Release Train Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Release Train Engineer (RTE) to serve as the servant leader and chief Scrum Master for an Agile Release Train (ART). The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), program-level coordination, and cross-functional stakeholder management, with a proven track record of driving successful Program Increment (PI) execution across multiple Agile teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Facilitate Program Increment (PI) Planning, Scrum of Scrums, PO Sync, System Demos, and Inspect & Adapt workshops
• Drive execution of the Agile Release Train, ensuring alignment between business objectives and delivery teams
• Track and communicate program-level dependencies, risks, issues, and impediments; escalate and resolve blockers impacting train delivery
• Coach and mentor Scrum Masters, Product Owners, and Agile teams on SAFe practices and continuous improvement
• Manage relationships with stakeholders, program managers, and senior leadership to ensure visibility into program health and delivery status
• Drive relentless improvement through retrospectives, metrics (velocity, predictability, flow), and process optimization
• Support DevOps and Release Management practices to ensure consistent, predictable, and high-quality releases
• Facilitate collaboration across multiple Agile teams, vendors, and geographically distributed stakeholders
• Support Lean Portfolio Management by providing input into roadmap planning, capacity allocation, and prioritization
• Ensure adherence to Agile/SAFe ceremonies, artifacts, and governance standards across the train

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of overall experience in IT, software delivery, or program/project management
• Minimum 4 years of hands-on experience specifically as a Release Train Engineer (RTE)
• Strong working knowledge of SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework); SAFe RTE or SPC certification strongly preferred
• Proven experience managing Agile Release Trains with multiple Scrum teams (typically 5-12 teams)
• Solid understanding of Agile/Scrum/Kanban methodologies and enterprise Agile transformation
• Experience with Agile tooling (Jira, Azure DevOps, Rally, or similar) for tracking program-level metrics and dependencies
• Excellent stakeholder management, facilitation, and conflict-resolution skills
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence at multiple organizational levels
• Experience working with distributed/cross-functional teams across time zones

Preferred Qualifications

• SAFe Release Train Engineer (RTE) or SAFe Program Consultant (SPC) certification
• PMP, PMI-ACP, or CSM/PSM certification
• Experience in a specific industry vertical (e.g., financial services, healthcare, telecom) - customize as needed
• Familiarity with DevOps/CI-CD pipelines and how they integrate with program-level delivery
• Experience with Lean Portfolio Management and value stream mapping

About Us:

Cognizant is one of the world''s leading professional services companies, transforming clients'' business, operating, and technology models for the digital era. Our unique industry-based, consultative approach helps clients envision, build, and run more innovative and efficient businesses. Headquartered in the U.S., Cognizant, a member of the NASDAQ-100, is ranked 195 on the Fortune 500 and is consistently listed among the most admired companies in the world. Learn how Cognizant helps clients lead with digital at www.cognizant.com.

About Cognizant's IoT Practice:

Intelligent, IoT-enabled products will soon result in the proliferation of data and disrupt virtually all industries. To be successful, both large and small companies must leverage IoT capabilities by designing modern products that fundamentally connect people with processes. Within Cognizant IOT, we engineer industry-aligned, IoT-enabled products that merge industry needs with human drivers. Our intelligent products will revolutionize experiences and result in exciting, transformative outcomes. Without human-centered thinking, connected products are just standalone things-but with it, our modern connected products facilitate a unified way of life enjoyed by all.

• Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future*
• Applications will be accepted until Aug31 , 2026
• LI#- #LI-SC6

Compensation & Benefits

$74,000- $105,000 per year + Cost of Living Allowance

Bonus + Comprehensive Benefits

Additional Information

• Onsite role
• ️ Visa sponsorship is not available now or in the future. Candidates requiring sponsorship will not be considered.

Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

About Cognizant:

Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization's unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.

Additional employment information

Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email CareersNA2@cognizant.com for roles based in the Americas or CareersIndia2@cognizant.com for roles based in India.