Types of SAFE Agile Jobs
SAFe Scrum Master
A SAFe Scrum Master facilitates Agile team events and supports the team in delivering value within the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). They help remove impediments, foster collaboration, and ensure adherence to Agile principles. The role requires strong communication and organizational skills. SAFe Scrum Masters work closely with Product Owners and Release Train Engineers. They play a key role in driving continuous improvement within teams.
SAFe Product Owner
A SAFe Product Owner is responsible for defining and prioritizing the team backlog to maximize value delivery. They collaborate with stakeholders and the Agile team to ensure clear requirements and acceptance criteria. The Product Owner represents the customer’s voice and ensures alignment with business goals. They participate in PI Planning and other SAFe ceremonies. This role requires strong analytical and communication skills.
Release Train Engineer (RTE)
The Release Train Engineer acts as a servant leader and coach for the Agile Release Train (ART). They facilitate ART events, manage risks, and drive continuous improvement. RTEs coordinate between teams and ensure alignment with SAFe practices. They help resolve dependencies and escalate issues as needed. This role is critical for ensuring successful delivery of large-scale solutions.
SAFe Agile Coach
A SAFe Agile Coach mentors teams and leaders in adopting and optimizing SAFe practices. They provide training, guidance, and support to foster a culture of agility. Agile Coaches help identify and address organizational impediments. They work across multiple teams and ARTs to drive transformation. This role requires deep expertise in Agile and change management.
SAFe Program Consultant (SPC)
A SAFe Program Consultant is a certified change agent who leads SAFe implementations. They train teams, launch ARTs, and coach leaders on Lean-Agile practices. SPCs play a pivotal role in scaling Agile across the enterprise. They ensure alignment with SAFe principles and drive continuous improvement. This role requires advanced knowledge of SAFe and strong leadership skills.
Entry Level Job Titles
SAFe Team Member
A SAFe Team Member participates in Agile teams, contributing to the delivery of value. They collaborate with other team members, attend SAFe ceremonies, and work on user stories. Team Members are expected to embrace Agile principles and continuously improve their skills. They may be developers, testers, or business analysts. This role is ideal for those new to SAFe and Agile environments.
Junior Scrum Master
A Junior Scrum Master assists in facilitating team events and supporting the Scrum process. They work under the guidance of a more experienced Scrum Master or Agile Coach. This role involves learning SAFe practices and helping the team remove basic impediments. Junior Scrum Masters often focus on administrative tasks and team coordination. It is a stepping stone to more advanced Agile roles.
SAFe Agile Tester
A SAFe Agile Tester is responsible for ensuring the quality of deliverables within an Agile team. They write and execute test cases, report defects, and collaborate with developers. Agile Testers participate in SAFe ceremonies and contribute to continuous improvement. This role requires attention to detail and a willingness to learn Agile practices. It is suitable for those starting their career in Agile environments.
Mid Level Job Titles
SAFe Scrum Master
A SAFe Scrum Master at the mid-level facilitates team events, removes impediments, and ensures the team follows SAFe practices. They work closely with Product Owners and other Scrum Masters to coordinate dependencies. This role requires experience in Agile methodologies and strong leadership skills. Mid-level Scrum Masters often mentor junior team members. They play a key role in driving team performance and continuous improvement.
SAFe Product Owner
A mid-level SAFe Product Owner manages the team backlog, prioritizes work, and ensures alignment with business objectives. They collaborate with stakeholders and the Agile team to deliver value. This role requires experience in requirements gathering and stakeholder management. Product Owners participate in PI Planning and other SAFe ceremonies. They are responsible for maximizing the value delivered by the team.
Agile Business Analyst
An Agile Business Analyst works within a SAFe team to gather requirements, define user stories, and ensure clear acceptance criteria. They bridge the gap between business and technical teams. This role requires analytical skills and experience in Agile environments. Business Analysts participate in SAFe ceremonies and support the Product Owner. They help ensure the team delivers solutions that meet business needs.
Senior Level Job Titles
Release Train Engineer (RTE)
A senior Release Train Engineer leads the Agile Release Train, facilitating ART events and ensuring alignment with SAFe practices. They manage risks, resolve dependencies, and drive continuous improvement across multiple teams. RTEs work closely with senior leadership and stakeholders. This role requires extensive experience in Agile and large-scale program management. Senior RTEs play a critical role in delivering complex solutions.
SAFe Agile Coach
A senior SAFe Agile Coach mentors teams, ARTs, and leaders in adopting and optimizing SAFe practices. They provide advanced training, guidance, and support for organizational transformation. Agile Coaches identify and address systemic impediments. This role requires deep expertise in Agile, change management, and leadership. Senior Agile Coaches drive enterprise-wide Agile adoption.
SAFe Program Consultant (SPC)
A senior SAFe Program Consultant leads large-scale SAFe implementations, trains teams, and coaches leaders. They are responsible for launching ARTs and ensuring alignment with SAFe principles. SPCs work with executive leadership to drive Agile transformation. This role requires advanced knowledge of SAFe and strong facilitation skills. Senior SPCs are key change agents in the organization.
