Chinese Linguist

Leidos Inc; Vienna (VA); On-site; USD 92,300 - 166,850; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Wellness programs

Income Protection

Paid Leave

Retirement options

Job summary

Leidos is seeking an experienced Senior Chinese Translator/Linguist to support intelligence missions. The role emphasizes translation, interpretation, and transcription of Chinese language materials, capturing nuance and geopolitics for actionable reporting.

Required TS/SCI with polygraph, a BA/BS or equivalent (Master's with experience also acceptable), and 3+ years of relevant work. Candidates must pass a language test administered by Leidos or an approved vendor to proceed.

Qualifications

• BA/BS and/or equivalent formal military training and 4 years of prior relevant experience.
• 3+ years of professional translation and interpretation experience.
• All candidates must pass a language test administered by LEIDOS or an accepted vendor.

Responsibilities

• Translate reports/texts containing facts and abstract language.
• Capture geopolitical, regional, ethnic, and cultural elements in text.
• Provide consecutive and, occasionally, simultaneous interpretation as required.
• Review audio materials and transcribe them accurately.

Skills

Translation

Interpretation

Transcription

Language testing

Education

BA/BS or equivalent

Master's degree with 2 years relevant experience

Job description

Overview

We are looking for an experienced Senior Chinese Translator/Linguist to join our team and support intelligence missions. The role requires a high level of proficiency in translation, interpretation, and transcription of Chinese language materials.

Responsibilities

• Translation:
  • Accurately translate reports/texts in electronic and hard-copy formats that contain facts and abstract language, capturing intended implications and nuances.
  • Capture geopolitical, regional, ethnic, and cultural elements in text, ensuring word choice and expression adhere to target language norms and subject field requirements.
• Interpretation:
  • Provide consecutive and, occasionally, simultaneous interpretation as required.
  • Good understanding of one or more regional dialects.
• Transcription:
  • Review audio or internet materials and transcribe them accurately with appropriate expression.
  • Prepare written reports with excellent English-language written communication skills.
  • Understand one or more regional dialects.

Qualifications

• No clearance is required to apply for the job. After passing the required tests, the company will sponsor security clearance and upgrade existing clearances to meet program requirements.
• TS/SCI with polygraph is required; linguists can only begin work on contract with a fully adjudicated security clearance.
• BA/BS and/or equivalent formal military training and 4 years of prior relevant experience or a Master’s with 2 years of prior relevant experience. Additional years of experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
• 3+ years of professional and recent translation and interpretation experience. Experience translating high‑complexity and technical information is highly desired.
• All candidates must take and pass a language test administered by LEIDOS or an accepted commercial testing vendor.

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of the U.S. Intelligence Community, military, cryptologic, and law enforcement.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing in target language and English.
• Proficiency in multiple languages.

Pay and Benefits

Pay range is $92,300.00 – $166,850.00. Compensation may vary based on responsibilities, experience, skills, and other factors.

Benefits include a competitive compensation package, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave, and Retirement options.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquarters in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or military status, or other legally protected bases. Leidos will also consider applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.