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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$161K - $220K *

Architect cutting-edge Cloud infrastructure, ensuring reliable, secure, and efficient platform services. Collaborate with teams to automate and optimize public and private cloud environments, directly...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$168K - $227K *

Drive the architectural vision for AI agent orchestration in advertising, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance campaign management. Shape the future of intelligent advertising by build...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$114K - $148K *

Lead automation initiatives to enhance equipment reliability and operational performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor junior engineers, and drive continuous improvement in fulfillm...

Today

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

$114K - $148K *

Advance your career by optimizing automation systems in fulfillment centers. Lead cross-functional teams, troubleshoot complex control systems, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance...

Yesterday

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

$143K - $194K *

Join a team that's revolutionizing data management in the cloud. You'll tackle complex challenges, design scalable systems, and mentor engineers while contributing to innovative big data solutions tha...

Today

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

$85K - $107K *

Support the development of test infrastructure for embedded firmware, ensuring quality and reliability through automated testing and collaboration with diverse teams. Engage in hands-on testing and tr...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$143K - $194K *

Champion innovative software solutions by designing, developing, and implementing scalable systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product quality and drive continuous improvement...

Today

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

$143K - $194K *

Lead the development of innovative software solutions that enhance user experiences, drive data insights, and ensure robust security. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality ap...

2 weeks ago

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

$140K - $170K *

Drive quality engineering excellence by architecting robust test automation frameworks that enhance CI/CD pipelines, ensuring high standards and confidence in software releases across iOS and macOS pl...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$193K - $261K *

Lead the charge in developing scalable distributed systems for AWS, ensuring high performance and low-latency for millions of users. Collaborate across teams, mentor engineers, and drive innovation in...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$158K - $213K *

Unlock potential by designing scalable architectures for high-velocity APIs, enhancing global ad experiences, and leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies to deliver strategic insights with minimal lat...

3 days ago

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

$143K - $155K *

Empower innovation by developing scalable software solutions that enhance product functionality and streamline operations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive architectural vision and ens...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$143K - $194K *

Engineer innovative solutions for a high-impact Checkout platform, collaborating across teams to enhance user experiences and drive operational excellence in a fast-paced environment...

Today

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

$129K - $174K *

Lead the charge in optimizing foundational services for Amazon builders, ensuring reliability and security across isolated environments while driving automation and enhancing the developer experience...

2 weeks ago

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

$165K - $223K *

Drive innovation in large-scale machine learning systems, collaborating with teams to design, develop, and deploy robust solutions. Influence strategy and mentor junior engineers while optimizing perf...

2 days ago

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

$80K - $153K *

Elevate quality assurance by owning end-to-end testing strategies, driving automation, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable solutions for a new business opportunity in a f...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$168K - $227K *

Elevate your career by driving innovation in foundational toolchains and libraries. Collaborate across teams to enhance developer productivity and lead the adoption of Rust, shaping the future of soft...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$124K - $155K *

Transform customer onboarding by designing and building secure backend services and APIs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system reliability and performance while managing sensitive...

Burnaby, BCIn-Person

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$81K - $115K *

Elevate your career by developing innovative engineering solutions and enhancing application performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality software while driving continu...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $95K *

Empower product excellence by validating designs and testing integrated hardware and software systems. Collaborate in an R&D lab to enhance product quality and drive innovative solutions through rigor...

Calgary, ABIn-Person

1 week ago

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

$143K - $194K *

Unlock potential by designing innovative software solutions for satellite systems. Collaborate with a skilled team to tackle complex challenges, ensuring high reliability and performance in mission-cr...

2 weeks ago

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

$143K - $194K *

Join a team that's redefining business intelligence through innovative AI solutions. You'll design and build scalable systems, influence product strategy, and collaborate with experts to create impact...

1 week ago

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

$143K - $194K *

Drive innovation by designing and building a cutting-edge AI-native security product. Take ownership of the technical direction and deliver impactful features in a dynamic, high-autonomy environment f...

2 weeks ago

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

$158K - $213K *

Unlock potential by driving innovative audio ad systems and scalable solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance playback quality and customer experience while tackling complex engin...

3 days ago

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

$96K - $160K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of satellite technology by testing and troubleshooting integrated systems for a cutting-edge broadband network. Collaborate across engineering and operations to d...

2 weeks ago

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

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.