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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$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's developing cutting-edge data integration solutions for geospatial and structured data. You'll optimize pipelines, build secure applications, and enhance data visualization capabilit...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$108K - $130K *

Accelerate your career by developing innovative software solutions in a dynamic team environment. Leverage your expertise in diverse technologies to tackle complex challenges and drive advancements in...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead the development and enhancement of complex software systems, ensuring adherence to design requirements while collaborating with teams to deliver high-performance solutions in a dynamic environmen...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$108K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to developing and enhancing complex software systems. Collaborate on innovative solutions, analyze user requirements, and ensure high-quality software performance in a dyn...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$108K - $130K *

Lead the charge in developing and enhancing complex software systems, ensuring adherence to design requirements while collaborating with teams to deliver high-performance solutions and resolve softwar...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Drive the development and enhancement of complex software systems, ensuring adherence to design requirements while collaborating with teams to deliver innovative solutions and optimize performance acr...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team as a Software Engineer, focusing on backend development and microservices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to innovate solutions for a mission-driven project, while enjoyin...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $235K *

Join a team that's dedicated to building high-performance game software and systems. Leverage your expertise in C++ and game development to create engaging experiences while collaborating with designe...

Reposted 1 week ago

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

$90K - $130K *

Optimize hardware validation and automated testing for autonomous systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to design, implement, and debug innovative solutions for military and commercial ve...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$143K - $194K *

Explore innovative solutions as you design and optimize large-scale, low-latency services for personalized search experiences, collaborating with scientists to integrate cutting-edge AI models into pr...

6 days ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Engineer innovative software solutions by designing, maintaining, and enhancing applications using Python, Django, and PostgreSQL. Collaborate in an Agile environment, ensuring code quality and effect...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$110K - $130K *

Advance your career by leading test engineering for solid rocket motors and hypersonic systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop test plans, ensure safety, and drive innovation in ae...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Advance quality assurance across diverse products by leading testing strategies, utilizing AI tools, and ensuring robust coverage. Collaborate with teams to enhance processes and protect customer data...

3 weeks ago

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

$143K - $194K *

Innovate cutting-edge SCM systems on AWS Cloud, driving architecture, design, and implementation of scalable distributed applications. Collaborate in Agile teams to deliver high-quality software solut...

2 weeks ago

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

$155K - $165K *

Lead engineering teams to drive technical excellence in systems integration and testing. Manage projects, resources, and continuous improvement initiatives while aligning engineering activities with b...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $150K *

Join a dynamic team to design, develop, and maintain innovative software solutions. Collaborate across functions to solve complex problems and enhance user experiences while taking ownership of your w...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$143K - $194K *

Shape the future of distributed systems by designing and maintaining scalable platforms that process billions of events daily, ensuring high reliability and performance for millions of users...

2 weeks ago

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

$80K - $110K *

Transform your career by developing innovative software solutions in a collaborative Agile environment. Engage in all phases of the software development lifecycle while enhancing cybersecurity and ide...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Join a dynamic team to develop and execute tests for avionics products, ensuring high-quality performance for next-gen launch vehicles. Collaborate on innovative solutions that enhance safety and effi...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$75K - $91K *

Transform your career by ensuring the quality of lending software applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to conduct thorough testing, validate system functionality, and enhance operatio...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Support the modernization of a mission-focused technology platform by designing, deploying, and maintaining a full-stack microservices architecture, enhancing CI/CD processes, and collaborating across...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $214K *

Lead the charge in designing and implementing enterprise Finance solutions, optimizing processes, and driving global transformation initiatives through innovative technology and collaboration with sta...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$110K - $130K *

Innovate backend solutions by designing and developing robust services in Java and Rust. Collaborate across teams to define architecture and optimize performance while mentoring junior developers and...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$170K - $277K *

Lead the development of systems and tools for infrastructure capacity planning and efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize resource allocation and drive measurable savings whil...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$129K - $207K *

Elevate your career by leading software development initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring high-quality deliverables through rigorous testing and peer reviews. Drive cust...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

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.