Director Level Job Titles
Director of Agile Transformation
The Director of Agile Transformation leads the organization's Agile journey, overseeing the adoption and scaling of SAFe practices. They develop and execute strategies for enterprise-wide Agile transformation. This role involves working with executive leadership, coaching teams, and measuring progress. The Director ensures alignment with business goals and drives a culture of continuous improvement. They play a pivotal role in achieving organizational agility.
Director of Release Train Engineering
The Director of Release Train Engineering oversees multiple Release Train Engineers and ARTs. They ensure successful delivery of large-scale solutions and alignment with SAFe practices. This role involves strategic planning, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. The Director mentors RTEs and drives continuous improvement across ARTs. They are responsible for the overall success of Agile Release Trains.
VP Level Job Titles
Vice President of Agile Delivery
The Vice President of Agile Delivery is responsible for the overall Agile strategy and execution across the organization. They oversee Agile teams, ARTs, and transformation initiatives. This role involves working with executive leadership to align Agile practices with business objectives. The VP drives a culture of agility, innovation, and continuous improvement. They play a key role in scaling Agile and achieving business outcomes.
Vice President of Enterprise Transformation
The Vice President of Enterprise Transformation leads large-scale change initiatives, including the adoption of SAFe and Agile practices. They work with C-level executives to define and execute transformation strategies. This role involves overseeing multiple Agile programs and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. The VP is responsible for driving cultural change and delivering business value. They are a key leader in the Agile transformation journey.
How to Advance Your Current SAFE Agile Title
Obtain SAFe certifications
Pursuing SAFe certifications such as SAFe Scrum Master, SAFe Product Owner, or SAFe Program Consultant demonstrates your expertise and commitment to Agile practices. Certifications provide a structured learning path and validate your knowledge. They are often required for advanced roles within SAFe organizations. Continuous learning and certification can open up new career opportunities. Staying updated with the latest SAFe practices is essential for career growth.
Gain hands-on experience
Actively participating in SAFe teams and taking on challenging assignments helps build practical skills. Experience in facilitating SAFe ceremonies, managing backlogs, and resolving impediments is valuable. Volunteering for leadership roles within your team can demonstrate your capabilities. Hands-on experience is often a prerequisite for senior and leadership positions. It also helps you build a strong professional network.
Seek mentorship and coaching
Learning from experienced SAFe practitioners can accelerate your career growth. Mentors can provide guidance, share best practices, and help you navigate challenges. Participating in Agile communities and networking events can connect you with potential mentors. Coaching others also helps reinforce your own knowledge. Building relationships with mentors can open doors to new opportunities.
Demonstrate leadership and initiative
Taking initiative to drive improvements, lead teams, or launch new Agile practices showcases your leadership potential. Proactively identifying and solving problems is highly valued in SAFe organizations. Leading by example and fostering a culture of collaboration can set you apart. Leadership skills are essential for advancing to senior, director, or VP-level roles. Demonstrating initiative can lead to recognition and career advancement.
Contribute to organizational transformation
Actively participating in or leading Agile transformation initiatives demonstrates your commitment to organizational success. Sharing your knowledge, training others, and driving change can position you as a key contributor. Involvement in transformation projects provides visibility to senior leadership. It also helps you develop strategic thinking and change management skills. Contributing to transformation efforts can accelerate your career progression.
Similar SAFE Agile Careers & Titles
Agile Project Manager
An Agile Project Manager oversees Agile projects, ensuring they are delivered on time and within scope. They facilitate team collaboration, manage risks, and ensure alignment with Agile principles. This role is similar to SAFe roles but may not be specific to the SAFe framework. Agile Project Managers often work in organizations transitioning to Agile. They require strong leadership and project management skills.
Scrum Master
A Scrum Master facilitates Scrum ceremonies, removes impediments, and supports the team in delivering value. While similar to a SAFe Scrum Master, this role may not operate within the SAFe framework. Scrum Masters focus on team-level Agile practices. They play a key role in fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment. This role is common in organizations using Scrum or hybrid Agile approaches.
Agile Coach
An Agile Coach mentors teams and leaders in adopting Agile practices. They provide training, guidance, and support for Agile transformation. Agile Coaches work across teams and help drive continuous improvement. This role is similar to a SAFe Agile Coach but may not be specific to the SAFe framework. Agile Coaches require deep expertise in Agile methodologies and change management.
Product Owner
A Product Owner is responsible for defining and prioritizing the product backlog to maximize value delivery. They work closely with stakeholders and development teams. This role is similar to a SAFe Product Owner but may not operate within the SAFe framework. Product Owners ensure alignment with business goals and customer needs. They play a critical role in Agile teams.
Program Manager
A Program Manager oversees multiple projects or teams, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. They coordinate resources, manage risks, and drive program delivery. This role is similar to a Release Train Engineer in SAFe but may not use the SAFe framework. Program Managers require strong leadership and organizational skills. They play a key role in delivering complex solutions.