SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) is a proprietary methodology framework, created by Dean Leffingwell and marketed by the company Scaled Agile, that aims to apply agility to large organizations where dozens or even hundreds of teams work on the same products.
It groups teams into Agile Release Trains synchronized on cycles called Program Increments, often about a quarter long. Each cycle opens with PI Planning, a large shared planning event. SAFe also defines specific roles (Release Train Engineer, Product Management, System Architect) and several levels, up to the portfolio.
It is widespread in large corporations (banking, insurance, telecoms, industry, public sector). It is also criticized for its heaviness and its distance from the spirit of the Agile Manifesto; LeSS and the "Scrum of Scrums" are lighter alternatives.
Why it matters when hiring
SAFe mostly matters when hiring Scrum Masters, Release Train Engineers and Product Owners in large corporations, where certification is sometimes required. It proves training, not ability. Ask what the candidate changed after a failed PI Planning. Conversely, a very SAFe-oriented profile may struggle to adapt to a scale-up that wants to stay lightweight.