Solution Train Engineer vs Release Train Engineer: Key Differences

The software development process includes multiple tasks and many experts working collaboratively. It is a collective effort that ensures excellent project delivery, which meets all the user requirements. The two most significant roles in the software development life cycle are Solution Train Engineer and Release Train Engineer. Though their roles often get confused as similar, there are unique responsibilities that they manage.

As the titles suggest, solution train engineers facilitate and guide all the works of suppliers and ARTs. On the other hand, release train engineer manages operations to assist their team in delivering value in their final product. Let us dig deeper and discuss solution train engineer vs release train engineer in detail for better clarity. 

Who is a Solution Train Engineer?

The primary duty of a solution train engineer is to ensure that all the teams working on a project collaborate effectively. A project of a higher magnitude requires extensive planning, and only an expert can do that. People working in this domain often opt for SAFe Release Train Engineer certification, which trains them to provide effective solutions in all circumstances and add value to the project. So, basically, the solution train engineer's roles and responsibilities are all about supporting the solution train. 

Who is the Release Train Engineer?

The release train engineer is a professional who facilitates ART events. These experts also assist various teams working on a project to help them deliver the expected end product. Another responsibility of a release train engineer is to communicate with the stakeholders, keeping them in the loop with progress. Additionally, they drive relentless improvement throughout the software development life cycle. 

Solution Train Engineer vs Release Train Engineer: Comaprison

So, we have discussed the individual roles and responsibilities of a solution train engineer and a release train engineer. The table below gives the difference between solution train and agile release train based on various parameters.

Parameter	Solution Train Engineer	Release Train Engineer
Focus	STEs focus on infrastructure needs	RTEs focus on driving SAFe adoption of specific teams
Job Role	The job is primarily to facilitate solution events.	The job is to facilitate program level processes.
Responsibilities	STE responsibilities are extensive as they amalgamate the phased solutions provided by RTEs	RTEs are responsible for providing solutions for each phase of the software development life cycle.
Skills Required	STEs must have strong understanding of agile framework and effective communication skills.	RTEs must have fair understanding of the agile framework
Technical Expertise	It is a plus if the STE comes from a technical background.	It is certainly not a requirement.
Certifications	STEs can opt for certifications related to product architecture, enterprise strategy execution and likewise	RTEs can opt for certifications related to scrum alliance, agile coaching and project management.
Salary	Average salary of a STE is 118,000 annually.	Average salary of a RTE is $ 102,000 annually

Difference Between Solution Train Engineer and Release Train Engineer

The table briefly describes the difference between solution train engineer and release train engineer. Let us discuss each parameter in detail to understand both roles better. 

1. Solution Train Engineer vs Release Train Engineer: Focus 

The first parameter in solution train engineer vs release train engineer agile is the job focus. The solution train engineer focuses on executing SAFe implementation for a specific team and not the entire enterprise. They deliver solutions in phases or at different levels during the software development life cycle. 

Solution train engineers focus on infrastructure and procurement needs. They amalgamate the solutions an RTE provides in different phases and ensure the solution train of the entire project is well in sync. Taking the Agile certification online will help with experiential learning with case studies and simulations on Agile methodologies.

2. Solution Train Engineer vs Release Train Engineer: Job Role 

STE is a servant leader who facilitates the solution train events and processes and supports the ARTs to deliver value to the project. Their role is significant because their work scope is much more extensive than all other professionals working on the same project.

On the other hand, the role of RTEs is to facilitate program-level processes and manage risks. They might work as full-time Scrum Master and escalate impediments. The solutions they provide or issues they resolve in different phases are what get amalgamated by the STEs. 

3. Solution Train Engineer vs Release Train Engineer: Responsibilities 

Solution train engineers are responsible for communicating with the stakeholders and other third parties involved in the project. Additionally, they are accountable for adding more value to the project infrastructure, ensuring efficient project delivery. 

Release train engineers, on the other hand, manage the risks involved in small phases. These professionals are held responsible for small units rather than the entire project. Furthermore, a release train engineer is responsible for assisting and mentoring teams according to the lean or agile concepts. 

4. Solution Train Engineer vs Release Train Engineer: Skills Required 

Like any other profession, the solution train engineers also require soft and hard skills. They should have expertise in agile frameworks. Additionally, they should know how to build and evolve large solutions for critical customer requirements. In soft skills, they should be good at communicating, problem-solving and critical thinking.

There is a need for both hard and soft skills to become a release train engineer. These experts should know how to do test runs for smaller units and the fundamental principles of the agile framework. Additionally, they should have better communication and interpersonal skills.

5. Solution Train Engineer vs Release Train Engineer: Technical Expertise 

coding is not involved in either solution train or release train engineering, so these professionals do not require any technical expertise. So, it is fair to say that release train engineers do not have to come from a technical background. 

However, it is fruitful to have basic knowledge of programming languages for the solution train engineers. Though they might not use this expertise in their job, it would enable them to identify the abilities of different team members working under them. 

6. Solution Train Engineer vs Release Train Engineer: Certifications 

Certifications are the right way to give a push to your professional career. Certification courses related to product architecture are best for the solution train engineers. Some of the certifications you can go for are:

• SAFe POPM Certification
• CSM Certification
• CSPO Certification

and the list is never-ending. 

Certification courses related to scrum alliance are best for the release train engineers. The best and most preferred certification you can go for is SAFe Release Train Engineer Certification. 

7. Solution Train Engineer vs Release Train Engineer: Salary 

• The average salary of a solution train engineer is $ 118,000. You may start from $100k. It can go up to $ 160k after a few years of experience. 
• The average salary of a release train engineer is $ 102,000. You may start from $90k. It can go up to $ 140k after a few years of experience. 

How are They Similar?

By now, you must have a deeper understanding of the differences or uniqueness in the roles of an STE and RTE. However, it is significant to note that these two types of professionals also hold certain similarities. Some of the similarities that these two professionals have are:

• Their aim is to deliver final products that meet the end user requirements and keep the company's reputation high. 
• Both professionals focus on keeping the entire software development life cycle in sync and achieving set targets within their pre-decided budget. Additionally, they also take care of efficient resource management.
• STE and RTE professionals ensure active communication between the teams and with stakeholders and third parties involved. This way, they keep the environment productive and risk-free at all times.

What Should You Choose Between Solution Train Engineer vs. Release Train Engineer?

Whether you should choose to become a solution train engineer or a release train engineer depends on your career goals. Moreover, consider your areas of interest before starting your professional journey. It would be a mistake to choose a field considering what others have chosen, as you might not be able to excel this way.

We have discussed solution train engineer vs release train engineer agile based on various parameters. You have also learned about the similarities that these two domains have with one another. It should be easier to decipher which job role would be best for you. It is better to learn about the detailed responsibilities you would have to complete and choose a profession where you can work to the best of your potential. Once you have decided on a professional path for yourself, it is advisable to explore the KnowledgeHut SAFe Release Train Engineer certification programs and give a push to your professional journey. 

Conclusion

The article gives detailed information about release vs solution train engineers and the similarities between the domains. All this information will help you decide which job role would be apt for you. Rest assured, you will have a secure and monetarily profitable professional career, irrespective of the domain you choose out of these two. 

However, to enjoy all these perks, one has to learn all the necessary skills. So, start by identifying the trade of your choice and have a solid plan of action to achieve your professional goals. Look for certification programs in the field of your interest and complete the training to gain essential skills. Once you have the soft and hard skills, you can be an asset for your employer, and enjoy a long, secure professional career.