Chinese Linguist

Leidos; Vienna (VA); On-site; USD 92,000 - 167,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking qualified linguists to join a Talent Pipeline for potential future opportunities requiring TS/SCI clearance with polygraph. Candidates will be assessed for language proficiency and interpretation ability, with security prerequisites in place.

This pipeline does not guarantee immediate openings but aims to engage qualified professionals for anticipated needs across translation, interpretation, transcription, and gisting tasks.

Qualifications

• TS/SCI with polygraph is required.
• Bachelor's degree with 8–12 years of relevant experience, or Master's with 6–10 years. Additional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Degree in Translation, Interpretation, Linguistics, or related Language Studies strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of recent professional experience in translation, interpretation, transcription, or a combination of these disciplines.
• Professional interpretation skills are required.
• Ability to perform both written and spoken language tasks at a professional level.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and the target language(s).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and basic online research tools.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional-level linguistic support across translation, interpretation, transcription, and gisting activities.
• Translate written materials from the target language into English and from English into the target language.
• Provide consecutive interpretation between English and the target language and simultaneous interpretation when required.
• Accurately transcribe audio, video, and internet-based content and produce English-language reports.

Skills

TS/SCI clearance

Bachelor's degree

3+ years experience

Professional interpretation

English/target language proficiency

Education

Degree in Translation/Interpretation/Linguistics

Tools

Microsoft Office

Online research tools

Job description

Description

Chinese Linguist-Talent Pipeline

This posting is a pipeline requisition intended to identify and engage qualified Chinese Linguists for potential future opportunities. While there may not be an immediate opening at the time of application, candidates selected for the pipeline may be considered for upcoming positions as customer requirements and mission needs arise. Submission of an application does not guarantee employment or placement.

Candidates must hold an active TS/SCI security clearance with a polygraph. Candidates who meet these requirements and successfully pass the required language assessments may be added to our pipeline. Linguist cannot begin work on contract without a fully adjudicated security clearance.

What You’ll Do

Selected candidates may provide professional-level linguistic support across translation, interpretation, transcription, and gisting activities.

Translation

• Translate written materials from the target language into English and from English into the target language .

• Accurately convey meaning, intent, tone, and cultural nuances .

• Effectively capture geopolitical, regional, ethnic, and cultural references .

• Apply appropriate terminology and language usage based on the subject matter and target audience.

• Produce clear, accurate, and polished translations while maintaining fidelity to the source content.

Interpretation

• Provide consecutive interpretation between English and the target language.

• Provide simultaneous interpretation when required by mission needs.

• Accurately convey information in real time while preserving meaning, tone, and intent.

• Navigate regional dialects, colloquialisms, and culturally specific content with precision.

• Support meetings, interviews, briefings, and operational activities requiring interpretation services.

Transcription

• Accurately transcribe audio, video, and internet-based content .

• Produce high-quality English-language reports derived from foreign-language source materials.

• Demonstrate an understanding of regional dialects and language variations .

Gisting and Summarization

• Identify and summarize key facts, themes, and critical information .

• Extract relevant intelligence and operationally significant details from large volumes of material.

• Utilize research tools and reference materials to support high-quality deliverables.

What You Bring

• A TS/SCI with a polygraph is required. Clearance must be fully adjudicated before work begins .

• Bachelor's degree with 8-12 years of relevant experience, or Master's degree with 6-10 years of relevant experience. Additional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

• Degree in Translation, Interpretation, Linguistics, or related Language Studies strongly preferred.

• Minimum of 3 years of recent professional experience in translation, interpretation, transcription , or a combination of these disciplines.

• Professional interpretation skills are required.

• Ability to perform both written and spoken language tasks at a professional level .

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and the target language(s) .

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and basic online research tools

Language Testing Requirements

To be considered for our Linguist Talent Pipeline, candidates must successfully complete the following:

• Passing the English language assessment

• Achieving a Senior or Expert rating on the target language proficiency assessment.

• Demonstrating professional-level interpretation skills between English and the target language.

• Meeting any additional customer-specific language testing requirements, as applicable.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting contingency operations as a deployed linguist .

• Familiarity with the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) , Department of Defense (DoD) , military operations , or law enforcement environments .

• Experience providing consecutive and simultaneous interpretation in professional settings.

• Ability to effectively brief customers , present information clearly, and communicate findings to diverse stakeholders .

• Experience with Human Language Technology (HLT) tools and applications.

Important Information About This Requisition

This is a pipeline requisition established to build a pool of qualified linguists, translators, and interpreters for anticipated future opportunities. Hiring timelines, position availability, work locations, and language requirements may vary based on customer demand. Qualified applicants may be contacted for future openings that align with their language skills, experience, and eligibility requirements.

Why Leidos?

At Leidos, we’re not just offering a job — we’re offering a mission. As part of the Intel Sector , you'll contribute to a safer world by enabling critical intelligence efforts with AI, machine learning, and digital modernization, Mission Software Systems (https://www.leidos.com/capabilities/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.

#MSBA

Original Posting:

October 15, 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:

Pay Range $92,300.00 - $166,850.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand 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.

About Leidos

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 $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com .

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits .

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

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.

REQNUMBER: R-00194629

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. Leidos will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment in accordance with relevant Laws. Leidos is an equal opportunity employer/disability/vet.