Release Train Engineer (RTE)

The Release Train Engineer (RTE) plays a critical leadership role in the Case Management Modernization (CMM) Program, a large-scale initiative supporting the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO) in modernizing its enterprise case management systems using Agile and SAFe delivery practices.

The RTE serves as the Chief Scrum Master for the Agile Release Train (ART), facilitating the flow of value across multiple Scrum teams responsible for developing, integrating, and deploying modern cloud-based solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the servant leader and facilitator for the Agile Release Train (ART), ensuring alignment with the CMM Dev modernization roadmap.
• Plan, organize, and facilitate Program Increment (PI) Planning, System Demos, Inspect & Adapt workshops, and Scrum of Scrums to synchronize delivery across multiple Agile teams.
• Support Agile and SAFe adoption through coaching, mentoring, and process standardization across architecture, development, testing, and operations functions.
• Proactively identify and manage program-level risks, dependencies, and impediments, escalating to stakeholders as needed.
• Ensure cross-team coordination and visibility of sprint objectives, deliverables, and milestones across ARTs supporting CMM modernization.
• Maintain and communicate ART metrics (velocity, feature completion rate, defect trends, predictability, and PI objectives) to program leadership.
• Collaborate with Product Managers, System Architects, and Scrum Masters to ensure cohesive execution of the program vision and roadmap.
• Drive continuous delivery pipeline improvement through automation, CI/CD optimization, and DevSecOps culture alignment.
• Ensure compliance with federal Agile delivery standards, documentation requirements, and performance metrics as defined in the SOW.
• Promote a culture of transparency, accountability, and servant leadership, ensuring ARTs deliver measurable business value each PI.

Deliverable Alignment:

• Program Increment (PI) Planning Artifacts: Roadmaps, PI Objectives, dependency maps, and iteration schedules.
• ART and Sprint Metrics Reports: Burndown charts, velocity trends, feature progress dashboards, and risk registers.
• Retrospective and Continuous Improvement Reports: Actionable items and improvement roadmaps aligned to CMM performance objectives.
• Cross-Team Coordination Deliverables: Consolidated status reports, integration plans, and release readiness checklists.
• Governance Documentation: SAFe process adherence records, risk logs, and compliance matrices for Agile governance audits.

Required Skills & Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in Agile software delivery environments, with 8+ years as a Release Train Engineer or Senior Agile Program Manager supporting large-scale, multi-team programs.
• Deep knowledge of SAFe principles, Lean-Agile leadership, and value stream optimization.
• Experience orchestrating multiple concurrent Scrum teams (6–12+) delivering under a single ART.
• Proven success implementing Agile at scale in federal contracting or enterprise modernization programs.
• Expertise in Agile lifecycle tools (Jira, Rally, Azure DevOps, VersionOne) for planning, tracking, and metrics reporting.
• Strong understanding of DevSecOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and Agile release management.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and conflict-resolution skills with the ability to influence without authority.
• Experience with incremental delivery planning, metrics-driven execution, and continuous improvement.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related discipline (Master’s preferred).
• Experience with federal Agile transformation efforts, including SAFe implementation within secure environments.
• Familiarity with cloud-based development (AWS/Azure) and modern full-stack ecosystems (React, NodeJS).
• Understanding of FinOps, cloud cost optimization, and governance frameworks in Agile delivery.
• Hands-on experience with Agile coaching, Kanban systems, and flow metrics analysis.
• SAFe Release Train Engineer (RTE) , required.
• SAFe Program Consultant (SPC) , highly preferred.
• PMP, PMI-ACP, or Agile Certified Practitioner , preferred.
• ITIL 4 Foundation , beneficial for integration with IT service management.

The likely salary range for this position is $147,292 - $199,278.