Release Train Engineer (RTE)

The role of a Release Train Engineer (RTE)

A Release Train Engineer (RTE), also known as ‘Super Scrum Master’, communicates with stakeholders, escalates impediments and helps manage risk. A RTE further helps configure SAFe to the organisation’s needs, standardising and documenting practices. Many RTEs also participate in Lean-Agile transformation, coaching leaders, teams and Scrum Masters in the new processes and mindsets.

 

Over the past few years, RTEs have seen their standing rise, meanwhile becoming a formal/full time role within organisations that have adopted agile working. Main reason behind this is the development the role has made in the SAFe methodology released by Scaled Agile, the US-based thinker and guardian of the way of working. In the first edition of SAFE, the RTE was pictured outside the release train, a feat which also was the case for SAFe 2.1 and SAFE 2.5. When Scaled Agile launched the largely expanded SAFe 3.0, the RTE for the first time was included in the supporting group for release trains.

Articles about Release Train Engineers (RTEs)

Take a look at some of our articles to get to know the role of a Release Train Engineer (RTE).

Become a certified Release Train Engineer (RTE)

Gladwell Academy delivers innovative, practically oriented training sessions and masterclasses for governments and businesses. We are SPCT Gold partner of Scaled Agile™, the founders of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). The highest quality training, consulting and coaching to support the Lean-Agile transformation using SAFe is offered. We are the authorized provider of all SAFe training courses including SAFe Program Consultant (SPC) and Release Train Engineer (RTE).

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Responsibilities of a Release Train Engineer (RTE)

  • Managing the ART

    Manage and optimize the flow of value through the ART using various tools, such as Kanbans and other information radiators (© Scaled Agile, Inc.).

  • Coaching

    Coach leaders, teams and Scrum Masters in Lean-Agile practices and mindsets (© Scaled Agile, Inc.).

  • Fostering a Continuous Exploration process

    Facilitate PI Planning readiness by fostering a Continuous Exploration process which drives the synthesis of a Vision, a Roadmap, and Backlogs, and through Pre- and Post-PI Planning Meetings (© Scaled Agile, Inc.).

  • Work with stakeholders

    Work with Product and Solution Management, Product Owners, and other stakeholders to help ensure strategy and execution alignment (© Scaled Agile, Inc.).

To find out more about the responsibilities of a Release Train Engineer (RTE), click here

SAFe Scrum Master (SSM)

Unlike traditional Scrum Master that focuses on the fundamentals of team-level Scrum, the SAFe Scrum Master explores the role in the context of the entire enterprise, plans  and executes the Program Increment (PI). More info

SAFe Product Owner (POPM)

The role of Product Owner requires a lot. You are responsible for the budget, set priorities and determine which items should be worked on.  More info

SAFe Advanced Scrum Master

The Advanced Scrum master is the next level after the SAFe Scrum Master. It has the responsibility to facilitate the interactions with architects, product management and other critical stakeholders in the larger program and enterprise contexts. More info

SAFe Agilist (SA)

A SAFe Agilist is a Lean-Thinking Manager -Teacher, who applies the values and principles of a Lean-Agile Mindset. He/She creates high-performing teams and leads the transformation with the SAFe Implementation Roadmap.  More info

Release Train Engineer (RTE)

An Release Train Engineer applies Lean-Agile knowledge and tools to execute and release value.  An Release Train Engineer has the responsibilities to a build a high-performing ART by becoming a servant leader and coach.  More info

SAFe Program Consultant (SPC)

An SAFe Program Consultant has a big responsibility in the organisation. He/She aligns the organization to a common language and way of working and coordinates multiple Agile Release Trains with a Solution Train. More info

The SAFe roles

The Scaled Agile Framework has multiple different roles:

Besides these roles, there are also other important SAFe roles: SAFe Scrum Master, SAFe Product Owner, SAFe Advanced Scrum Master.

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Need for RTEs

There is across the board a high demand for RTEs, while at the supply side, the amount of experts in the field is limited.

RTE Will Rock You

The RTE Summit 3.0 started off with 135 people singing ‘RTE Will Rock you.’

Artfully driven ARTs

There is enthusiasm in which today’s RTEs are building both their ARTs and their own ‘art’: the art of Engineering the Train as best they can.

Read more in these articles