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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$148K - $222K *

Transform the future of enterprise AI by designing and building high-performance microservices and data pipelines that enhance global admin workflows, ensuring reliability and scalability for thousand...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$97K - $165K *

Champion the development and execution of automated tests for embedded systems, ensuring quality and reliability in medical devices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance testing processe...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$168K - $227K *

Empower innovation by leading the design and development of automated networking solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security and availability for mission-critical systems, d...

6 days ago

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

$96K - $128K *

Unlock potential by driving product reliability through innovative testing strategies and automation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance software quality in a dynamic, cloud-based envi...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Unlock your potential as you design and develop robust test automation solutions using Core Java. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance software quality and reliability across UI, API, an...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$108K - $130K *

Lead the charge in developing and maintaining robust test automation solutions using Core Java. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance software quality and reliability across UI, API, and...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Shape the future of software quality by designing and developing robust test automation solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance application reliability and performance through in...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Lead the development of high-quality software solutions as a Software Development Engineer in Test. Design and implement automated testing frameworks using Core Java, enhancing software reliability an...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$184K - $250K *

Lead the development of innovative software solutions that enhance customer experiences, guiding a team of engineers through an agile environment while driving best practices and continuous improvemen...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

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

$143K - $194K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of AI-driven software solutions. You'll design, build, and implement innovative services, ensuring high-quality delivery while collaborating with cross-functional...

6 days ago

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

$143K - $194K *

Shape the future of security by architecting innovative AI-driven solutions. Collaborate with a diverse team to build a cutting-edge platform that safeguards Amazon's infrastructure and customer data...

2 weeks ago

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

$143K - $194K *

Lead the charge in architecting innovative security solutions, driving AI integration, and shaping a new defensive security platform. Collaborate with diverse teams to deliver scalable, resilient syst...

2 weeks ago

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

$143K - $194K *

Join a team that's driving innovative security and compliance solutions for AWS. As a Software Engineer, you'll build and enhance services that monitor key infrastructure, ensuring top-tier security s...

Today

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

$143K - $194K *

Lead the development of innovative security and compliance solutions, driving complex engineering projects that enhance AWS's ability to meet regulatory and customer expectations while ensuring high s...

1 week ago

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

$114K - $191K *

Transform global shopping experiences by developing innovative software solutions that enhance customer engagement and drive Amazon's international growth. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to i...

Vancouver, BCIn-Person

2 weeks ago

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

$145K - $187K *

Lead a team of Test Automation Engineers to design and implement innovative test solutions, ensuring product reliability and safety through effective collaboration with cross-functional teams and hand...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$66K - $99K *

Partner with us to build real-world software solutions as a Software Development Engineer Intern. Collaborate with experienced engineers, engage in the full development lifecycle, and enhance your ski...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$66K - $99K *

Engage in real-world software development as an intern, collaborating with experienced engineers to design, code, and deploy impactful solutions. Gain hands-on experience throughout the software lifec...

Vancouver, BCIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$95K - $115K *

Manage the design, fabrication, and operation of test infrastructures for spaceflight hardware, ensuring rigorous testing and data analysis through all development phases. Collaborate with engineers t...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$129K - $174K *

Join a team that's redefining analytics solutions by developing large-scale systems. Collaborate with top engineers to enhance customer experiences and tackle complex challenges in a dynamic, innovati...

1 week ago

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

$143K - $194K *

Empower innovation at scale by solving complex engineering challenges. Collaborate with diverse teams to design, implement, and maintain high-performance software solutions that impact global customer...

1 week ago

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

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in designing and implementing AI-driven software solutions, collaborating across teams to enhance product development workflows and operational efficiency while ensuring high-quality c...

Yesterday

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

$153K - $209K *

Drive the integration and validation of complex autonomous systems, ensuring safety and performance through rigorous testing and analysis. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and execut...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$190K - $285K *

Lead the design and development of AI infrastructure that enhances developer experience. Collaborate with teams to integrate AI capabilities, ensuring quality and compliance while shaping the future o...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$183K - $228K *

Join a team that's redefining developer experience by building innovative SDKs and APIs for third-party integrators. Collaborate across functions to deliver impactful solutions that enhance integratio...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

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.