We are seeking an experienced Atlassian Jira Engineer (Contractor) to design, scale, and evolve enterprise solutions that power our Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe®) practices. In this role, you will leverage your deep expertise in Jira configuration and customization to bridge the gap between technical execution and SAFe portfolio constructs. Partnering closely with Agile Coaches, Product Management, and Engineering leaders, you will ensure Jira serves as a high-performing, scalable platform that drives transparency, governance, and continuous improvement across the organization.

Jira Platform Engineering & Configuration

• Design and implement enterprise-grade Jira configurations aligned to SAFe®

• Constructs (Portfolio Epics, Features, Stories, Planning Increments, etc.).

• Configure and maintain issue hierarchies, workflows, screens, fields, permissions, and schemes to support scaled agile delivery.

• Build and maintain Jira projects and templates that enable consistency while allowing

• team-level flexibility.

• Ensure Jira configurations support governance, auditability, and reporting

• requirements without over-burdening delivery teams.

SAFe® Enablement

• Translate SAFe® concepts (Lean Portfolio Management, ARTs, PIs, value streams) into

• practical Jira implementations.

• Support PI Planning, execution, and tracking through Jira and related Atlassian tools.

• Partner with Agile Coaches, Release Train Engineers, and Product leadership to

• continuously refine Jira usage in line with evolving SAFe® maturity.

• Enable flow metrics, dependency management, and cross-team visibility using Jira data.

Customization & Development

• Develop custom Jira solutions using:

• Jira Automation

• ScriptRunner (Groovy)

• Forge and/or Connect apps

• REST APIs and webhooks

• Build custom fields, listeners, automation rules, and integrations to support enterprise

• workflows.

• Design scalable solutions that avoid performance degradation and minimise technical debt.

Integrations & Toolchain

• Integrate Jira with other enterprise tools (e.g., CI/CD pipelines, source control, service

• management, portfolio tools, reporting platforms).

• Maintain data integrity across integrated systems and ensure reliable bi-directional

• data flows.

• Collaborate with platform and engineering teams on secure and compliant integrations.

Reporting & Insights

• Design and maintain dashboards and reports for teams, programs, and portfolios.

• Enable metrics aligned to SAFe® and flow-based measurement (e.g., predictability,

• throughput, WIP).

• Support leadership and governance reporting through trusted Jira data.

Operational Excellence & Support

• Act as a subject matter expert for Jira within the organisation.

• Troubleshoot complex Jira issues and provide advanced support to users and admins.

• Document standards, patterns, and best practices for Jira usage and configuration.

• Contribute to platform governance and continuous improvement initiatives.