Chinese Language Analyst with Security Clearance

CNSS • National Security Systems; Waipahu (HI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

NSA seeks Multidisciplined Language Analysts (MDLAs) to engage across the Intelligence Community. Roles include language analysis, transcription, and translation to support SIGINT missions.

LADP offers intensive training with tours across offices and classrooms, building core analytic competencies and practical experience. Ideal candidates demonstrate strong language skills, research ability, and effective communication.

Qualifications

• Degree in any field; minimum experience in language-related work is acceptable
• ILR level 2/2 reading and listening in target language (ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL)
• Entry is with HS diploma/GED plus 4 years of experience, or higher degrees with respective experience
• FULL PERFORMANCE criteria include multiple combinations of degree and years of relevant experience

Responsibilities

• Analyze, transcribe, and translate key foreign language information
• Research and understand cultures and geopolitical context
• Apply analytic methods to synthesize data from multiple sources
• Craft written and oral assessments for policymakers and leaders
• Mentor, coach, and lead other Language Analysts

Skills

Language analysis

Transcription

Translation

Research

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

NSA's Linguists, known as Multidisciplined Language Analysts (MDLAs), are expected to take an inclusive approach to problem solving and mission accomplishment by frequently engaging with partners, enablers, and customers across the Intelligence Community. Based on skill level and experience, NSA MDLAs are considered for either the Language Analysis Development Program (LADP) or direct hire into positions supporting an analytic mission office. LADP: The LADP, which lasts up to three years, is designed to provide an intensive, accelerated opportunity to acquire the unique technical skills and experience needed to successfully apply knowledge and analytic ability to the SIGINT mission and help MDLAs achieve core analytic competencies in accordance with the Cryptologic Training System Training Standard and the MDLA competencies framework. The program includes 4-5 operational tours in a variety of offices, interspersed with formal classroom and computer-based training. These on-the-job operational tours are primarily focused on analyzing foreign language materials within the framework of the two main SIGINT disciplines of intelligence analysis - SIGINT reporting and SIGINT development. MDLAs are at the forefront of carrying out NSA's SIGINT mission, and they do so in a variety of ways:

• Offer U.S. policymakers and military leaders a window into the foreign language world by analyzing, transcribing, and translating key information
• Research and understand other cultures, how they operate, and how they fit in the larger geo-political context
• Apply new techniques and develop creative solutions to address analytic problems such as synthesizing large volumes of data and disparate sources of information
• Demonstrate a firm understanding of communications and technology trends
• Craft written and oral assessments that provide unique insights unavailable from other intelligence disciplines
• Work independently and collaborate effectively (both within NSA and with other analysts in the Intelligence Community) in research, analysis, and reporting

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. A degree in any field is acceptable. At least one year of relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: performing professional work in the language (for example, translation, transcription, foreign language instruction, or analysis); OR non-language work in a field such as intelligence analysis, international relations, security studies, intelligence studies, journalism, law, STEM fields (for example, computer science, chemistry, space or weapons systems, or cyber), or other topics directly relevant to NSA SIGINT or Cybersecurity mission. Experience may also include formal or informal leadership experience.

Applicant must have a minimum language proficiency of Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) level 2/2 in reading and listening in the target language for which the applicant is being considered, ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL.

Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 4 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree with no experience.

FULL PERFORMANCE. Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 7 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree and no experience.

The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, has a desire for continual learning, and is: PROFICIENT (reading and listening) in CHINESE.

• Well organized and able to handle multiple assignments
• A strong written and oral communicator
• Able to synthesize information to solve complex problems
• Able to provide timely and accurate customer service
• Coursework, knowledge, and experience in one or more of the following is desired:
• Target development
• Social network analysis
• Metadata analysis
• Research methodology
• Topical or Regional studies relevant to national security
• Quantitative/Statistical analysis
• Data modeling, mining, or science
• Cyber security
• Computer science or networking
• Telecommunications
• Relevant Internships, extracurricular activities, and/or foreign study are also considered.
• Prior military without a degree but with language analysis cryptologic experience will be considered.
• In most cases, Experienced Level Language Analysts at NSA will have substantial experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Performing language quality control;
• Serving as an established Subject Matter Expert (SME);
• Authoring and releasing reports;
• Mentoring, coaching, and leading other Language Analysts;
• Ensuring the technical health of the mission;
• Mastering and coaching others on the use of a variety of internal tools;
• Testing at Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) 3/3 levels for one or more mission languages; and
• Displaying a broad knowledge of the Intelligence Community and how various elements work together to prosecute mission.

Applicants must have a minimum language proficiency of Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) level 2/2 in reading and listening in the target language for which the applicant is being considered.

Level 2 - Able to adequately understand straightforward Spoken language and Written material on everyday topics, including routine work-related matters.

Level 3 - Able to understand formal and informal Spoken language and Written material with accuracy on general social and professional topics and tasks.

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position.