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.
Sr. Software Development Engineer, AWS Transform
$168K - $227K *
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
$168K - $227K *
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)
$95K - $115K *
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
$131K - $237K *
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...
1 month ago
$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
$66K - $101K *
Explore the future of unmanned air vehicles by developing and executing comprehensive test plans. Collaborate with engineers to ensure rigorous testing and analysis, contributing to innovative aerospa...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Transform the e-commerce landscape by leading backend architecture and integrations on Adobe Commerce. Drive performance optimization, mentor developers, and ensure operational reliability while colla...
Yesterday
$110K - $130K *
Elevate the restaurant and hospitality experience by leading the design, development, and deployment of innovative software solutions. Collaborate across teams to drive impactful technology initiative...
1 week ago
Software Systems Engineer-Lead
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to developing and maintaining complex software applications in a federal environment, ensuring operational excellence and innovative solutions across various systems and n...
1 week ago
$135K - $165K *
Drive innovation in robotics software development, integrating AI and simulation technologies to enhance production environments. Collaborate globally in an Agile setting, leveraging your expertise to...
1 week ago
Staff Software Engineer, DevEx
$162K - $290K *
Elevate your career by shaping the technical direction of our Developer Experience team. Collaborate on cutting-edge AI coding tools and scalable infrastructures that enhance productivity across the e...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer , Leo Customer Terminals Applications & Networking Team
$143K - $194K *
Elevate customer connectivity by designing robust software for terminals. Collaborate across teams to enhance performance and reliability, ensuring seamless operations in a large-scale, intermittent i...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Forward Deployed Agile Software Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by driving innovative AI solutions through hands-on engineering and client collaboration. Transform complex business challenges into reliable, production-ready software while enhancin...
2 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Drive innovation by designing and developing scalable backend services, collaborating closely with engineering teams to enhance platform performance and reliability while mentoring junior developers a...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Developer Tooling
$145K - $175K *
Transform engineering workflows by identifying and eliminating friction across the development and release process. You'll set standards and build effective tooling to enhance productivity for a small...
Yesterday
$81K - $134K *
Innovate in AWS environments by leveraging test automation expertise. Drive end-to-end testing across UI, API, and cloud layers while developing robust automation frameworks and enhancing performance...
Today
$100K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to enhance software quality through innovative test automation. Leverage AI tools and scalable frameworks to drive efficiency and reliability in testing across Agile product teams...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Development Engineer, EC2 Hyperplane
$168K - $227K *
Transform the future of network virtualization by designing scalable systems, mentoring engineers, and collaborating across teams to enhance performance and reliability. Drive innovation with modern t...
Reposted yesterday
$95K - $115K *
Champion the development of cutting-edge Mission Integration Systems by collaborating with engineering teams and customers to deliver complex technical solutions that drive project success and innovat...
1 week ago
Senior Software Development Engineer - Verity Solutions - Remote
$130K - $217K *
Lead the charge in designing innovative, scalable software solutions that transform complex processes into actionable insights, partnering with diverse teams to deliver high-performance applications f...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a dynamic team to design and implement software solutions for mission-critical defense applications, collaborating in an Agile environment to enhance combat systems and ensure reliability in soft...
3 weeks 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.