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.
Senior Staff Software Test & Automation Engineer
$160K - $190K *
Architect robust automation frameworks and validation strategies for cutting-edge energy technology, ensuring safety and reliability in real-time embedded systems and multi-fuel dynamics. Lead testing...
1 week ago
Test and Evaluation (T&E) Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Join a dynamic team as a Test and Evaluation engineer, supporting hypersonic weapon capabilities for the U.S. Army and Navy. Engage in all test phases, from planning to execution, ensuring effective t...
Yesterday
Test Automation Software Engineer
$69K - $158K *
Shape the future of cybersecurity by leveraging your software engineering skills to enhance test automation capabilities. Collaborate with teams to design, implement, and optimize quality assurance pr...
1 week ago
Software Developer (Systems Software)
$150K - $250K *
Take ownership of innovative software solutions by developing systems software using Java and Spring Boot. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance project outcomes while ensuring compliance with se...
Yesterday
$92K - $162K *
Join our engineering team as a Software Test Engineer, where you'll design and automate tests for diverse projects, ensuring software reliability for government and commercial clients. Collaborate clo...
3 days ago
$90K - $110K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of cloud reliability by automating infrastructure, enhancing system operability, and driving operational efficiency in a dynamic environment with advanced technol...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Software Engineer - Software Test
$81K - $150K *
Lead the charge in validating mission-critical software for advanced aerospace systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop test strategies, execute validation activities, and enhance s...
Today
Sr Software Development Engineer VNDLY
$148K - $222K *
Join a dynamic team as a Senior Software Development Engineer, where you'll lead the design and development of critical pay-related features, tackling complex challenges in contingent workforce manage...
3 weeks ago
Software Verification Engineer
$88K - $105K *
Transform your career by joining our team as a Software Verification Engineer, where you'll develop testing strategies and frameworks for Class II medical devices, ensuring top-notch quality and perfo...
Today
Senior Software Development Engineer, Amazon Private Brands
$150K - $251K *
Elevate the development of AI-powered systems by leading full-stack design, architecture, and operations. Drive innovative solutions that enhance product lifecycle management and mentor engineers to a...
4 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Optimize application stability and integration by developing automated tests for a modernization initiative. Collaborate with teams to ensure quality and reliability across production web applications...
2 weeks ago
$82K - $155K *
Elevate quality assurance processes by automating testing, maintaining infrastructure, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance system performance and reliability in a dynamic environm...
Today
$122K - $183K *
Accelerate progress at our engineering team by developing robust automation and testing infrastructure. Collaborate on hardware-software integration, enhancing capabilities in a dynamic CI environment...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Engage teams in enhancing quality systems for customer projects, driving improvements through detailed analysis and leadership. Lead cross-functional efforts to resolve quality issues, ensuring top-ti...
Reposted 3 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Pioneer quality assurance initiatives by leading engineering teams to enhance product quality and compliance. Drive process improvements, develop quality systems, and interface with customers to resol...
Reposted 3 days ago
Software Engineer II - Production Automation
$102K - $128K *
Innovate software solutions for production automation, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance spacecraft testing processes and ensure operational excellence in a dynamic environment...
1 week ago
$104K - $142K *
Explore innovative automation solutions in mobile and web testing. Collaborate with developers to enhance quality assurance processes and streamline CI workflows, ensuring robust and reliable software...
1 week ago
$230K - $270K *
Elevate backend development by leading initiatives that enhance frameworks, tooling, and libraries. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure scalable, reliable systems while mentoring enginee...
3 weeks ago
Senior Digital Systems Quality Assurance Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Deliver independent QA oversight for GxP computerized systems, ensuring compliance and quality across digital initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance patient safety and product...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Unlock potential by leading technical vision and mentoring engineers. Drive modernization and collaboration across teams to build resilient, scalable infrastructure while fostering a high-performance...
Today
$95K - $110K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of validation engineering, providing expert consulting and technical leadership. Collaborate with clients to solve complex challenges while mentoring team members...
1 week ago
$119K - $140K *
Drive the development of scalable backend applications and services, ensuring high-quality software solutions through collaboration, technical leadership, and adherence to best practices in an agile e...
Today
$119K - $140K *
Lead the design and development of scalable backend applications, ensuring high-quality software solutions through collaboration and adherence to best practices in an agile environment...
Today
Staff Software Engineer, Data Loading Infrastructure
$248K - $282K *
Pioneer the future of data infrastructure by leading modernization efforts, enhancing performance, and building scalable services. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliability and eff...
1 week ago
Software Dev Engineer II, Managed AWS Global Expansion
$143K - $194K *
Engineer innovative solutions that enable the large-scale deployment of EC2 services. Collaborate with a diverse team to create automated tools ensuring reliability and efficiency, while balancing per...
Reposted 1 month 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.