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

$143K - $194K *

Join a team that's redefining brand understanding at scale. You'll design and manage large-scale data systems and AI/ML services, influencing technical direction while collaborating across teams to en...

Today

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

$129K - $174K *

Champion innovation by developing robust software solutions, overseeing all phases of the SDLC. Collaborate with cross-functional teams in an agile environment, mentoring junior developers and enhanci...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$168K - $227K *

Lead the charge in building end-to-end provisioning services for AI systems. Collaborate with hardware teams to create robust software solutions that ensure operational efficiency and reliability in a...

Yesterday

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

$168K - $227K *

Lead the architectural vision for a platform enabling seamless data center operations. Collaborate across teams to enhance user experiences, drive self-service onboarding, and mentor engineers while e...

2 weeks ago

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

$168K - $227K *

Lead the charge in designing innovative technologies and solutions in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to deliver scalable, fault-tolerant systems that drive industry c...

2 weeks ago

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

$180K - $230K *

Accelerate your career by designing and building developer infrastructure that enhances testing environments, enabling engineers to ship software faster and with confidence while integrating AI coding...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$180K - $230K *

Elevate your career by designing and building developer infrastructure that enhances testing environments, enabling faster and more reliable software delivery. Collaborate with engineering teams to op...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$143K - $194K *

Unlock potential by developing high-performance C code for open source projects, collaborating across teams to innovate networking APIs, and providing expert support to leading AI companies in a dynam...

Today

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

$143K - $194K *

Transform the future of transportation technology by developing scalable algorithms and systems that optimize middle-mile freight movements, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance effici...

2 days ago

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

$143K - $194K *

Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team of engineers to innovate and solve complex problems in cloud services and developer tools, driving impactful solutions in a collaborative environment...

1 week ago

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

$112K - $141K *

Transform dealer engagement by developing robust Java and Spring Boot services. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance lead insights and drive adoption, while owning the full development l...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$97K - $143K *

Transform cloud-based applications by leading design, development, and support efforts. Collaborate with teams and customers to deliver secure, reliable solutions while mentoring engineers and enhanci...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$143K - $194K *

Advance software architecture and development by leveraging AWS services, ensuring operational excellence, and fostering partnerships with global technical teams to enhance system resilience and secur...

2 days ago

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

$197K - $276K *

Transform operational workflows by building automation and self-service tools. Leverage AI to enhance software development, reduce manual tasks, and empower users. Drive technical design and mentor pe...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$143K - $194K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of software development through AI-driven tools and methodologies, enhancing collaboration and efficiency across engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions...

1 week ago

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

$143K - $194K *

Lead the development of embedded software for critical satellite functions, engaging in all phases from design to implementation. Collaborate with hardware teams to ensure seamless integration and sup...

Today

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

$135K - $165K *

Transform quality assurance by owning strategy, automation, and testing in an AI-driven environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance software reliability and maintainability while e...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$193K - $261K *

Explore opportunities in functional modeling and software development for custom SoCs, driving innovation in machine learning accelerators, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and enhancing mod...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$143K - $194K *

Advance innovation by developing edge machine learning solutions that enhance operational efficiency across a global fulfillment network, collaborating with diverse teams to drive impactful technology...

Today

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

$143K - $194K *

Empower your career by developing innovative software solutions for large-scale data management. Collaborate with a skilled team to enhance network monitoring systems and deliver high-quality services...

2 weeks ago

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

$184K - $250K *

Join us to build innovative cloud services that connect robots to customer experiences. Leverage your expertise in distributed systems and lead the design and implementation of scalable solutions whil...

1 week ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Lead the development of AI-driven solutions to enhance product data quality across a vast catalog, ensuring accurate and trusted information for millions of customers. Drive innovation in engineering...

Yesterday

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

$113K - $147K *

Elevate your career in Software Development by driving innovative solutions through the entire software lifecycle. Collaborate in an agile environment to enhance quality software for leading technolog...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career by developing innovative iOS solutions that enhance user experiences. Collaborate with a dynamic team to design, build, and maintain scalable software, ensuring seamless integratio...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$110K - $130K *

Accelerate your career by developing innovative software solutions that enhance user experiences in a collaborative environment. Drive excellence through coding and troubleshooting while engaging with...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

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.