Release Train Engineer

Leidos•Annapolis Junction, MD

About The Position

Release Train Engineer (RTE) Leidos is seeking a Release Train Engineer (RTE) to support a high-performing agile program leveraging the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). This role is part of a large, fast-paced effort delivering mission-critical capabilities. The successful candidate will bring a strong background in leading agile teams. The program follows DevOps best practices and uses robust development, test, and production environments. We employ Behavior Driven Development (BDD), test automation, and a comprehensive suite of collaboration tools. This program provides systems engineering, development, testing, integration, and operational support for a critical mission system. The team is focused on introducing new technologies and advanced capabilities while continuing to sustain an active operational environment. Job Description This role requires an experienced Agile leader to serve as the Release Train Engineer (RTE) for an Agile Release Train (ART) on a program implementing Full SAFe. The selected individual will be supported by experienced SAFe leaders and may be asked to complete formal training as needed. Major responsibilities include facilitating ART events and processes to enable consistent delivery of value. The RTE also serves as a project engineer/project manager for the ART, with a strong focus on ensuring the ART meets its Feature commitments. This involves partnering with teams to assess whether Features are on track, understanding the drivers when work may not complete as planned, and helping to remove or mitigate obstacles to completion. Additionally, this role is responsible for facilitating horizontal and vertical communication across teams and stakeholders to identify impediments to progress and drive mitigation plans that keep the ART moving forward.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering Science, Engineering Management, or a related discipline from an accredited college or university, and at least 12 years of relevant experience. Additional experience may be substituted for a degree.
Must have at least 5 years of experience leading projects/teams, preferably Agile teams.
Extensive experience working with large, complex software systems, including hardware integration and test.
Experience working with an Agile software development program and managing project deadlines (Scrum Master, Product Owner, or Development Lead).
Hands-on experience using Agile project management tools (e.g., Jira, VersionOne, Rally, IBM ELM).
Experience briefing leadership and/or customers on key aspects of project status and progression.
Experience communicating with and providing status updates to external stakeholders, including customer and/or government representatives.
Strong time-management skills with the ability to quickly recognize when issues require discussion, escalation, or triage.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Must be detail-oriented with a focus on driving tasks to completion.
Demonstrated ability to quickly grasp technical concepts and communicate them effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, working across diverse systems and stakeholder groups.
Clearance Required: Must have TS/SCI with Polygraph.

Nice To Haves

Certified Scrum Master (CSM), SAFe Scrum Master (SSM), SAFe Agilist (SA), SAFe RTE or similar agile project management certification (PMI-ACP).
Extensive, hands-on experience across the software development lifecycle (e.g., as a developer, tester, analyst, product manager, or project/program manager), with sufficient depth in software development, testing, or systems engineering to qualify on the program as a participating engineer in one of the following roles: developer, tester, or systems engineer.
Previous Release, Project, or Program Management experience.
Experience affecting change in Agile organizations.
Experience working with multi-disciplinary development teams.
Extensive experience using SAFe as the agile development methodology including experience participating in a Program Increment Planning session.
Experience applying test automation, test-driven development, continuous integration, and continuous deployment to achieve built-in quality by the team.

Responsibilities

Managing and optimizing the flow of value through the Agile Release Train (ART).
Managing schedule execution and planning software and architecture releases for the program.
Facilitating Program Increment (PI) Planning readiness by fostering a Continuous Exploration process that drives the creation of the Vision, Roadmap, and Backlogs, and by leading pre- and post-PI Planning activities.
Facilitating PI Planning events, including logistics coordination and technical preparation.
Facilitating cross-team collaboration via Scrum of Scrums and other forums to support development, testing, and deployment efforts.
Summarizing Team PI Objectives into Program PI Objectives and publishing them for visibility and transparency.
Assisting with tracking the execution of Features and Capabilities using metrics across the program’s Agile and DevOps teams.
Briefing customers on development progress throughout the PI cycle, including the status of testing, deployment, and release readiness.
Coordinating release trains, assessing impacts to other DevOps processes, and scheduling release timelines for fixes and enhancements.
Developing an in-depth understanding of the large, complex software system, diverse customer needs, and associated risks.
Assessing skillset needs and collaborating with leadership to staff program openings appropriately.
Coaching teams, Scrum Masters, Product Owners, and Project/Program leaders in Agile practices and leading teams toward higher Agile maturity.
Promoting teamwork to achieve PI goals.
Assisting with economic decision-making by facilitating Feature and Capability estimation and rolling up estimates to Epics when necessary.
Coaching leaders, teams, and Scrum Masters in Lean-Agile practices and mindsets.
Escalating, tracking, and driving resolution of impediments.
Providing input on resourcing to address critical bottlenecks.
Working closely with the contractor Program Management Office (PMO) on program execution.
Understanding and operating within budgets provided by the CAM/TTOM.
Driving relentless improvement across the ART.
Fostering Communities of Practice and encouraging the use of engineering excellence and Built-In Quality practices.