Agile Transformation Lead/SAFe Program Consultant (SPC)/Release Train Engineer
Apply NowCompany: KDA Consulting Inc
Location: Bethesda, MD 20817
Description:
We are seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking leader who embodies the intersection of agility, intelligence, and grounded execution. This role is designed for a SAFe-certified leader with AI fluency, exceptional team collaboration skills, and the ability to thrive within complex systems, legacy environments, and fast-moving transformations.
The position requires an active Top Secret/SCI + CI Poly US Security Clearance.
This is not a theoretical role. We're looking for someone who can lead and follow, coach teams, influence executives, and honor what works while building what's next.
Key Job Responsibilities
Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of Agile Release Trains (ARTs), including PI Planning and cross-team delivery alignment
Coach executives, RTEs, Scrum Masters, Product Owners, and Solution Architects on SAFe practices and mindsets
Integrate AI tools (e.g., generative AI, predictive insights, AIOps) to enhance visibility, backlog prioritization, and continuous improvement
Navigate and improve legacy systems, enterprise policies, and compliance requirements without disruption to critical operations
Facilitate value stream identification, Agile maturity assessments, and enterprise-wide change adoption
Serve as a systems thinker-identifying dependencies, constraints, and opportunities for optimization across business and IT
Communicate complex technical and business concepts clearly to executive stakeholders and delivery teams alike
Champion psychological safety, servant leadership, and cross-functional collaboration within distributed environments
Track and report on key flow, delivery, and value metrics (e.g., lead time, throughput, OKRs) to drive continuous improvement
Align technology teams with business outcomes through Lean Portfolio Management and Agile governance practices
Required Qualifications
SAFe SPC, RTE, or equivalent certification with hands-on implementation experience
Demonstrated experience leading ARTs and coaching across all levels of the organization
Strong working knowledge of Agile tools (e.g., Jira Align, ServiceNow, Miro)
Experience working within or alongside legacy architectures and regulated environments
Proven ability to deliver in enterprise settings with multiple systems, stakeholders, and funding models
Experience integrating or leveraging AI and analytics tools to improve planning, insight, or automation
Exceptional communication, coaching, facilitation, and servant leadership skills
Comfortable leading from the front, supporting from behind, or collaborating side-by-side
Preferred Traits
Deep systems thinker with Lean-Agile mindset
Strong grounding in DevOps, continuous delivery, and transformation strategy
Equally skilled at navigating enterprise governance and inspiring grassroots team innovation
Fiercely collaborative, ego-free, and dedicated to outcomes over titles
Emotionally intelligent leader who can drive clarity, alignment, and momentum in complexity
Core Values We Expect This Leader to Embody
Requirements
Job Requirements
Active TS/SCI + CI Poly U.S. Government Security is required
Bachelor's Degree
Sixteen (16) years of relevant professional work experience
Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality
Strong interpersonal skills, especially the ability to network and establish professional relationships
Ability to prioritize, demonstrated strong organizational skills, and ability to meet or exceed deadlines
The position requires an active Top Secret/SCI + CI Poly US Security Clearance.
This is not a theoretical role. We're looking for someone who can lead and follow, coach teams, influence executives, and honor what works while building what's next.
Key Job Responsibilities
Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of Agile Release Trains (ARTs), including PI Planning and cross-team delivery alignment
Coach executives, RTEs, Scrum Masters, Product Owners, and Solution Architects on SAFe practices and mindsets
Integrate AI tools (e.g., generative AI, predictive insights, AIOps) to enhance visibility, backlog prioritization, and continuous improvement
Navigate and improve legacy systems, enterprise policies, and compliance requirements without disruption to critical operations
Facilitate value stream identification, Agile maturity assessments, and enterprise-wide change adoption
Serve as a systems thinker-identifying dependencies, constraints, and opportunities for optimization across business and IT
Communicate complex technical and business concepts clearly to executive stakeholders and delivery teams alike
Champion psychological safety, servant leadership, and cross-functional collaboration within distributed environments
Track and report on key flow, delivery, and value metrics (e.g., lead time, throughput, OKRs) to drive continuous improvement
Align technology teams with business outcomes through Lean Portfolio Management and Agile governance practices
Required Qualifications
SAFe SPC, RTE, or equivalent certification with hands-on implementation experience
Demonstrated experience leading ARTs and coaching across all levels of the organization
Strong working knowledge of Agile tools (e.g., Jira Align, ServiceNow, Miro)
Experience working within or alongside legacy architectures and regulated environments
Proven ability to deliver in enterprise settings with multiple systems, stakeholders, and funding models
Experience integrating or leveraging AI and analytics tools to improve planning, insight, or automation
Exceptional communication, coaching, facilitation, and servant leadership skills
Comfortable leading from the front, supporting from behind, or collaborating side-by-side
Preferred Traits
Deep systems thinker with Lean-Agile mindset
Strong grounding in DevOps, continuous delivery, and transformation strategy
Equally skilled at navigating enterprise governance and inspiring grassroots team innovation
Fiercely collaborative, ego-free, and dedicated to outcomes over titles
Emotionally intelligent leader who can drive clarity, alignment, and momentum in complexity
Core Values We Expect This Leader to Embody
- Lead from where you are.
- Respect the legacy, build the future.
- Create clarity. Deliver value. Empower people.
Requirements
Job Requirements
Active TS/SCI + CI Poly U.S. Government Security is required
Bachelor's Degree
Sixteen (16) years of relevant professional work experience
Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality
Strong interpersonal skills, especially the ability to network and establish professional relationships
Ability to prioritize, demonstrated strong organizational skills, and ability to meet or exceed deadlines