Chinese Multidisciplined Language Analyst/Language Analyst Development Program (LADP) - Entry to Mid Level (MD, HI, UT)

CNSS • National Security Systems; Cedar City (UT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

CNSS • National Security Systems seeks Mandarin-capable Linguists (MDLAs) to support NSA's SIGINT mission. Depending on skill and experience, candidates may enter the Language Analysis Development Program (LADP) or be hired directly into analytic roles across NSA offices, with multiple tours and integrated training.

A degree in any field is acceptable; ILR level 2/2 in reading and listening is required for the target language.

Qualifications

• ILR level 2/2 in reading and listening for the target language.
• Degree in any field acceptable; relevant experience in language work preferred.
• Experience in intelligence or related fields is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, transcribe, and translate foreign language materials for SIGINT.
• Collaborate with analysts across the IC and NSA to produce reports.
• Engage in training and operational tours to build core analytic competencies.

Skills

Chinese

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Job description

NSA/CSS Hawaii Kunia, HI || Fort George G. Meade Complex, MD || Draper, UT

Pay Plan: GG, Grade: 07/1 to 12/10

Open: 2026-09-08, Close: 2026-09-15

Responsibilities

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. **Please note that LADP does not teach a foreign language. Please ensure that your resume reflects your experience in/with the Chinese language.** 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

Job Summary

Are you passionate about using your foreign language skills, working at the forefront of NSA's exciting SIGINT mission?

Qualifications

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.

Competencies

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.

**NOTE:** For full consideration, you will be required to schedule and complete the in-person (proctored) Language Proficiency and/or Language Aptitude testing within four (4) weeks of receiving link. Paid travel may be necessary due to the availability of testing sites. **Testing instructions will be provided through your email. Be diligent with monitoring your email and SPAM to ensure you do not miss time sensitive information.** 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.

Following testing