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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
Locations
caret down
More
1
caret down

$80K - $120K *

Empower innovation by designing, building, and deploying software solutions. Collaborate with teams to ensure high-quality code and maintain system reliability while addressing technical challenges in...

Calgary, ABIn-Person

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$160K - $190K *

Drive development of cutting-edge Managed Kubernetes platform for AI. Collaborate cross-functionally to shape infrastructure solutions that enhance performance, reliability, and simplicity for large-s...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$140K - $190K *

Drive the evolution of developer experience by owning product surfaces, collaborating on API design, and enhancing onboarding paths. Ensure seamless integration and usability for developers and agents...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $155K *

Accelerate your career by designing innovative data-centric solutions in a dynamic, agile environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop cutting-edge applications that leverage AI and...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$199K - $235K *

Help us design and deploy cutting-edge Retrieval-Augmented Generation solutions in a high-performance computing environment, leveraging advanced technologies and frameworks to support mission-critical...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$199K - $235K *

Design and develop Retrieval-Augmented Generation solutions in a high-performance computing environment, leveraging expertise in Python, Kubernetes, and CI/CD automation to deliver scalable, productio...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$499K - $500K+*

Empower innovation by leading the technical direction of our ad-serving platform. Drive architectural excellence and optimize high-throughput systems while ensuring operational resiliency and collabor...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$109K - $197K *

Join a dynamic team to develop cutting-edge compiler software for emulators, enhancing functional verification of System-on-Chip designs. Collaborate in a multi-site environment, focusing on C++ devel...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in developing and implementing advanced test solutions, ensuring high-quality product assembly through innovative design verification methodologies across multiple technical domains...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$125K - $142K *

Join a team that's dedicated to developing and enhancing complex software systems, ensuring adherence to design requirements while tackling challenges in a collaborative environment. Your expertise wi...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $142K *

Join a dynamic team to develop and enhance complex software systems, ensuring adherence to design requirements while collaborating on innovative solutions for critical missions...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$202K - $274K *

Lead the charge in developing AI-driven solutions to enhance onboarding experiences. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design scalable systems, ensuring high performance and operational excel...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$202K - $274K *

Innovate and lead the development of AI-driven solutions to enhance onboarding experiences. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, high-quality applications while mentoring peers...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$202K - $274K *

Transform the payroll landscape by architecting innovative full-stack solutions. Lead a dynamic team in developing customer-facing applications and AI features that enhance business efficiency and dri...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$202K - $274K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of scalable systems and AI-driven workflows. Leverage your expertise in distributed systems to enhance operational excellence and mentor engineers while driving i...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$80K - $120K *

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and develop user-centric web applications, integrating AI-driven insights for high-stakes decision-making workflows while ensuring performance and sec...

Virginia, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of user-centric web applications by designing and developing modern front-end solutions that integrate AI insights, ensuring secure and scalable experiences for Veterans and the VA mi...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $160K *

Join our dynamic team to design and develop cutting-edge AI platforms, enhancing decision-making workflows through innovative web applications and robust backend services. Collaborate across the full...

Virginia, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $200K *

Join a team that's revolutionizing engineering solutions through innovative software development. Collaborate with experts to enhance applications, support customer needs, and drive impactful research...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join a dynamic team to design and develop a next-gen AI platform, focusing on intelligent agent frameworks and modern web applications. Collaborate across the full stack to enhance decision-making wor...

Virginia, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Unlock innovative solutions as you design and develop a next-gen AI platform. Collaborate across the full stack to create intelligent applications that enhance decision-making workflows in a dynamic...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Elevate our software engineering capabilities by designing and building modern, cloud-native data pipelines. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure seamless project delivery and advocate for best pr...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$143K - $194K *

Drive innovation in AI by enhancing Bedrock AgentCore services. Tackle engineering challenges to deliver scalable, efficient solutions while mentoring engineers and shaping technology in a fast-paced...

2 days ago

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

$135K - $160K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of backend storage solutions on AWS. You'll design, build, and optimize scalable systems, ensuring high performance and reliability while collaborating with cross...

RemoteRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Architect robust Kubernetes solutions to enhance cloud infrastructure. Drive multi-cloud initiatives and implement cell-based architecture for scalable, reliable services. Join a team dedicated to bui...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

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.