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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$224K - $356K *

Transform evaluation workflows for Autonomous Vehicle development by designing and enhancing analysis tooling. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve system performance, stability, and use...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$168K - $227K *

Join a team that's redefining benefits engagement through AI-driven solutions. As a tech lead, you will shape innovative products, guide architecture decisions, and mentor engineers while tackling com...

Reposted 1 week ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of automation as a DevOps-focused engineer, driving CI/CD integration and infrastructure support. Collaborate with teams to enhance tools and troubleshoot complex issues, ensuring sea...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$119K - $234K *

Optimize the production API and agentic platform for MAI models, ensuring reliable deployment and performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance model capabilities and automate the de...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$119K - $234K *

Partner with us to build and operate scalable API services for MAI models, ensuring training and production parity. Collaborate across teams to automate model deployment and enhance system reliability...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's dedicated to solving complex problems and building impactful technology. Collaborate on large-scale applications and distributed systems, transforming business needs into effective...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$178K - $210K *

Drive operational excellence by overseeing production environments, ensuring high reliability and performance of software applications. Collaborate across teams to enhance system health through automa...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$178K - $210K *

Lead the optimization of production operations by leveraging your DevOps expertise. Collaborate across teams to enhance system reliability and performance while managing service disruptions and implem...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$101K - $118K *

Unlock potential by collaborating with teams to design and develop innovative software solutions that address complex business challenges, ensuring high-quality applications that drive significant val...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$128K - $214K *

Optimize software security by leveraging advanced analysis tools and methodologies. Collaborate with teams to identify vulnerabilities, enhance coding practices, and deliver comprehensive assessments...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Innovate within a dynamic software development team, leveraging Java and Agile methodologies to enhance project outcomes. Collaborate closely with stakeholders to define requirements and improve proce...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive innovative software solutions using Java in an Agile environment. Collaborate with a skilled team to enhance development processes and broaden your expertise with cutting-edge technologies like...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career by designing and maintaining advanced IT infrastructure platforms, ensuring reliability and security. Collaborate with teams to optimize solutions, automate processes, and enhance...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$143K - $194K *

Empower your career by designing and delivering backend services for AWS's credential distribution system, ensuring high availability and zero downtime while collaborating with cross-functional teams...

2 weeks ago

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

$143K - $194K *

Unlock your potential by designing and delivering scalable software solutions that impact millions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor peers, and drive operational excellence in a dynamic...

3 weeks ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of construction by leading full-stack development to create innovative AI solutions that empower builders across America, enhancing project efficiency and accelerating infrastructure...

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $183K *

Champion the development of a modern web management interface, leading migration from legacy frameworks to Angular and React. Collaborate across teams to establish best practices and mentor junior eng...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$127K - $172K *

Discover the potential of leading cross-functional programs that drive business growth across diverse sales channels. Engage with senior leaders to execute strategic roadmaps, enhance collaboration, a...

1 week ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Explore innovative software solutions in a dynamic engineering environment, collaborating with a dedicated team to drive client success and enhance technical skills. Embrace a culture focused on probl...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $192K *

Accelerate your career by building and maintaining a large-scale Android app used by millions. Collaborate with engineering teams to enhance features, improve code quality, and tackle real-time data c...

2 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Analyze healthcare operations and drive strategic initiatives to enhance collaboration between DoD and VA. Leverage extensive Military Health System experience to improve resource sharing and program...

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $192K *

Join a team that's redefining mobile delivery solutions by building and maintaining a robust Android app. Collaborate with engineers to enhance features, improve code quality, and tackle real-time dat...

2 weeks ago

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

$95K - $115K *

Elevate your career by leveraging your expertise in system testing to enhance software quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive process improvements and ensure compliance with project...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Pioneer the Edge Networking team, owning traffic configuration and observability. Shape practices and standards while evolving the ingress layer for reliability and self-service. Drive performance and...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$163K - $245K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing simulation tools for software development. As a Software Engineer II, you'll design and implement features that improve usability and reliability, collaborati...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer 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.