Arabic Linguist

Leidos; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 167,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Wellness programs

Income Protection

Paid Leave and Retirement

Job summary

Leidos in Reston, Virginia, seeks a linguist skilled in Arabic-English translation, interpretation, transcription, and summarization to support critical intelligence efforts. You will handle diverse materials with cultural nuance, delivering accurate language output and clear summaries for stakeholders.

The role requires strong MS Office proficiency, the ability to pass language assessments, and experience in tight timelines.

Qualifications

• BA/BS or equivalent formal military training and 8-12 years of experience (or Masters with 6-10 years).
• Translation and/or interpretation degree is highly desired.
• HLT experience is a plus.
• Must pass a Leidos language proficiency test at Primary level or higher.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and basic online research.
• All candidates must take and pass language tests administered by LEIDOS or an approved vendor.

Responsibilities

• Translate materials from Arabic to English and vice versa with contextual accuracy.
• Provide consecutive and occasional simultaneous interpretation.
• Transcribe audio or video content into high-quality English reports.
• Identify and summarize key facts and abstract concepts from large datasets.

Skills

Microsoft Office Suite

Education

BA/BS or equivalent

Masters degree

Translation/interpretation degree

Job description

What You’ll Do

• Translation – Accurately translate materials (both digital and hard copy) from Arabic into English and vice versa. Capture subtle nuances, cultural references, and abstract concepts with contextual accuracy. Capture geopolitical, regional, ethnic, and cultural references effectively. Use terminology and expression consistent with subject matter norms in the target language.
• Interpretation – Provide consecutive interpretation; simultaneous interpretation may occasionally be required. Maintain high fidelity and fluency, demonstrating understanding of regional dialects and cultural context.
• Transcription – Listen to audio or review internet-based content and transcribe accurately and efficiently. Produce high-quality English-language reports based on audio/visual materials. Demonstrate nuanced understanding of dialectical variations.
• Gisting and Summarization – Identify and summarize key facts and abstract concepts accurately. Prioritize and extract critical information from large datasets. Use reference materials effectively to support quality output.

Qualifications

• BA/BS and/or equivalent formal military training and 8 - 12 years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 6 - 10 years of prior relevant experience. Additional years of experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
• Translation and/or interpretation degree is highly desired.
• HLT experience a plus.
• Must successfully complete a Leidos-administered language proficiency test or equivalent at the Primary level or higher.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and basic online research.
• All candidates must take and pass language tests administered by LEIDOS/an accepted commercial testing vendor.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting contingency operations as a deployed linguist.
• Familiarity with the U.S. Intelligence Community, military operations, or law enforcement environments.
• Ability to effectively brief and communicate findings to various stakeholders.
• Proficiency in multiple languages is a strong asset.
• Attending and passing all sponsor related training is a requirement of employment.

Security Clearance

A TS/SCI clearance with polygraph is required (must be fully adjudicated before work begins).

Pay and Benefits

• Pay Range: $92,300.00 - $166,850.00
• Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement.

Why Leidos?

At Leidos, we're not just offering a job - we're offering a mission. As part of the National Security Sector, you'll contribute to a safer world by enabling critical intelligence efforts with AI, machine learning, and digital modernization, Mission Software Systems. From safeguarding ports and borders to anticipating geopolitical instability years in advance, our linguists play an integral role in shaping global security. We value innovation, collaboration, and integrity - and we are looking for people who are driven to make a difference.

Commitment and Diversity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

Additional Information

Original Posting: October 16, 2026. For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay range information: The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $17.2 billion for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Securing Your Data: Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information at any part of the employment application process. And Leidos will communicate with you only through emails that are sent from a Leidos.com email address. If you receive an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information, please report the email to [e-mail].