Agile Coach / JIRA Administrator - BlackSea Technologies

Agile Coach / JIRA Administrator 
Location: San Diego, CA (Onsite) 
Clearance: Active clearance strongly preferred 

At BlackSea Technologies, we are at the forefront of operational transformation, driving change in collaboration with high-performing DoD clients. Our mission is to help our partners optimize their workflows and operational efficiency using cutting-edge methodologies such as Agile, Kanban, and Design Thinking. We are seeking an experienced Agile Coach with advanced JIRA administration skills and Kanban expertise to support a critical transformation initiative within the maritime autonomy space. 

About the Role 
As an Agile Coach and JIRA Administrator, you will play a pivotal role in enabling our DoD client's transformation journey. Your primary responsibility will be to implement and manage JIRA for tracking, managing, and optimizing Agile processes, while also coaching teams to embrace Agile principles, with a special emphasis on Kanban. You will be instrumental in fostering a continuous improvement mindset, ensuring the successful transition to a more Agile operating model. 

Key Responsibilities 

• JIRA Administration: Customize and manage JIRA workflows, boards, and dashboards to support Agile teams and ensure alignment with the organization's transformation goals. 

• Agile Coaching: Guide and coach teams on Agile methodologies, focusing on Kanban, to drive process improvements and support the organization’s transformation initiatives. 

• Kanban Expertise: Lead the integration of Kanban practices to optimize workflows, limit work-in-progress, and improve overall team efficiency. 

• Design Thinking Integration: Facilitate workshops and training to encourage innovation and problem-solving using Design Thinking methodologies. 

• Team Development: Build high-performing Agile teams by promoting self-organization, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement. 

• Collaboration: Partner with senior stakeholders to identify bottlenecks and provide strategic recommendations for workflow optimization using Agile and Kanban frameworks. 

Technical Skills & Qualifications 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Engineering, or related field. 

• Experience: 5 years of Agile Coaching experience with an emphasis on Kanban practices, including 3 years of JIRA administration in a DoD environment. 

• JIRA Expertise: Proficient in JIRA administration, including workflow configuration, custom fields, dashboards, and reporting. 

• Agile Methodologies: Deep knowledge of Kanban and other Agile frameworks (e.g., Scrum, Lean), and a proven track record of leading Agile transformations. 

• Clearance: Active DoD security clearance is preferred. 

• Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. 

• Certifications: Agile coaching or JIRA administration certifications (e.g., ICAgile, SAFe, or Certified JIRA Administrator) are a plus. 

Desired Skills 

• Defense Experience: Prior experience working with DoD clients or in a defense contracting environment. 

• Design Thinking: Exposure to Design Thinking methods and their application in driving innovation within Agile frameworks. 

• Automation Tools: Familiarity with Agile tools like Confluence, Trello, and CI/CD pipeline integration for project tracking and delivery. 

Why Join Us? 
At BlackSea Technologies, we believe in empowering our team to drive change and deliver results that matter. Join us in shaping the future of maritime autonomy and defense operations, and help us build secure, efficient systems that support critical national defense missions. 

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