Release Train Engineer

Job#: 3025266

Job Description:

Apex Systems has an immediate need for a Release Train Engineer. In this role we are seeking a transformational leader who thrives at the intersection of Agile execution, product strategy, and enterprise delivery. This is a role that combines operational excellence in SAFe Agile with strategic leadership in Lean Product Transformation.

This position is central to scaling Agile across the enterprise through the management of Agile Release Trains (ARTs) while also driving the adoption of a modern, product-centric operating model.

The ideal candidate is both a systems-level thinker and hands-on orchestrator-able to guide executives through Agile change while ensuring effective and timely product delivery.

Ideal candidates will have the following:

• SAFe Program Consultant (SPC) or SAFe Release Train Engineer (RTE) certification (required);
• ScrumMaster (CSM) or Agile Coach certification (preferred);
• Prosci Change Management or equivalent OCM certification (desirable);
• Lean or Six Sigma certification (a plus);
• 8+ years of product or Agile leadership experience in complex enterprise environments;
• 5+ years leading large-scale Agile transformations, preferably in a SAFe environment;
• 3+ years directly managing Agile Release Trains or acting as RTE under SAFe; and
• Demonstrated success in integrating Agile product management with business and technology strategy.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

Release Train Engineering & Agile Execution

• Serve as the chief facilitator and servant leader of one or more Agile Release Trains (ARTs).
• Plan and execute Program Increment (PI) events, including PI Planning, ART Syncs, System Demos, and Inspect & Adapt workshops.
• Manage risks, escalate impediments, and drive continuous improvement across Agile teams.
• Track ART performance metrics (e.g., velocity, predictability, business value delivery) to guide improvements in flow and execution.
• Coordinate dependencies across product, engineering, architecture, and external teams.
• Foster a culture of transparency, alignment, and cadence-based delivery across the enterprise.

Product Transformation & Operating Model Leadership

• Champion the enterprise shift from project to product thinking, integrating Lean-Agile ways of working into the operating model.
• Advise senior leaders on product funding models, value stream organization, and roadmap alignment with business strategy.
• Partner with Product Managers, Product Owners, and Portfolio leaders to ensure prioritization aligns with customer outcomes and organizational goals.
• Define governance structures that support product-led decision making, investment prioritization, and value realization.

SAFe Adoption & Agile Coaching

• Drive SAFe implementation across portfolios and Agile teams, scaling best practices in alignment with enterprise goals.
• Coach teams on Agile roles, ceremonies, metrics, and delivery practices to increase maturity and engagement.
• Mentor Scrum Masters, Product Owners, and Product Managers in Lean thinking and SAFe execution.
• Lead Agile education efforts, workshops, and training across business and technology.

Organizational Change Management (OCM) & Culture Enablement

• Design and implement an OCM strategy to support Agile and product adoption across the enterprise.
• Facilitate leadership alignment, stakeholder engagement, and workforce communication during transformation.
• Address cultural and operational resistance, fostering a mindset shift toward continuous learning, experimentation, and customer-centricity.

Technology & Delivery Optimization

• Work with enterprise architects, DevOps leaders, and platform teams to align Agile delivery with scalable technology infrastructure.
• Promote Agile tooling, automation, and workflow transparency (e.g., Jira, Azure DevOps) to optimize value delivery pipelines.
• Guide teams in Value Stream Mapping and the use of Lean metrics to continuously refine the flow of value.

Global Team Coordination

• Support distributed Agile delivery across regions, ensuring consistency in Agile execution and integration of offshore/nearshore teams.
• Define engagement models that support global collaboration and time zone alignment.
• Standardize practices for remote Agile ceremonies, communication, and team enablement.

Requirements:
Education & Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• SAFe Program Consultant (SPC) or SAFe Release Train Engineer (RTE) certification required.
• ScrumMaster (CSM) or Agile Coach certification preferred.
• Prosci Change Management or equivalent OCM certification desirable.
• Lean or Six Sigma certification a plus.

Experience & Skills

• 8+ years of product or Agile leadership experience in complex enterprise environments.
• 5+ years leading large-scale Agile transformations, preferably in a SAFe environment.
• 3+ years directly managing Agile Release Trains or acting as RTE under SAFe.
• Demonstrated success in integrating Agile product management with business and technology strategy.
• Deep experience with enterprise Agile tools (e.g., Jira Align, Azure DevOps, Rally).
• Expertise in coaching leaders, managing dependencies, and improving delivery metrics at scale.
• Experience supporting organizations of 1,000+ employees and $500M+ IT operating budget.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and influencing skills across technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Additional Details

• This is a strategic and delivery-oriented leadership role requiring cross-functional coordination at all levels.
• Flexibility in work hours is needed to support global teams and time zone differences.
• Travel may be required to facilitate in-person planning events or stakeholder workshops.

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at or

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.