Backlog Elaboration Team Lead

Backlog Elaboration Team Lead

We are seeking an experienced Systems Engineer with a strong background in end‑to‑end new product development and successful launches to lead backlog elaboration for Roche Tissue Diagnostics. In this role you will use Agile SAFe practices, Azure Dev Ops, and Lucid to prioritize, define, estimate, track and continuously maintain solution‑level backlogs, collaborating closely with cross‑functional stakeholders.

• Facilitate and improve backlog elaboration meetings, ensuring they are productive and own the project’s backlog elaboration Wiki site.
• Collaborate with the Solution Train Engineer to iterate and refine backlog processes, achieving sequenced, defined, and estimated backlogs that support confident scheduling.
• Manage interdependencies by developing a deep understanding of system, software, assay, consumables, and hardware teams as well as Agile Release Trains (ARTs) to ensure all Epics, Capabilities, and Features are clearly documented in the backlog.
• Continuously identify opportunities to enhance tools (Azure Dev Ops, Lucid) and communication, streamlining workflow and serving as the central point of contact for backlog‑related communications with Product Managers, ART leads and senior leadership.
• Strategize and plan for the future by setting yearly backlog goals that provide clear direction, using Agile SAFe’s rolling‑wave planning for upcoming Program Increments while maintaining a high‑level view of future PIs.
• Over time, grow into co‑facilitating Program Increment planning alongside the Solution Train Engineer.

• Expertise in Agile and SAFe, including backlog elaboration, just‑in‑time planning, and rolling‑wave planning.
• Strong organizational and planning skills for managing complex backlogs, tracking dependencies across multiple teams, and maintaining the backlog elaboration Wiki.
• Ability to sequence work and ensure a high‑level project schedule; solid grasp of the development lifecycle, though not a developer.
• Technical acumen to communicate and guarantee backlog items are well defined and feasible.
• Proficiency with Azure Dev Ops and Lucid; spearhead tools improvement and visualization of backlog, dependencies, and flow.
• Excellent facilitation and communication skills to drive diverse groups toward a single goal and articulate progress, challenges, and dependencies.
• Cross‑functional collaboration capability to build relationships and work effectively with ART leads, Solution Train leads, and business leads.
• Strategic mindset with growth orientation, focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Problem‑solving ability to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in backlog elaboration and propose solutions.
• Education and Experience:
  
  PhD in a related discipline with 7+ years of industry experience,
  Master with 8+ years, or Bachelor with 10+ years of industry experience.

On‑site position based in Tucson, AZ. Relocation benefits are not available.

Expected salary range (Arizona): $ – $. Actual pay will be based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other factors allowed by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available.

Qualified for benefits detailed in the internal linkage. Roche is an equal opportunity employer. We employ and promote based on merit, qualifications, and competence. The company’s policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including on the basis of protected veteran status, disability status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.

If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, contact us with an accommodations form.