Release Train Engineer

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.
 

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.