Ontology Architect and Knowledge Modeling Specialist SME with Security Clearance

Job Description
Gridiron IT is seeking an Ontology Architect and Knowledge Modeling Specialist SME to support a federal program in Chantilly, VA Chantilly, VA
Bachelors required
Minimum 10 years experience Responsible for the semantic architecture, design, and implementation of enterprise knowledge graphs and ontological models that transform unstructured data into interconnected, machine-readable intelligence.

The specialist engineers domain specific ontologies, taxonomies, and controlled vocabularies using modern semantic web standards—such as OWL, RDF, and SHACL—to capture complex data relationships and business logic. Operating at the foundational layer of information management, the architect designs semantic schemas that enable cross system interoperability, advanced inference, and robust metadata management across diverse data repositories.

Collaborating closely with data scientists, software engineers, and AI architects, the specialist integrates semantic frameworks with enterprise graph databases (GraphDB, Neo4j) and modern AI pipelines, including Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and vector search structures. The position establishes strict data governance, validation workflows, and data harmonization pipelines to eliminate information silos and enforce data quality.

By translating complex, real-world business domains into highly structured semantic models, this engineer provides the cognitive framework necessary for advanced entity resolution, semantic search, and context-aware artificial intelligence capabilities.

Clearance
Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information; Top Secret clearance required Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range: (Compensation is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, work experience, skills, education, certifications, seniority, and business needs.

This range may be modified in the future.) Benefits: Gridiron offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), disability & ADD insurance, life and pet insurance to eligible employees. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 30 hours per week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Gridiron’s benefits programs. Gridiron IT Solutions is an

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status or disability status. Gridiron IT is a Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area that supports our clients' missions throughout the United States. Gridiron IT specializes in providing comprehensive IT services tailored to meet the needs of federal agencies.

Our capabilities include IT Infrastructure & Cloud Services, Cyber Security, Software Integration & Development, Data Solution & AI, and Enterprise Applications. These capabilities are backed by Gridiron IT's experienced workforce and our commitment to ensuring we meet and exceed our clients' expectations.