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

CNSS • National Security Systems; Holland Acres (MD); On-site; USD 50,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

National Security Agency (NSA) seeks Linguists (MDLAs) to analyze, transcribe, and translate foreign language materials in support of SIGINT missions. LADP and direct-hire paths may be offered for development and deployment across multiple offices.

Requirements include ILR 2/2 in reading/listening, a degree, and 1+ year of relevant experience in language or related fields. Applicants must meet security and DCIPS standards and may undergo proficiency testing.

Qualifications

• Minimum ILR level 2/2 in reading and listening for the target language.
• Degree in any field accepted.
• 1+ year of relevant experience in language or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, transcribe, and translate key information for policymakers.
• Research and understand cultures and geopolitical context to support SIGINT missions.
• Mentor and coach other Language Analysts; ensure the technical health of the mission.

Skills

CHINESE

ILR 2/2

Education

Any degree

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;
• 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.

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position. Salary Range: $50,460 - $133,142 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance) Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position. Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience. Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package. Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible). DCIPS Trial Period: If selected for this position, you will be required to serve a two-year DCIPS trial period, unless you are a veterans' preference-eligible employee, in which case you are required to serve a one-year trial period. This trial period runs concurrently with your commitment to the position, if applicable. Before finalizing your appointment at the conclusion of your trial period, NSA will determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest. This decision will be based on factors such as your performance and conduct; the Agency's needs and interests; whether your continued employment would advance the Agency's organizational goals; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. If you do not receive certification for continued employment, you should receive written notice prior to the end of your trial period that your employment will be terminated and the effective date of such termination.

NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph. NSA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process.

DCIPS Disclaimer

• VETERANS AND TRANSITIONING SERVICE MEMBERS** Thank you for your service! The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions at NSA are in the Excepted Service under Title 10, United States Codes (U.S.C.), Section 1601 appointment authority. Veterans' Preference In accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, "DoD Civilian Personnel Management System: Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System Employment and Placement," NSA applies veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5, U.S.C., to eligible candidates. If you are claiming veterans' preference, you are required to provide acceptable documentation of your preference eligibility upon application. Acceptable documentation includes: - DD-214: "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions (Copy 4); OR - Certification of Service: A written document on letterhead from the appropriate branch of the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. The certification should include the military service dates, including the expected discharge or release date; AND - Standard Form 15 (SF-15) Application for 10-point Veteran Preference (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf). If you are claiming a service-connected disability of 30 percent or more, the documentation you provide must specifically demonstrate this level of disability; AND - VA Letter of Disability (for 10pt and Sole Survivorship rating) You may obtain a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs reflecting your level of disability for preference eligibility by visiting a VA Regional Office, contacting a VA call center, or online (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/). **Failure to provide sufficient documentation of veterans' preference eligibility may preclude NSA from identifying you as a preference eligible candidate during the hiring selection process.