Architect

About the Role

Cognizant is seeking a highly experienced Architect to lead the definition, design, and initial implementation of its Enterprise Ontology, Knowledge Graph (KG), and Semantic Layer program. This full-time role, based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is strategic and foundational, requiring deep technical expertise combined with enterprise architecture experience and a proven track record in delivering large-scale ontology and knowledge graph programs.

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 for the program.
• Lead the initial implementation phases and guide the development of foundational ontology and KG capabilities.
• Identify and prioritize business use cases and quick wins for semantic technologies.
• Ensure alignment with Data Governance, Metadata Management, MDM, Data Products, Data Catalog, and AI initiatives.
• Advise on tooling, platform selection, and architecture decisions related to the semantic layer.
• Build internal capability through knowledge transfer and mentoring within the team.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in Data Architecture, Semantic Technologies, Knowledge Engineering, and Management.
• Proven experience designing and implementing enterprise ontologies and knowledge graphs.
• Demonstrated success in leading enterprise-scale ontology initiatives, knowledge graph implementations, and semantic architecture programs.
• 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.

Core Understanding and Skills

• Strong understanding of Ontology engineering, Taxonomy development, Knowledge representation, and Semantic modeling.
• Strong understanding of Metadata management, Data Governance, Metadata Management, Enterprise Architecture, and Business Architecture.
• Experience defining target-state enterprise semantic architectures.

Technical Expertise

Candidates must possess deep experience with several of the following technologies:

• RDF, OWL, RDFS, SKOS, SPARQL, SHACL, Property Graphs, LPG and RDF graph models, Semantic reasoning and inferencing.

Familiarity with Knowledge Graph Platforms such as:

• Stardog, GraphDB, TopBraid, PoolParty, Neo4j, Amazon Neptune, Microsoft Fabric / Purview semantic capabilities, Databricks knowledge graph ecosystem, and other enterprise KG platforms.

Work Location and Type

This is a full-time position located in Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.