Release Train Engineer

Your opportunity

At Schwab, you’re empowered to make an impact on your career. Here, innovative thought meets creative problem solving, helping us “challenge the status quo” and transform the finance industry together. We believe in the importance of in-office collaboration and fully intend for the selected candidate for this role to work on site in the specified location(s).

A Release Train Engineer (RTE) is a servant leader and coach for the Agile Release Train (ART), responsible for driving program-level execution, collaboration, and alignment across multiple agile teams. RTEs work closely with product managers, Scrum Masters, and development teams to deliver value through effective program increments (PIs). They play a pivotal role in scaling Agile practices, ensuring consistent delivery, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This role will specifically support a team working to migrate development teams to the cloud, ensuring smooth transitions and optimal outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

Facilitation of Agile Release Train (ART):

• Act as the servant leader for the ART, facilitating program-level ceremonies such as Program Increment (PI) Planning, Inspect and Adapt (I&A) meetings, and system demos.
• Ensure alignment of program goals and objectives across cross-functional teams within the ART.
• Facilitate the resolution of impediments and risks that may hinder program execution.

Program Increment (PI) Management:

• Drive the PI planning process, ensuring teams understand priorities, dependencies, and objectives.
• Maintain and communicate the PI roadmap, ensuring alignment with business goals and stakeholder expectations.
• Track and monitor key deliverables, ensuring on-time delivery and value realization.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Work closely with Product Managers, System Architects, and other stakeholders to ensure strategic alignment of the ART.
• Foster open communication and collaboration among agile teams, stakeholders, and leadership.
• Act as a bridge between teams and leadership, escalating risks and providing transparency into program progress.

Metrics and Continuous Improvement:

• Analyze program performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and ensure delivery excellence.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning and improvement through feedback loops and retrospectives.
• Champion the use of Agile tools and best practices to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Risk and Dependency Management:

• Identify, document, and manage dependencies across teams within the ART and with external teams.
• Anticipate and address potential risks, ensuring contingency plans are in place.
• Collaborate on risk mitigation strategies to minimize disruptions to program delivery.

What you have

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience in Agile coaching, program management, or related roles.
• Proven expertise in Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) and Agile methodologies.

Skills and Competencies:

• Leadership Skills: Strong servant leadership, coaching, and facilitation abilities.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and levels of an organization.
• Problem-Solving: Proficiency in identifying and resolving complex program-level challenges.
• Technical Acumen: Understanding of software development lifecycle and Agile tools (e.g., Jira, Rally).
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Certifications:

The following certifications are highly desirable:

• SAFe Release Train Engineer (RTE) Certification
• Certified SAFe Program Consultant (SPC)
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) or Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM)

In addition to the salary range, this role is also eligible for bonus or incentive opportunities.