Senior Ontology Developer (TS/SCI)

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.

To be eligible for this position, you must be a U.S. Citizen. This position requires an active U.S. Government security clearance at the TS/SCI level with CI polygraph. Applicants who do not currently hold the required clearance will not be eligible for consideration. 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).

About the role

The Senior Developer serves as a senior technical contributor responsible for developing secure, scalable, and maintainable software solutions that enable semantic data integration, object management, and advanced analytics. This position develops application services, APIs, user interfaces, and backend components that leverage enterprise ontologies, knowledge graphs, and Semantic Web technologies to support data interoperability and mission workflows. Working within an Agile DevSecOps environment, the Senior Developer collaborates with ontology engineers, software engineers, database engineers, data engineers, and Government stakeholders to deliver high-quality software that supports operational mission requirements.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, deploy, and maintain enterprise software applications supporting Object-Based Intelligence mission requirements.
• Develop scalable backend services, RESTful APIs, and user-facing applications that integrate with ontology services, knowledge graphs, semantic databases, and enterprise data platforms.
• Implement software solutions utilizing Semantic Web technologies, including RDF, OWL, and SPARQL, to support semantic search, data integration, and knowledge discovery.
• Collaborate with ontology engineers, database engineers, data engineers, analysts, and Government stakeholders to translate mission requirements into software solutions.
• Develop secure, containerized applications using modern software engineering principles and cloud-native technologies.
• Integrate applications with relational databases, graph databases, messaging systems, and enterprise APIs to enable seamless access to mission data.
• Participate in Agile development activities, including sprint planning, technical design reviews, code reviews, and backlog refinement.
• Develop automated unit, integration, and regression tests while supporting continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.
• Troubleshoot and resolve software defects, optimize application performance, and ensure application scalability, reliability, and security.
• Produce and maintain software design documentation, API specifications, technical implementation guides, and operational documentation.
• Support AI/ML initiatives by developing software services that provide access to semantic data, contextual knowledge, and enterprise analytics capabilities.
• Mentor junior developers and provide technical guidance to project team members while supporting knowledge transfer activities with Government personnel.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen and have an active TS/SCI with CI polygraph.
• 10 years of experience and an advanced degree or 15 years of experience with a bachelor's degree.
• Demonstrated experience developing enterprise software applications using Java, Python, C#, or comparable object-oriented programming languages.
• Experience developing RESTful APIs, microservices, and distributed applications.
• Experience integrating applications with relational databases, graph databases, or enterprise data platforms.
• Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes/OpenShift.
• Familiarity with Agile software development methodologies, DevSecOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and Git-based version control.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting Object-Based Intelligence, Intelligence Community, or Department of Defense mission systems.
• Experience developing applications that integrate with enterprise ontologies, knowledge graphs, or Semantic Web technologies, including RDF, OWL, and SPARQL.
• Experience with cloud-native application development using AWS, Azure, or Red Hat OpenShift.
• Experience integrating AI/ML services, large language models (LLMs), or advanced analytics capabilities into enterprise applications.
• Experience implementing secure software development practices in accordance with Government cybersecurity requirements and RMF principles.
• AWS Certified Developer, Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate, Red Hat Certified Specialist, Security+, or equivalent software development certification.
• Experience mentoring developers and providing technical leadership within Agile software development teams.

Pay

The base pay for this position within the Washington, DC metropolitan area is $140,000.00 - $187,000.00 - $205,700.00 annually. For all other states, geographic cost of labor is used to develop market-driven ranges, and each location where we hire may have a different range.

Benefits

Vantor offers a competitive total rewards package that includes:

• A robust 401(k) with company match
• Mental health resources
• Student loan repayment assistance
• Adoption reimbursement
• Pet insurance