Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly experienced and hands-on expert to lead the definition, design, and initial implementation of our Enterprise Ontology, Knowledge Graph (KG), and Semantic Layer program.
This role is strategic and foundational. Therefore, we are specifically looking for someone who combines deep technical expertise with enterprise architecture experience and has successfully delivered ontology and knowledge graph programs at scale.
Key Responsibilities
• Define the target-state architecture and strategy for the Enterprise Ontology, Knowledge Graph, and Semantic Layer.
• Design enterprise semantic models, taxonomies, and ontologies aligned with business and data domains.
• Develop the roadmap, governance framework, standards, and operating model.
• Lead the initial implementation phases and guide the development of foundational ontology and KG capabilities.
• Identify and prioritize business use cases and quick wins.
• Ensure alignment with Data Governance, Metadata Management, MDM, Data Products, Data Catalog, and AI initiatives.
• Advise on tooling, platform selection, and architecture decisions.
• Build internal capability through knowledge transfer and mentoring.
Required Experience
• 10+ years of experience in Data Architecture, Semantic Technologies, Knowledge Engineering and Management.
• Proven experience designing and implementing enterprise ontologies and knowledge graphs.
• Strong understanding of Data Governance, Metadata Management, Enterprise Architecture, and Business Architecture.
• Experience leveraging ontologies and knowledge graphs to support AI, GenAI, RAG, enterprise search, and knowledge management use cases.
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to engage both executive and technical audiences.
Proven experience leading enterprise-scale:
o Ontology initiatives
o Knowledge Graph implementations
o Semantic architecture programs
Strong understanding of:
o Ontology engineering
o Taxonomy development
o Knowledge representation
o Semantic modeling
o Metadata management
• Experience defining target-state enterprise semantic architectures.
Technical Expertise
Deep experience with several of the following:
RDF, OWL, RDFS, SKOS, SPARQL, SHACL, Property Graphs, LPG and RDF graph models, Semantic reasoning and inferencing.
Knowledge graph platforms such as:
Stardog, GraphDB, TopBraid, PoolParty, Neo4j, Amazon Neptune, Microsoft Fabric / Purview semantic capabilities, Databricks knowledge graph ecosystem, Other enterprise KG platforms.
About Cognizant:
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.
Additional employment information
Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
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