Scrum Master

By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide.

Cole Engineering Services (CESI), a By Light company, is recognized as a premier provider of modeling and simulation (M&S) training solutions to the Federal Government and industry. Since 2004, CESI has been at the forefront of developing, maintaining, and integrating simulation-based training, serious gaming, technical services, training, and other support in live, virtual, constructive, and gaming (LVCG) domains. CESI also designs, builds and runs infrastructure, platforms, applications and processes that enable cyber training for the integrated multi-domain force. Our vision is to become a worldwide full spectrum LVCG and cyber training/analysis developer, integrator and services provider.

Position Overview

Cole Engineering Services, Inc. (CESI) is seeking a SAFe Scrum Master, preferably SAFe certified, to join the Persistent Cyber Training Environment Operations Group. The SAFe Scrum Master will primarily oversee Agile teams through PI planning events, facilitating Agile ceremonies, Coaching teams on Agile/SAFe practices, removing impediments, and coaching cross-functional teams across multiple teams. This role will also provide backup support to the Knowledge Manager, contributing to the organization and upkeep of the internal documentation, knowledge systems and team collaboration tools to deliver high-quality cyber training capabilities that directly support USCYBERCOM and CNMF mission readiness. This role is ideal for an Agile practitioner who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and enjoys collaborating with diverse stakeholders to enable operational success.

This position is located onsite at Fort Meade, MD.

Responsibilities

Agile Facilitation & Delivery

• Serve as SAFe Scrum Master for one or more Agile teams, guiding them through sprint planning, daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and retrospectives.
• Support Program level activities, like PI Planning ART-level coordination in a SAFe environment.
• Help teams align with program goals, dependencies and shared deliverables.
• Ensure that Agile principles, practices, and ceremonies are followed consistently to deliver value on time and within scope.
• Track team performance, monitor progress toward sprint and release goals, and report key metrics to leadership.

Team Coaching & Support

• Function as a servant-leader to the team, fostering an environment of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Identify and remove obstacles that impede team progress, escalating issues when necessary.
• Coach team members, Product Owners, and stakeholders on Agile best practices and Lean-Agile principles and empower them to self-organize.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Collaborate with Product Owners to refine and prioritize product backlogs to ensure alignment with operational and training objectives.
• Communicate progress, risks, and dependencies to program leadership and mission stakeholders.
• Facilitate alignment between multiple teams, ensuring dependencies are identified and resolved early.

Knowledge Management Support

• Assist in supporting Confluence space and other KM systems.
• Support the development and standardization of documentation templates and page structure.
• Ensure key artifacts are captured and up to date.
• Promote knowledge-sharing behaviors across Agile teams.
• Serve as backup or liaison for the Knowledge Manager when needed.

Required Experience/Qualifications

• 5 years of experience as a Scrum Master in Agile or SAFe Environments, or Agile facilitator in a software development, training development, or systems engineering environment.
• Hands-on experience leading Agile ceremonies, PI Planning and coaching teams on Agile and SAFe principles.
• Strong understanding of Agile frameworks (Scrum, SAFe, or Kanban) and the ability to adapt them to a government or mission environment.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Bachelor's degree in technical field.
• Current DoD 8570 certification at IAT Level II or Level III (or ability to obtain within 6 months).

Preferred Experience/Qualifications

• SAFe Scrum Master (SSM), Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), or equivalent Agile certification.
• Experience supporting Combatant Commands, USCYBERCOM, or other Joint Force Headquarters.
• Familiarity with tools such as Jira, Confluence, Rally, or other Agile management software.
• Experience coordinating with cross-functional teams, including software developers, testers, and mission planners.
• Basic understanding of knowledge management practices

Special Requirements/Security Clearance

Please note that pursuant to a government contract, this specific position requires U. S. Citizenship status and a TS/SCI security clearance with the ability to successfully pass a CI polygraph if requested by the Government. Security Clearance requirements will be specified in the Government's Task Order.

Occasional travel may be required (as part of a mobile training team) up to 25% of the time.

Salary Range

Based on the roles, responsibilities, and requirements, the projected pay range for this position is: $100,000 - $140,000

The annual base salary provided is a guideline for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. When extending an offer, CESI also considers other variables such as (but not limited to) work experience, education, training, skill set, internal peer equity, clearance level, and market conditions. In addition, CESI provides an extensive selection of benefits and offerings to our employees.

Benefits Overview

CESI recognizes that our strength is our people. We support every employee as an individual to build strong teams across the enterprise. Our benefit package includes:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
• Wellness Program
• 401(k) Matching
• Disability (Short Term & Long Term)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance
• Education & Training
• Generous Leave Policy (11 Federal Holidays, PTO, Military Leave, Bereavement and Jury Duty)

Cole Engineering Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran status, membership in an employee organization, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local laws.