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Ontology Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Vantor

Ontology Engineer (TS/SCI)

Herndon, VA · On-site

Knowledge of ontology engineering methodologies, data modeling principles, and semantic interoperability frameworks. * Ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively to both technical ...

Maxar

Ontology Engineer (TS/SCI)

Herndon, VA · On-site

Knowledge of ontology engineering methodologies, data modeling principles, and semantic interoperability frameworks. * Ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively to both technical ...

Vantor

Ontology Engineer (TS/SCI)

Herndon, VA · On-site

Knowledge of ontology engineering methodologies, data modeling principles, and semantic interoperability frameworks. * Ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively to both technical ...

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Ontology Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$36.2K

$106.4K

$136.3K

How much do ontology engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for ontology engineer in Virginia is $106,361.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,700.00 and $134,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an ontology engineer do?

An Ontology Engineer designs, develops, and maintains ontologies—formal representations of knowledge within a domain. They define concepts, relationships, and rules to structure data effectively, enabling better integration, search, and reasoning in AI and semantic web applications. Their work often involves ontology languages like OWL, RDF, and SPARQL, as well as collaboration with domain experts and data scientists to ensure accurate and useful knowledge representation.

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

To thrive as an Ontology Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, knowledge representation, and semantic web technologies, often paired with a relevant degree. Familiarity with tools like Protégé, RDF, OWL, SPARQL, and related data modeling or knowledge graph platforms is typically expected, as are certifications in data science or knowledge engineering. Excellent analytical thinking, attention to detail, collaborative mindset, and effective communication are invaluable soft skills in this role. These abilities enable you to design robust ontologies that support data integration, knowledge discovery, and cross-team understanding for complex organizational needs.

What are some common challenges faced by ontology engineers in their daily work?

Ontology Engineers often face the challenge of accurately modeling complex domains while ensuring that ontologies remain scalable and adaptable to evolving business needs. Aligning and integrating disparate data sources, balancing technical specifications with stakeholder requirements, and resolving ambiguity in terminology are frequent tasks. Collaboration with subject matter experts, data scientists, and software developers is central to success, requiring strong communication and compromise. Overcoming these challenges leads to more effective knowledge management solutions and greater organizational impact.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ontology Engineer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Ontology Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Ontology Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Ontology Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Ontology Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Ontology Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

Ontology Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ontology Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $106,361 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Ontology Engineer (TS/SCI)

Vantor

Herndon, VA • On-site

Other

Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

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. Vantor is a place for problem solvers, changemakers, and go-getters-where people are working together to help our customers see the world differently, and in doing so, be seen differently. Come be part of a mission, not just a job, where you can: Shape your own future, build the next big thing, and change the world.
This position requires an active U.S. Government security clearance, applicants who do not currently hold the required clearance will not be eligible for consideration. Employment for cleared roles is contingent upon verification of clearance status.
Export Control/ITAR: Certain roles may be subject to U.S. export control laws, requiring U.S. person status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
Please review the job details below.
This position requires an active U.S. Government Security Clearance at the TS/SCI level with CI polygraph.
Vantor is seeking an Ontology Lead to join our team. In this position you will design, develop, and maintain domain-specific ontologies and knowledge models in support of Object Based Intelligence (OBI) mission requirements.
The Lead Ontologist serves as the technical authority for the design, development, and maintenance of domain-specific ontologies and knowledge models that support Object-Based Intelligence (OBI) mission requirements. This position applies semantic technologies and knowledge representation methodologies to enable data interoperability, advanced analytics, and knowledge integration across diverse data sources and object-management systems. Leveraging Semantic Web standards, including RDF, OWL, and SPARQL, the Lead Ontologist develops scalable knowledge frameworks that enhance data discoverability, support AI/ML applications, and facilitate effective knowledge transfer to Government stakeholders.
Responsibilities:
  • 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.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • 12 years of experience and 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.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 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.

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Pay Transparency: To support pay transparency, Vantor includes salary ranges in all U.S. job postings. Starting pay for this role will fall within the listed range and will be based on factors such as experience, qualifications, skills, location, and market conditions. Candidates who meet the minimum requirements for the role should not expect to receive compensation at the top of the range. The listed range reflects the expected pay for this position, and final offers will be determined based on each candidate's experience, expertise, and alignment with the role.
The base pay for this position within the Washington, DC metropolitan area is: $137,000.00 - $182,000.00 - $200,200.00 annually.
For all other states, we use geographic cost of labor as an input to develop market-driven ranges for our roles, and as such, each location where we hire may have a different range.
Benefits: 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 like student loan repayment assistance, adoption reimbursement and pet insurance to support all aspects of your life. You can find more information on our benefits at: ;br>
The application window is three days from the date the job is posted and will remain posted until a qualified candidate has been identified for hire. If the job is reposted regardless of reason, it will remain posted three days from the date the job is reposted and will remain reposted until a qualified candidate has been identified for hire.
The date of posting can be found on Vantor's Career page at the top of each job posting.
To apply, submit your application via Vantor's Career page.
EEO Policy: 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.

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