Ontology Engineer (TS​/SCI

Overview

Vantor is forging the new frontier of spatial intelligence, helping decision makers and operators navigate what's happening now and shape what's coming next.

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance with CI polygraph is required.
• Roles may be subject to U.S. export control laws; requires U.S. person status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

• In coordination with domain experts, design, develop, and maintain domain-specific ontologies, taxonomies, and knowledge graphs that support Object-Based Intelligence mission objectives.
• Apply Semantic Web standards and technologies, including RDF, OWL, SHACL, and SPARQL, to model, represent, and query complex data relationships.
• Establish and maintain semantic data integration frameworks that enable interoperability across internal and external object-management systems.
• Collaborate with analysts, data scientists, engineers, and Government stakeholders to capture requirements and translate mission needs into formal knowledge models.
• Develop and maintain ontology governance processes, standards, documentation, and version-control practices to ensure consistency and scalability.
• Support AI/ML initiatives by providing structured knowledge representations that enhance model explainability, interpretability, and contextual reasoning.
• Conduct ontology validation, testing, and quality assurance activities to ensure accuracy, completeness, and alignment with mission requirements.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and knowledge transfer activities to Government personnel and project team members on ontology development methodologies and semantic technologies.

• Must be a U.S. citizen and have an active TS/SCI clearance with CI polygraph.
• 12 years of experience with an advanced degree, or 17 years of experience with a bachelor’s degree.
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing ontologies, taxonomies, or knowledge graphs in operational or research environments.
• Experience applying Semantic Web technologies, including RDF, OWL, and SPARQL.
• Knowledge of ontology engineering methodologies, data modeling principles, and semantic interoperability frameworks.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Experience developing and maintaining enterprise knowledge graphs and integrating heterogeneous data sources.
• Familiarity with AI/ML workflows and the use of ontologies to improve model explainability, reasoning, and decision support.
• Experience providing technical leadership, mentoring, and formal knowledge transfer to Government personnel or large multidisciplinary teams.
• Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) or equivalent data architecture certification.
• Certified Knowledge Manager (CKM) or comparable knowledge management credential.
• Formal training or certification in Semantic Web technologies, knowledge graphs, ontology engineering, RDF, OWL, or SPARQL.

Base pay for the Washington, DC metropolitan area ranges from $ to $ to $ annually. Pay is based on experience, qualifications, skills, location, and market conditions.

Vantor offers a competitive total rewards package that goes beyond the standard, including a robust 401(k) with company match, mental health resources, and unique perks such as student loan repayment assistance, adoption reimbursement, and pet insurance.

Vantor is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace. We believe in fostering an environment where all team members feel respected, valued, and encouraged to share their ideas. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Vantor also provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities in compliance with federal and state laws.