Release Train Engineer

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Generous time off

Career advancement

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services in Austin seeks a Release Train Engineer (Project Manager IV) to lead PI planning and backlog management for Medicaid/CHIP programs. You will collaborate with the System Architect, product teams, and vendors to deliver program increments and ensure contract compliance.

The role emphasizes continuous discovery, roadmap development, and value delivery within an Agile Release Train, with telework eligibility and a day shift.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Six+ years in project/product management or related field
• Experience in an Agile environment
• SAFe certifications preferred but not required

Responsibilities

• Lead PI planning and backlog development with cross-team coordination
• Provide day-to-day management support for Product Managers and Strategy Analysts
• Serve as voice of MMIS IT RTE in program planning, demos, and I&A events
• Analyze IT components of product enhancements and mitigate risks
• Lead workgroups to define procedures and improve workflows for MMIS delivery
• Coordinate stakeholder activities to ensure value delivery and adherence to standards

Skills

PI planning

Backlog management

Agile

Vendor oversight

Stakeholder coordination

Program Increment

Roadmap alignment

Leadership

Education

Four-year degree

Tools

SAFe

Job description

Date: Sep 21, 2026

Location:

AUSTIN, TX

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Release Train Engineer

Job Title: Project Manager IV

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: MMIS Staff APD Internal 90/10

Posting Number: 21404

Closing Date: 10/21/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Computer and Mathematical

Salary Range: $6,377.50 - $7,935.00

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-26

Shift: Day

Additional Shift:

Telework: Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 10%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Facility Location:

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST

Other Locations:

MOS Codes: 2611,8058,8060,8848,16KX,1D7X1,32EX,3D0X4,611X,612X,63A,63AX,641X,712X,8K000,BU,CE,EA,SEI16

Brief Job Description

The Release Train Engineer (RTE) leads a team that supports the development of roadmapping activities for a product backlog. The selected individual will perform technical analysis and contract oversight of HHSC third party information technology systems in support of Texas Medicaid and CHIP programs. The candidate will routinely interact with business users and contracted IT representatives. This position will ensure contractor systems meet agency information technology directives, plans, goals, and contract requirements for Medicaid/CHIP programs including, but not limited to, Vendor Drug, Acute and Long-Term Care. This position participates in planning, definition and high-level design of the solution while actively participating in continuous discovery, especially with developing a Vision, Roadmap and program/product backlogs. The RTE is responsible for managing the delivery of value and ensuring continuous communication, alignment, and commitment regarding Program Increment (PI) planning. This may include identification, development, input into, or validation of a solution. Assumes a strategic role which ensures all aspects of the creation and delivery of an emergent program backlog. Will work with the System Architect, management, product delivery teams, and all stakeholders to plan and delivery of the Program Increment. Works to achieve efficiency for the Agile Release Train and Program Increment (PI) Planning. Works under minimal direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Oversees and facilitates PI planning and all supporting activities including epic and backlog development, estimates, risk//issue management, cross-team coordination, Agile Release Train management to adhere to established standards, policies, and procedures. Develops strategies for resolving deficiencies or deviations in the deliverables from program area goals and expected outcomes and provides recommendations to product team. Develops and reports on epics, user stories and PI plans. (30%)
• Provides day-to-day management support for a team of Product Managers and supporting Product Strategy Analysts who will coordinate with internal and external stakeholders for product backlog development and management. (30%)
• Serves as voice of the MMIS IT RTE in all program-level planning activities. Facilitates and manages the program-level PI planning, solution demos, and Inspect and Adapt (I&A) events. Ensures program requirements are met and value is being delivered. Oversees various vendor product tracking systems to ensure vision and roadmap strategy, epic definition and any associated acceptance criteria are well defined, measurable and deliverable. (20%)
• Analyzes, documents and reports on the IT component of product enhancements with emphasis on identification of risk factors and developing mitigation strategies. Compares PI planning schedule with current progress. Identifies risks and issues and reports any change or impact to the PI. Ensures vendors are reporting accurate metrics and are operating within established procedures. Provides status updates on the PI and responds to questions from management. (10%)
• Leads workgroups to prepare, define and develop procedures or processes to comply with established policies. Identifies gaps in established processes and collaborates with agency staff to make recommendations for their closure. Provides recommendations on improving process workflows in the operation of the Texas Medicaid Managed Information System (MMIS). (10%)
• Coordinates with stakeholders to support continuous delivery of value in accordance with established standards, policies, and procedures to ensure operational, technical and system support requirements are met. Develops mitigation plans when risks associated with scope, cost or resources are discussed during status meetings to ensure stakeholders are aware of possible issues. (10%)

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of computer systems and of the techniques used in automated systems
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software
• Knowledge of computer operating systems
• Knowledge of Medicaid and/or CHIP Program and Policy.
• Knowledge of multiple computer-based systems, information technology management, and systems development methodologies including programming languages, systems analysis, and system testing.
• Skill in Agile Methodology
• Skill in Product Management
• Skill in ensuring systems meet business requirements
• Skill in coordinating and solving problems
• Skill in communicating effectively both verbally and in writing with technical and non-technical staff
• Skill in stakeholder engagement
• Skill in reviewing technical requirements and ensuring that vendors are using best practices and technology
• Ability to solve problems using various techniques and approaches
• Ability to provide leadership and managing personnel in a team environment
• Ability to communicate issues and coordinate oversight across multiple cross-functional divisions.
• Ability to monitor and report on the status of large-scale technical solutions

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Certifications preferred but not required

Initial Screening Criteria

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in business administration, computer science, computer information systems, management information systems, or a related field. Experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.
• Six (6) or more years’ experience working in business analysis, project/product management or related field
• Experience working in an agile environment

Preferred

• Experience working in a state agency

Additional Information

This position will require the chosen candidate to work in the office a minimum of three (3) days a week.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, And Veterans

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks And Work Eligibility

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.

Nearest Major Market: Austin