux and scripting to...
1 week ago
Software Integration Engineer 4 (NHK - 005)
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by driving system administration and automation efforts, leveraging your expertise in Linux and scripting to enhance operational efficiency and support critical infrastructure in a dy...
1 week ago
What does a Lead Java Software Engineer do?
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?
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?
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?
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.