Release Manager

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Our Fortune 500 Financial client in downtown Chicago is looking for a Principal Release Train Engineer to join their team. Below are the details

Hybrid onsite in Downtown Chicago

12 month contract

Pay rate: 80-105/hr W2

We’re building out our Release Train Engineering capability and looking for a leader who sees this as an exciting opportunity rather than a challenge. If you excel in environments where Agile processes are still being shaped, enjoy influencing change, and communicate confidently with senior leadership, this role will feel like a natural fit.

This is an ideal position for someone who has helped stand up Agile Release Trains from the ground up, thrives in ambiguity, and brings both analytical thinking and strong technical fluency.

As a Release Train Engineer (RTE), you will act as a servant leader and program‑level facilitator, guiding Agile Release Trains toward predictable, high‑quality delivery. You’ll help define foundational processes, drive alignment across teams, and partner closely with executives and technical leaders to mature Agile practices.

• Stand up and lead new Agile Release Trains as the organization expands its SAFe adoption
• Advocate for and influence RTE process improvements across teams and leadership
• Coach and mentor Scrum Masters in Lean‑Agile principles and effective delivery practices
• Communicate regularly with senior executives, ensuring transparency and alignment
• Analyze ART performance, identify trends, and drive data‑informed decisions
• Manage risks, dependencies, and impediments across teams
• Collaborate with Product Management, System Architect, and Business Owners
• Maintain PI calendars, coordinate events, and support Inspect & Adapt activities
• Promote continuous improvement across teams and programs

• Lead and mentor junior team members
• Provide guidance to Scrum Masters and Agile practitioners

• Experience standing up and leading multiple Agile Release Trains
• Exceptional communication skills, with confidence engaging executive‑level stakeholders
• Strong analytical thinking with the ability to make inferences and drive decisions
• Proven ability to work independently while enabling cross‑team collaboration
• Experience coaching Scrum Masters in Lean‑Agile practices
• Solid understanding of software delivery; technical background is a strong plus

• Agile/Scrum certifications (SAFe RTE, SPC, CSM, or equivalent preferred)
• Familiarity with Agile delivery tools and metrics

• 6+ years leading Agile Release Trains
• 6+ years coaching Scrum Masters and Agile teams
• Experience in early‑stage Agile/SAFe environments is highly desirable

• Advanced Agile or SAFe certifications preferred

• Mid-Senior level

• Contract

• Management