Chinese Linguist – Interpretation (Part-Time, Travel)

SOS International LLC; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 147,000; Part time

Job summary

SOSi seeks Chinese interpreters for East Asia engagements, primarily in Northern Virginia and overseas. The role is part-time and requires travel, with interpretation in meetings and office settings, emphasizing accuracy and nuance.

Applicants must hold an active Secret clearance, U.S. citizenship, and native/near-native Chinese skills (ILR 4–5). Strong English communication and experience in defense contexts are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Must have native or near-native Chinese fluency (ILR level 4 or 5).
• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills.
• Active in-scope Secret clearance and U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree related to the field (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Read, write, and speak Chinese at fluent/native level.
• Provide interpretation support in office settings and formal meetings; focus on consecutive interpretation.
• Leverage knowledge of foreign and security topics to ensure accurate interpretation.
• Develop vocabulary for niche technical topics relevant to engagements.
• Attend prep and after-action meetings; prepare notes and some written translations.

Skills

Chinese (oral)

English proficiency

Consecutive interpretation

Interpersonal communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Foreign Affairs/International Politics/Chinese Studies

Job description

Reston, VA, USA

Part-time

Clearance Requirement: Secret

Compensation: USD 70562 - USD 146553 - yearly

Company Description

Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SOSi is a private defense and government solutions business specializing in advanced technology systems and mission support. Its capabilities include data science, software development, network engineering, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and logistics.

Job Description

SOSi is seeking Chinese interpreters for engagements in East Asia on a part-time basis. Each engagement will require a week to two and half weeks of support, with work taking place in Northern Virgina area and overseas. In this role you will integrate into a customer team to provide primarily oral language interpretation support in formal meetings and an office setting. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills in English and Chinese and be able to engage with client personnel to understand and further mission.

Essential Job Duties

• Read, write, and speak Chinese at a fluent or native level.
• Provide interpretation support primarily in an office setting, including some formal meetings. Support will largely focus on consecutive interpretation while preserving the nuance of speaker and terminology.
• Leverage knowledge of foreign affairs, military affairs, international security, and regional security issues and the associated vocabulary to provide high-quality support.
• Develop additional vocabulary and fluency for niche technical topics.
• Participate in prep and after-action meetings, typing up notes related to engagements. Limited preparation of written translations of documents.
• Adhere to Code of Conduct and terminology guide.
• This position requires travel on an at least quarterly basis with 15-30 days notice, with the interpreter required to provide timely participation in travel logistics planning.

Qualifications

• Active in-scope Secret clearance. This security clearance requires U.S. citizenship.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in oral interpretation.
• Candidates must possess native or near native competency in Chinese. Competency is defined as level 4 or 5 on the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) scale. Applicants will be asked for documentation of recent scores or standardized language exams must be completed as part of the application process.
• Candidate must be familiar with the culture, media, and linguistic nuance of Chinese.
• Candidates must possess excellent English written and verbal communication skills.
• Candidates must maintain a valid US passport and be able to travel on an at least quarterly basis with 30-60 days’ notice.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Interpretation Certification.
• Active in scope TS/SCI clearance.
• Familiarity to fluency in Taiwanese.
• Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Foreign Affairs, International Politics, Military History, Chinese Studies, Interpretation, or similar.
• Experience in the US intelligence, military, or cryptographic communities.

Work Environment

• Travel required. Overseas travel will originate from Northern Virginia area. Physical presence in the Northern Virigina area for several days pre and post travel to participate in meetings and prepare documents is required.
• No possibility of remote work.

Working at SOSi

All interested individuals will receive consideration and will not be discriminated against for any reason.

SOSi is an equal employment opportunity employer and affirmative action employer.

All interested individuals will receive consideration and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or protected veteran status.

SOSi takes affirmative action in support of its policy to advance diversity and inclusion of individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.