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

$136K - $184K *

Transform the future of software solutions by driving AI initiatives and enhancing customer experiences through innovative technology in a dynamic, collaborative environment...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$110K - $130K *

Unlock your potential by developing innovative software tools that enhance cryptanalytic engineering. Collaborate with stakeholders to transform research concepts into practical applications, driving...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Collaborate with a skilled team to design, develop, and support innovative ICAM solutions, enhancing Zero Trust architecture through robust software engineering practices and cloud technologies...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Engage with us to develop mission-critical web services for an Identity, Credential, and Access Management solution, ensuring robust, scalable, and secure applications that integrate seamlessly with e...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform enterprise systems by modernizing a Java-based architecture to cloud-native solutions utilizing Spring Boot, Docker, and Kubernetes, while driving technical design and implementation excelle...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Help us modernize a Java-based system by migrating to cloud-native architecture. Collaborate using Spring Boot, Docker, and modern practices while influencing design decisions to enhance a mission-cri...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to develop cutting-edge trading applications that enhance risk management and analytics for Fixed Income and Commodities. Collaborate globally to optimize performance and deliver i...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$108K - $130K *

Engineer high-quality software applications for a dynamic team managing a vast database of financial instruments. Collaborate on specifications, enhance system performance, and adopt new technologies...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$108K - $130K *

Lead the design and development of high-quality software systems for a dynamic team managing a vast database of financial instruments, enhancing performance and reliability across global trading platf...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$168K - $227K *

Empower your career by joining a dynamic team focused on innovative cloud solutions. Collaborate with engineers to design, implement, and enhance critical services in a fast-paced environment, driving...

1 week ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Drive innovation in system administration by leveraging your expertise in Linux and automation tools. Collaborate with teams to enhance monitoring and metrics, ensuring optimal performance and reliabi...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Champion the development of embedded firmware for industrial products, overseeing the entire product lifecycle from design to production support. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize pe...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$114K - $191K *

Drive the development of scalable software solutions, overseeing the lifecycle from design to deployment, while enhancing system performance and mentoring junior engineers in a collaborative environme...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Engineer secure, scalable cloud platforms and automate workflows. Lead migrations, implement observability, and mentor junior engineers while driving cloud-native adoption in a collaborative environme...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$168K - $227K *

Join a dynamic team to design and develop scalable backend services for a cutting-edge AI-powered customer experience platform, driving innovation and operational excellence in cloud contact centers...

3 weeks ago

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

$144K - $209K *

Advance your career by solving complex challenges in a dynamic environment. Collaborate across teams to build innovative software solutions that enhance user experiences and drive business growth whil...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$185K - $218K *

Lead the design and development of scalable MVR systems, ensuring reliability and efficiency. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance architecture and drive technical excellence while mentoring engi...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$110K - $145K *

Empower innovation by designing and implementing automated testing solutions for cloud-based big data analytics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product quality and streamline testi...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $145K *

Shape the future of cloud-based testing by designing and implementing automated solutions for big data analytics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance quality and efficiency in a dynamic...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $145K *

Advance your career by designing and maintaining test automation frameworks for cloud applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and enhance testing processes while mentor...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $145K *

Engineer automated testing solutions for a cloud-based big data platform. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance quality assurance processes and ensure robust application performance in an...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $95K *

Engineer innovative software solutions for UAS products, driving development and deployment across the software lifecycle. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance capabilities and ensure hi...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $155K *

Unlock potential by developing and executing test strategies for embedded firmware in laser systems, ensuring software quality through comprehensive testing and collaboration with cross-functional tea...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$168K - $227K *

Transform global supply chain operations by designing and building scalable software solutions for a groundbreaking satellite initiative, enhancing connectivity for underserved communities worldwide...

3 weeks ago

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

$118K - $219K *

Elevate testing methodologies by designing and implementing advanced equipment solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and efficiency in testing processes across multiple...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 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.