Agile Release Train Engineer (RTE)

Release Train Engineer

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Release Train Engineer (RTE) to join our team. The RTE will be responsible for driving the execution and improvement of the Agile Release Train (ART) and ensuring the successful delivery of value to our customers. This role requires strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, as well as a deep understanding of Agile and SAFe principles.

The RTE has the primary purpose of supporting and coaching an Agile Release Train by steering it to success and navigating the complexity of delivering software and hardware in large, cross-functional environments. The RTE helps resolve and escalate impediments, manages risk, helps assure value delivery, and drives program level continuous improvement. The RTE is accountable for the overall planning, coordination, execution, and delivery of value through the program.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Facilitate and manage Program Increment (PI) Planning sessions, including program and IPT vision generation, PI planning kickoff, coordination, and setup of tools in support of PI planning activities.
• Oversee the backlog grooming process, ensuring features are completed, stories are visible, and features committed are in progress.
• Coordinate and manage sprint activities, including sprint reviews, Scrum of Scrums / Coach Sync, and Product Owner (PO) sync meetings.
• Provide detailed metrics and reporting, such as hours per story point and Objectives and Key Result (OKR) tracking, in addition to creating dashboards for improved transparency.
• Coach and mentor team members, assist with onboarding, and identify knowledge gaps.
• Manage Earned Value Measurement System (EVMS) and vision guidance, including schedule pulls for PI prep and tracking.
• Use monthly and weekly financial reports to explain variances and generate corrective actions within the program that will ensure program actions align with successful completion of SOW requirements within cost and schedule.
• Understand and adjust schedules for new knowledge or changed strategy and assess Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) backlog against Statement of Work (SOW) needs.
• Ensure clear communication of monthly outputs and root cause explanations for EV variances.
• Support proposal activities and conduct historical reference development and Engineering Basis of Estimate (BOE) writing, ensuring TINA compliance.
• Support Schedule Risk Assessment (SRA) review of all activities and milestones Support Program scope boundary communications with the customer and Notice of Change (NOC) development ensuring contractual direction is understood and communicated before the team exceeds existing contract commitments
• Maintain alignment with customer RTE to help ensure program-level dependencies are tracked and schedules communicated.
• Ensure team clarity on budget vs. plan vs. scope for both current period and long-term vision.
• Run Engineering Review Board (ERB) meetings and ensure consistency in use and understanding of impacts.
• Work with technical managers to resolve staffing challenges through root cause problem investigation and communication.
• Support the DPME in holding the team accountable to meeting its PI commitment and delivery milestones on the program

What Sets you Apart:

• Proven experience as a Release Train Engineer or similar role.
• Strong understanding of Agile and SAFe methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under tight deadlines.
• Experience with EVMS, PI planning, and backlog grooming.
• Proficiency in using Agile tools and software (e.g., Jira, Confluence).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate complex software development processes.

Our Commitment to You:

• An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning and development.
• Research oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation’s security
• Flexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired (9/80 schedule)
• Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health & wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more
• See more at gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits

Workplace Options: This position is fully on-site While on-site, you will be a part of our Dedham, MA location

Salary Note This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled. Combined Salary Range USD $130,500.00 - USD $144,000.00 /Yr.

Company Overview

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans