Foreign Language Professionals Talent Pipeline

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

Job summary

Leidos is building a Foreign Language Professionals talent pipeline to identify qualified linguists for current and future opportunities across languages like Pashto, Kurdish and Turkish. Applicants must hold an active TS/SCI with polygraph and be eligible for clearance upgrade.

Roles cover translation, interpretation, transcription, and summarization, with assessments required and sponsorship possible after language testing.

Qualifications

• Must have TS/SCI with polygraph and ability to obtain full adjudication.
• Bachelor's or Master's in Translation, Interpretation, Linguistics, or related Language Studies.
• Minimum 3 years of translation/interpretation/transcription experience.
• Strong English and target language skills; written and spoken tasks at a professional level.
• Proficiency with MS Office and online research tools.

Responsibilities

• Translate written materials from the target language into English and vice versa.
• Provide consecutive and simultaneous interpretation as required by mission needs.
• Transcribe audio, video, and web content and produce English-language reports.
• Gist and summarize key facts and extract actionable details from large materials.

Skills

Security clearance

English proficiency

Translation/Interpretation

Communication skills

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Master's degree preferred in Translation/Interpretation/Linguistics/Language Studies

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Foreign Language Professionals Talent Pipeline

This posting is a pipeline requisition intended to identify and engage qualified language professionals 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 and be eligible for a clearance upgrade. 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. Leidos is seeking highly skilled Linguists, Translators, and Interpreters across multiple languages to support current and future mission requirements. Languages of interest may include, but are not limited to: Pashto, Kurdish, Turkish. Additional languages may also be considered based on evolving mission needs.

What You'll Do

• 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

• TS/SCI with a polygraph is required. Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance with polygraph. Clearance must be fully adjudicated before work begins.
• Leidos will sponsor eligible candidates after successful completion of required language assessments and processing requirements.
• 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.

Original Posting

Original Posting: June 8, 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.

Language Testing Requirements

• Pass 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

• Must be willing to TDY 100%.
• 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. This program will sponsor and upgrade security clearance to a TS/SCI with a Polygraph after you pass the required language tests. Linguist cannot begin work on contract without a fully adjudicated security clearance.

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. 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.

Pay Range

Pay Range $92,300.00 - $166,850.00. The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include 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.

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 here.

Securing Your Data

Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information at any part of the employment application process. And Leidos will communicate with you only through emails that are sent from a Leidos.com email address. If you receive an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information, please report the email to [e-mail].

Commitment and Diversity

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.