Release Train Engineer

Health & Human Services Comm; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 71,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Time off benefits

Job summary

Health & Human Services Comm in Austin is seeking a Release Train Engineer to lead PI planning, backlog management, and vendor coordination for MMIS programs.

The role requires SAFe/Agile experience, strong stakeholder communication, and the ability to ensure contractors meet IT directives for Medicaid/CHIP. Telework eligibility may apply; office attendance may be required several days weekly.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Agile methodologies and SAFe practices.
• Experience with PI planning, epics and backlogs.
• Strong ability to communicate with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate PI planning and support activities.
• Manage product backlog and coordination with stakeholders.
• Oversee vendor tracking and ensure delivery of value.

Skills

Agile Methodology

Product Management

Stakeholder communication

Program Increment planning

Risk management

Team leadership

SAFe

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Job description

Career Opportunities: Release Train Engineer (21404)

Posting ID21404-Posted09/21/2026-Health & Human Services Comm-MMIS Staff APD Internal 90/10-Computer and Mathematical-Eligible for Telework-c. $5000 - $6999 per month

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 EngineerJob Title:Project Manager IVAgency:Health & Human Services CommDepartment:MMIS Staff APD Internal 90/10Posting Number:21404Closing Date:10/21/2026Posting Audience:Internal and ExternalOccupational Category:Computer and MathematicalSalary Range:$6,377.50-$7,935.00Pay Frequency: MonthlySalary Group:TEXAS-B-26Shift:DayAdditional Shift:NoneTelework:Eligible for TeleworkTravel:Up to 10%Regular/Temporary:RegularFull Time/Part Time:Full timeFLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt:ExemptFacility Location: Job Location City:AUSTINJob Location Address:701 W 51ST STOther Locations:NoneMOS 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.