Product Specialist (Technical SME / Application Modernization)
Client : Our Direct Client
Location : Columbus, OH
Position Overview
The Product Specialist serves as the technical subject matter expert (SME) for one or more enterprise-level products within a technical development or execution environment. This role ensures the availability, stability, and effective use of assigned products by application teams and end users.
The Product Specialist will collaborate closely with Technical Architecture Specialists, System Specialists, Developers, Vendors, and Business Stakeholders to support product implementations, enhancements, and modernization initiatives, including migration to newer platforms and versions.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the technical SME for an enterprise-wide system
- Lead and support product and service implementations
- Provide direct technical expertise to executive-level applications, including systems with national security implications
- Recommend functional and technical improvements to supported products
- Analyze the functional and technical impact of product planning decisions
- Develop and enforce functional, usability, and quality standards
- Track and document product usage, volume, and performance metrics
- Participate in product design and architecture reviews
- Perform impact analysis for production fixes and enhancements
- Provide timely and accurate product support and issue resolution
- Deliver on-site support as required
- Accurately assess and assign defect severity
- Contribute to training materials and technical documentation
- Maintain thorough documentation of all work
- Review system test strategies and validate detailed test scenarios
Technical Background & Project Context
RICS (Relationally Integrated Computer System) :Application modernization initiative for the Division of Oil & Gas Resources Management (DOGRM) . The current system uses a Microsoft Access UI with a SQL Server backend (RBDMS) and is being migrated to a web-based Azure-hosted solution .RBDMS (Legacy System) :Actively used legacy system requiring a defined roadmap for sunset and migration , while maintaining operational continuity.Deliverables & Goals
Evaluate, identify, and resolve bi-directional synchronization issues between RICS and RBDMS data structuresCreate a roadmap to sunset active RBDMS functionality used by DOGRM program areasAct as a proxy Product Owner with the RICS vendor by :Attending standupsDefining features, user stories, and acceptance criteria in Azure DevOps (ADO)Lead testing and validation of RICS enhancements in collaboration with business stakeholdersManage existing OnBase taxonomy , including :Identifying new document groupsSubmitting new document types as requiredPreferred Skills & Experience
Strong experience as a Product Specialist or Technical SMEBackground in application modernization projectsExperience with SQL Server, Microsoft Access (legacy systems), and AzureFamiliarity with Azure DevOps (ADO) for backlog and delivery managementExperience working with vendors and cross-functional teamsStrong analytical, documentation, and communication skillsAbility to bridge technical and business requirements