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

CNSS • National Security Systems; Green Meadow (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

NSA’s Linguists, MDLAs, provide analysis, transcription, and translation of foreign language materials to support SIGINT missions. The LADP offers an intensive, up-to-three-year training path with multiple operational tours across offices, excluding language teaching.

Applicants should reflect experience in/with foreign languages, notably Chinese, in their resume. MDLAs may be considered for LADP or direct-hire roles in analytic mission offices, with opportunities to broaden analytic

Qualifications

• Degree in any field is acceptable.
• At least one year of relevant experience in: translating/transcribing or other analysis.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, transcribe, and translate key information for policymakers and military leaders.
• Research cultures and geopolitical context to understand their operations.
• Apply new techniques to synthesize large volumes of data and disparate sources.
• Demonstrate understanding of communications and technology trends.
• Craft written and oral assessments with unique insights.
• Work independently and collaborate with analysts in research and reporting.

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.

MDLA Core Responsibilities:

• 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, i