Release Train Engineer

JOB DESCRIPTION

Why GMF Technology?

Innovation isn't just a talking point at GM Financial, it's how we operate. From generative AI and cloud-native technologies to peer-led learning and hackathons, our tech teams are building real solutions that make a difference. We're committed to AI-powered transformation, using advanced machine learning and automation to help us reimagine customer interactions and modernize operations, positioning GM Financial as a leader in digital innovation within a dynamic industry.

Join us and discover a workplace where your ideas matter, your development is prioritized, and you can truly make a global impact.

About this role:

The Release Train Engineer (RTE) serves as a servant leader, coach, and execution partner for the Agile Release Train (ART). The RTE facilitates ART events, removes impediments, drives relentless improvement, and enables teams to deliver value in alignment with business objectives.
This role operates in a player-coach capacity, providing leadership and mentorship to Product Owners while also maintaining the ability to step into Product Owner responsibilities when needed. As the organization matures its SAFe adoption, the RTE helps establish strong Product Ownership practices, ensures backlog readiness and value alignment, and may directly support or fulfill Product Owner duties to maintain momentum and delivery stability.

RESPONSIBILITIES

What makes you an idea candidate:

• Serve as a servant leader and facilitator for the Agile Release Train (ART), helping establish foundational SAFe roles, events, and ways of working across teams and stakeholders.
• Facilitate core ART ceremonies-including PI Planning, ART Syncs, System Demos, and Inspect & Adapt events-ensuring participants understand the purpose, outcomes, and expectations of each event.
• Support the initial launch and stabilization of the ART by helping teams, Product Owners, and leaders adopt Lean‑Agile and SAFe principles, practices, and terminology.
• Partner closely with Product Owners to establish healthy backlogs, clarify roles and responsibilities, and support effective backlog refinement and prioritization practices.
• Act as a player-coach and leader for Product Owners by providing hands-on guidance, modeling effective Product Ownership behaviors, and assisting with Product Owner responsibilities when capability or capacity gaps exist.
• Enable transparency and flow by introducing and maintaining basic visual management tools, and simple flow metrics appropriate for an early-stage ART.
• Help identify, track, and escalate impediments, risks, and dependencies, while coaching teams and leaders on shared problem-solving and decision-making.
• Foster a safe, collaborative environment where teams and individuals feel supported to experiment, learn, and improve as they adopt new ways of working.
• Future state - establish and communicate the initial cadence and calendars for Iterations, Program Increments (PIs), and key planning and alignment events.
• Coach leaders, Scrum Masters, and Product Owners on their evolving roles within SAFe, emphasizing collaboration, alignment, and value delivery over traditional command-and-control behaviors.
• Support Inspect & Adapt activities by helping teams reflect on what is working, what is not, and what practical improvements can be made in the next increment.
• Collaborate with leadership and enabling functions to identify training, tooling, and resourcing needs required to successfully launch and sustain the ART.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience

• 5-7 years of experience working in Agile environments (Scrum, Kanban, and/or early scaled delivery models), supporting multiple teams or complex initiatives
• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Bachelor's Degree or additional equivalent work or military experience preferred
• 4-6 years of experience as a Product Owner or Product Manager on Agile teams, with direct responsibility for backlog management, prioritization, and stakeholder collaboration.
• 2 or more years of experience in a people leadership or performance leadership role, including coaching, feedback, and development of team members.
  Experience operating in evolving or hybrid Agile environments, with the ability to adapt roles and responsibilities as organizational maturity grows.

Licenses and Certifications

• SAFe 5.0 Release Train Engineer (RTE certification) 90 Days required
• SAFe 5.0 SAFe Program Consultant (SPC certification) preferred

What We Offer: Generous benefits package available on day one to include: 401K matching, bonding leave for new parents (12 weeks, 100% paid), tuition assistance, training, GM employee auto discount, community service pay and nine company holidays.

Our Culture: Our team members define and shape our culture - an environment that welcomes innovative ideas, fosters integrity, and creates a sense of community and belonging. Here we do more than work - we thrive.

Compensation: Competitive pay and bonus eligibility

Work Life Balance: Flexible hybrid work environment, minimum of 2-days a week in our Arlington, TX office.

Client-provided location(s): Arlington, TX

Job ID: GM_Financial-1914

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Posted: 2026-03-07T19:50:15