Release Train Engineer, Systems and Core Architecture

Ford Motor Company · Dearborn, MI · 6 days ago

HybridEngineering$133k–$251k/yrFull-time

About the role

This role operates across the full SCA domain, with the EPM team supporting:

In-vehicle networking, including CAN, LIN, Ethernet, interfaces, communication layers, and related software stacks
Diagnostics, including diagnostic data, DTCs, parsed data, prognostics, and related vehicle diagnostic capabilities
Power controls and management
Cross-domain and vertical feature delivery that depends on strong systems and architecture coordination
Current and next-generation vehicle architectures, including FNV3.x delivery and next-generation platform planning

Responsibilities

Lead and Develop a Small Team of Engineering Project Managers

Directly manage a team of Engineering Project Managers supporting critical SCA domains including diagnostics, in-vehicle networking, power controls, and cross-domain architecture delivery.
Provide coaching, feedback, and career development support to help EPMs grow their technical program management capabilities and cross-functional influence.
Set clear expectations for delivery quality, stakeholder communication, and program health across each EPM's portfolio.
Model and reinforce strong program management practices — including planning rigor, dependency management, risk identification, and leadership communication — across the team.
Build a strong team culture rooted in accountability, continuous improvement, collaboration, and trust.
Partner with SCA leadership on staffing, role scoping, and organizational design as the team evolves.

Own the SCA Agile Release Train

Own the operating model and delivery health of the SCA Agile Release Train, aligning to SAFe principles and Ford's evolving SDV execution framework.
Facilitate PI Planning events across the SCA ART, helping teams define program increments, identify dependencies, surface risks, and commit to realistic, coordinated execution plans.
Lead ART-level ceremonies including System Demos, Inspect and Adapt (I&A) workshops, ART Syncs, and Scrum-of-Scrums, ensuring these events drive real alignment and decision-making rather than status reporting.
Track and communicate ART-level metrics including Program Predictability Measure (PPM), feature flow, PI objectives completion, and risk burn-down.
Serve as the primary escalation path for cross-team impediments and systemic risks that the team cannot resolve independently.
Coach teams on SAFe practices, agile delivery principles, and continuous improvement — adapting approaches as Ford's SDV operating model matures.
Partner with the LACE (Lean-Agile Center of Excellence) and other RTEs across Ford's broader ART ecosystem to maintain alignment, share practices, and contribute to enterprise agile maturity.

Drive ART-Level Delivery and Architecture Execution

Translate SCA strategy into coordinated, multi-team delivery plans across hardware, embedded software, platform software, validation, and supplier workstreams.
Maintain visibility into ART-level dependencies, program risks, scope changes, and milestone commitments across all domains.
Connect the SCA ART to adjacent trains, Tech Platform teams, and Tech Strategy teams to ensure cross-ART alignment on shared architecture, platform cadence, and long-term SDV roadmap execution.
Support delivery from architecture definition and system design through implementation, validation, launch, OTA evolution, and lifecycle support.
Ensure that near-term FNV3.x delivery and next-generation architecture planning remain coordinated and mutually informed across the ART.

Manage Risk, Scope, and Systemic Impediments at Scale

Identify systemic risks and cross-team impediments early, develop mitigation strategies, and escalate to SCA and program leadership when needed to protect timing, quality, and business outcomes.
Establish clear risk management practices across the team, ensuring consistency in how risks are identified, tracked, communicated, and resolved.
Maintain an ART-level program risk register with clear ownership, mitigation plans, and escalation criteria.
Manage the impact of scope changes at the ART level, assessing effects on PI commitments, engineering capacity, validation readiness, and release plans.

Drive ART-Level Delivery and Architecture Execution

Translate SCA strategy into coordinated, multi-team delivery plans across hardware, embedded software, platform software, validation, and supplier workstreams.
Maintain visibility into ART-level dependencies, program risks, scope changes, and milestone commitments across all domains.
Connect the SCA ART to adjacent trains, Tech Platform teams, and Tech Strategy teams to ensure cross-ART alignment on shared architecture, platform cadence, and long-term SDV roadmap execution.
Support delivery from architecture definition and system design through implementation, validation, launch, OTA evolution, and lifecycle support.
Ensure that near-term FNV3.x delivery and next-generation architecture planning remain coordinated and mutually informed across the ART.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field

8+ years of experience leading complex technical program or product delivery across hardware, software, and/or services

3+ years of people leadership experience, with demonstrated ability to coach, develop, and retain technical program management talent

3+ years of experience as a Release Train Engineer or equivalent role in a SAFe or scaled agile environment

Strong working knowledge of SAFe principles and practices, including PI Planning, ART ceremonies, program metrics, and Inspect and Adapt

Experience driving execution across multiple cross-functional teams through the full product lifecycle, including validation, launch, and post-launch support

Experience managing ART-level schedules, dependencies, risks, scope, and stakeholder communications in a fast-paced development environment

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to tailor messaging from engineering teams to executive leadership audiences

Demonstrated ability to build alignment and drive decisions across large, matrixed organizations

Skills

SAFe RTE certification (SA, RTE, or SPC) or equivalent demonstrated experience

Experience with automotive systems, embedded systems, or Software Defined Vehicle platforms

Experience with vehicle networking, diagnostics, electrical architecture, or platform software

Experience working across both hardware and software organizations in a systems-responsible environment

Experience coordinating with supplier partners as part of large-scale technical program execution

Experience supporting programs from architecture definition through validation, launch, OTA updates, and lifecycle support

Familiarity with tools such as JIRA, Azure DevOps, and PI Planning facilitation platforms

Experience operating in a multi-ART environment and partnering with a Lean-Agile Center of Excellence (LACE)

Experience leading through organizational change or operating model transformation in a technology-driven environment

Benefits

Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage

Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up care

Subsidized parking, flexible work hours, remote work options

Professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement, continuing education assistance

Employee referral bonuses, employee discounts, wellness programs

Annual performance reviews, recognition programs, career advancement opportunities

Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage

Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options and flexible scheduling

Employee resource groups, diversity and inclusion initiatives, mentorship programs

Professional development resources, including training and certification opportunities

Employee wellness programs, including fitness memberships and mental health resources

Flexible spending accounts, dependent care assistance, and commutable transit benefits

Retirement savings plans, including employer contributions and matching programs

Seasonal and holiday celebrations, team-building activities, and social events

Community involvement opportunities, including volunteer programs and charitable giving

Family-friendly policies, including paid parental leave and flexible scheduling

Work-life balance initiatives, including flexible work hours and remote work options

Employee recognition programs, including awards and incentives