Product Owner

Are you a delivery-focused Product Owner who thrives on turning complex requirements into clear, actionable work for engineering teams?

Smart State Inc. is expanding! We are looking for a Product Owner to drive execution within our US product teams from our New Jersey hub. This isn’t just a coordination role, it’s a hands-on position where you will own the backlog, define detailed requirements, and ensure high-quality delivery across complex digital platforms. If you enjoy working in structured product environments and partnering closely with engineering to ship impactful features, we want to hear from you.

📍 Location: Fort Lee, NJ (100% On-site)

⏰ Work Mode: Full-time (Remote/Hybrid not available)

The Role 🛠️

As a Product Owner, you will own and manage the product backlog while supporting delivery across the full development lifecycle. You’ll collaborate closely with Product Managers, Engineering, and stakeholders to ensure requirements are clear, prioritized, and executed efficiently in a fast-paced, regulated environment.

What You’ll Do 🚀

• Own the Backlog: Manage, prioritize, and maintain a clear, actionable product backlog aligned with business goals.
• Drive Execution: Define sprint goals and actively participate in Agile ceremonies including sprint planning, stand-ups, reviews, and retrospectives.
• Define Requirements: Translate business needs into detailed user stories, use cases, and acceptance criteria.
• Refine Continuously: Lead backlog grooming and ensure all tasks are ready for development.
• Support Delivery: Partner closely with engineering teams to clarify requirements, remove blockers, and ensure smooth execution.
• Manage Change: Capture and prioritize change requests and operational improvements.
• Ensure Quality: Define acceptance criteria and validate delivered features meet requirements and quality standards.
• Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Work with Product Managers and stakeholders to ensure alignment and clarity across all deliverables.
• Document Thoroughly: Maintain clear and structured product documentation including workflows, epics, and supporting materials.

What We’re Looking For 🎯

• 5–7 years of experience as a Product Owner or similar role with hands-on backlog ownership.
• Experience in iGaming, sports betting, fintech, or other regulated environments is strongly preferred.
• Strong expertise in backlog management, user story writing, and requirements definition.
• Solid technical understanding of system architecture, APIs, and integrations.
• Proven experience working in Agile/Scrum environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work across technical and non-technical teams.

Nice to Have ✅

• Experience working on large-scale platforms with multiple dependencies.
• Familiarity with UML, BPMN, or similar modeling techniques.
• Experience in structured product organizations with cross-functional teams.

Why Join Smart State Inc.? 💎

Smart State Inc. is a rapidly growing technology company that blends software engineering, analytics, and product thinking to deliver reliable, innovative digital solutions. It’s a place where talented individuals can make a real impact and where smart ideas are empowered to move fast and execute boldly.

✅ Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision 401(k)

✅ Time Off: Generous PTO policy

✅ Perks: Partially subsidized in-office breakfasts and lunches

✅ Culture: Collaborative, international team that celebrates milestones and wins together

✅ Growth: Strong opportunities for professional development and ownership within a scaling organization

Smart State Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe diverse perspectives make us stronger and provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.