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Java Technical Lead Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Leidos is seeking an experienced Software Technical Lead to support a mission-critical NATO program ... Experience with JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Java, and Python. * Experience with ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS ...

Software Technical Lead

San Diego, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Leidos is seeking an experienced Software Technical Lead to support a mission-critical NATO program ... Experience with JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Java, and Python. * Experience with ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS ...

Key Responsibilities: * Lead the technical architecture and implementation of enterprise ... Hands-on experience with Java, Python, C#, or Node.js. * Experience integrating procurement ...

... Java based REST API development for highly scalable, customer facing commerce web applications ... lead, technical architect or related role • Bachelor's degree in computer science or related ...

Showing results 21-40

Java Technical Lead information

See California salary details

$20

$61

$79

How much do java technical lead jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for java technical lead in California is $61.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54.57 and $66.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Java Technical Lead?

Java Technical Leads are experienced software professionals responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of Java-based applications within a team or organization. They guide software engineers, set technical direction, ensure code quality, and collaborate with stakeholders to meet project objectives. Their role combines hands-on coding, architecture design, mentoring team members, and managing the delivery of software solutions. Java Technical Leads also help resolve technical challenges and stay updated with the latest Java technologies to ensure best practices are followed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Java Technical Lead, and why are they important?

To excel as a Java Technical Lead, you need advanced proficiency in Java development, strong software architecture knowledge, and experience leading technical teams, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with frameworks like Spring, build tools such as Maven or Gradle, version control systems like Git, and relevant certifications (e.g., Oracle Certified Professional) are highly valuable. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and leadership abilities set top performers apart by enabling them to guide teams and manage projects effectively. These skills are critical for ensuring high-quality software delivery, fostering team collaboration, and driving successful project outcomes.

How does a Java Technical Lead typically balance coding responsibilities with team leadership and mentoring?

A Java Technical Lead often divides their time between hands-on development and guiding the technical direction of the team. While they contribute to coding critical components and reviewing code for quality, a significant part of their role involves mentoring junior developers, facilitating design discussions, and ensuring best practices are followed. They also coordinate with other teams, manage project timelines, and help resolve technical challenges, making strong communication and leadership skills essential. This balance allows them to stay actively involved in technical work while fostering team growth and ensuring successful project delivery.

What is the difference between Java Technical Lead vs Java Developer?

AspectJava Technical LeadJava Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS or related, often with leadership experienceBachelor's in CS or related
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, coordinates projects, and designs architectureDevelops code, implements features, and fixes bugs
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in mid to large tech companies, consulting firmsCommon across startups, tech firms, and enterprise companies
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles and responsibilitiesFocus on coding and development tasks

The Java Technical Lead typically oversees development teams, designs system architecture, and ensures project delivery, requiring leadership skills and experience. In contrast, a Java Developer primarily focuses on coding, implementing features, and debugging. While both roles require strong Java skills and similar educational backgrounds, the Technical Lead has additional responsibilities related to team coordination and project management.

Infographic showing various Java Technical Lead job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,925 per year, or $61 per hour.

Software Technical Lead

Leidos

San Diego, CA

$131K - $237K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 491 rated business services


Job description

Leidos is seeking an experienced Software Technical Lead to support a mission-critical NATO program, providing technical leadership for the design, development, integration, deployment, and sustainment of secure software applications that support military mission planning and operations.

The successful candidate will lead a multi-disciplinary software team, guide technical decisions, and partner closely with program leadership and customer stakeholders to ensure software is delivered on schedule and in accordance with program requirements, security standards, and quality expectations. This position requires approximately 15% international travel.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Serve as technical lead for software development, integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment.

  • Lead and mentor software engineers, GIS developers, database developers, testers, and other technical specialists.

  • Provide technical direction, review design and code, resolve complex technical issues, and uphold software engineering standards.

  • Support Product Owner performing software requirements analysis, estimation, planning, and traceability.

  • Partner with the Product Owner and stakeholders to develop, prioritize, and maintain the product backlog.

  • Participate in Agile ceremonies, including sprint planning, backlog refinement, technical estimation, sprint reviews, and release planning.

  • Translate military mission-planning and operational needs into actionable software requirements and technical solutions.

  • Coordinate across systems engineering, cybersecurity, test, infrastructure, database, and program-management teams.

  • Report technical status, risks, dependencies, and recommendations to program leadership and customer representatives.

  • Conduct demonstrations to customers and stakeholders, formal testing, installations, training, and operational events, including international travel as needed.

  • Conduct troubleshooting, communication, technical documentation, and customer-facing skills.

  • Work effectively with geographically distributed and international teams.

Basic Qualifications

  • Active Top Secret security clearance.

  • Bachelor's degree and 15+ years of relevant experience, or a master's degree and 10+ years of relevant experience; additional relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

  • Experience with Agile software development, including requirements management, backlog planning, estimation, and release delivery.

  • Experience with databases such as SQL and Oracle.

  • Experience with User Interface Design and workflow.

  • At least 10 years of experience serving as a Software Technical Lead, Software Architect, Principal Engineer, or similar technical leadership role.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Demonstrated expertise in military mission planning or experience as a military operations analyst.

  • Experience with JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Java, and Python.

  • Experience with ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Server, or other enterprise geospatial technologies.

  • Experience with WildFly, JBoss, or a comparable Java application server.

  • Experience with ActiveMQ, JMS, or similar enterprise messaging technologies.

  • Experience designing and integrating RESTful services, enterprise applications, databases, and external system interfaces.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:August 6, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $131,300.00 - $237,350.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.


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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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