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Ontologist Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Lead Ontologist - OBIQUA

Reston, VA · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Lead Ontologist Celestar Corporation is seeking a Lead Ontologist to support the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) under the Object Based Intelligence and Quality Assurance (OBIQUA) task order. The ...

Celestar Corporation is seeking a Lead Ontologist to support the Defense Intelligence Agency ( DIA) under the Object Based Intelligence and Quality Assurance (OBIQUA) task order. The primary place of ...

Ontologist

Laurel, MD · On-site

$171K - $203K/yr

Description Are you passionate about building solutions for our greatest national security challenges? Are you searching for engaging work with an employer that prioritizes impact, innovation, and ...

Responsibilities Expert Systems Integrators support the Government by leading and overseeing the integrity of the NSG/ASG systems-of-systems enterprise. They lead and oversee planning, implementation ...

Responsibilities Expert Systems Integrators support the Government by leading and overseeing the integrity of the NSG/ASG systems-of-systems enterprise. They lead and oversee planning, implementation ...

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Ontologist information

What does an ontologist do?

An Ontologist designs and manages structured frameworks for organizing information, such as taxonomies, ontologies, and metadata schemas. They work to ensure data is meaningfully categorized and interconnected, improving search, retrieval, and interoperability across systems. Ontologists often collaborate with data scientists, engineers, and subject matter experts to develop semantic models that enhance AI, machine learning, and knowledge management applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ontologist?

To thrive as an Ontologist, you need a solid background in information science, knowledge representation, and formal logic, typically supported by a degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field. Experience with semantic web technologies (such as RDF, OWL, and SPARQL), ontology management tools (like Protégé), and sometimes certification in data modeling or knowledge engineering is highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills make an ontologist stand out. These competencies are critical for designing and maintaining data structures that improve organizational understanding, interoperability, and searchability of information.

How much do ontologists make?

Ontologists typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and industry. Senior roles or those in specialized fields may offer higher salaries, especially with expertise in knowledge representation and ontology development tools.

How to become an ontologist?

To become an ontologist, typically a bachelor's degree in computer science, information science, philosophy, or a related field is required, often followed by specialized training or certification in ontology development and semantic technologies. Gaining experience with tools like OWL, RDF, and knowledge modeling, along with strong analytical and logical skills, is also important for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ontologist jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Ontologist jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Ontologist jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Ontologist job openings:

Infographic showing various Ontologist job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 64% In-person, and 36% Remote job distribution.

Lead Ontologist - OBIQUA

Kinsley Power Systems

Reston, VA • On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Lead Ontologist

Celestar Corporation is seeking a Lead Ontologist to support the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) under the Object Based Intelligence and Quality Assurance (OBIQUA) task order. The primary place of performance will be at DIA Facilities across the National Capital Region (NCR).

Anticipated Award: October 2026

Anticipated Start: October 2026

Period of Performance: 1 Base Year + 4 Option Years

Location: DIA Facilities across the National Capital Region (NCR)

Clearance Requirement: Active TS/SCI with a Current CI Poly (adjudicated within the last 5 years)

About Us: Celestar, a B&A Company, offers highly competitive salaries and benefits. Our comprehensive benefits package includes company-paid employee and family dental insurance, employee health insurance, life insurance, and disability coverage. Additionally, we provide a 401(k)-retirement plan with company matching, paid holidays, and personal time off.

Responsibilities
  • Develop domain‑specific ontologies for DIA's OBIQUA initiative.
  • Lead the application of semantic web standards (RDF, OWL, SPARQL) and government data standards to enable semantic representation of data inputs, facilitating integration and interoperability across intelligence systems.
  • Design, develop, and maintain domain‑specific ontologies supporting intelligence and data integration initiatives.
  • Apply semantic web technologies and standards, including RDF, OWL, SPARQL, and related ontology engineering methodologies.
  • Develop semantic data models and knowledge representation frameworks to support interoperability across intelligence systems.
  • Collaborate with data architects, AI engineers, analysts, and government stakeholders to ensure alignment with mission requirements.
  • Support data integration, discovery, and knowledge management efforts through ontology‑driven solutions.
  • Provide technical leadership and guidance on ontology development, semantic technologies, and emerging industry best practices.
Required Qualifications
  • Demonstrated senior‑level expertise in developing and implementing ontologies for complex data systems.
  • Experience with semantic web technologies and standards including RDF, OWL, SPARQL, SHACL, or related ontology engineering tools.
  • Desired Experience: Minimum 12 years of experience related to the specific labor category with at least a portion of the experience within the last 2 years.
  • Desired Education: Master’s degree in an area related to the labor category from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; or have Bachelor’s degree related to the labor category from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and an additional 5 years of related senior experience, for a total of 17 years, as a substitute to the Master’s degree.

Celestar Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Celestar Corporation prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in employment based on race, color, religion, genetic information, national origin, sex (including same-sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability or handicap; citizenship status; marital status; service member/protected veteran status; or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

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