Application Modernization SME

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 1. Evaluate, identify, and resolve bi-directional synchronization issues between RICS and RBDMS data structures 1. Create a roadmap to sunset active RBDMS functionality used by DOGRM program areas 1. Act as a proxy Product Owner with the RICS vendor by: • Attending standups • Defining features, user stories, and acceptance criteria in Azure DevOps (ADO) 1. Lead testing and validation of RICS enhancements in collaboration with business stakeholders 1. Manage existing OnBase taxonomy, including: • Identifying new document groups • Submitting new document types as required Preferred Skills & Experience • Strong experience as a Product Specialist or Technical SME • Background in application modernization projects • Experience with SQL Server, Microsoft Access (legacy systems), and Azure • Familiarity with Azure DevOps (ADO) for backlog and delivery management • Experience working with vendors and cross-functional teams • Strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills • Ability to bridge technical and business requirements