Geospatial Linguist - Vietnamese Toponymist - TS/SCI Required

Leidos LLC; Springfield (VA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Geospatial Linguist (Toponymist) to map linguistic and geographic features, research spatial names, and contribute to policy-aligned projects. The role blends geography with language expertise for government and analytic use.

Candidate must hold active TS/SCI and be willing to obtain a POLY clearance. Strong GIS experience and knowledge of historical and reference maps are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Requires HS and 5 years of relevant experience.
• ILR Level Two reading Vietnamese or willing to test (2+ years).
• Experience with ArcGIS or GeoMedia Pro; shapefiles and geodatabases.
• Knowledge of US BGN/DoS/NATO policies in geographic names.
• Active TS/SCI with willingness for POLY clearance.

Responsibilities

• Scan and georeference hardcopy maps and order data sources.
• Georeferenced maps must be conflated with the GNDB.
• Interpret and apply policies from US BGN/DoS/NATO.

Skills

ArcGIS

GeoMedia Pro

Vietnamese ILR 2/2

Geospatial analysis

Research

Education

BA degree

Masters degree

Tools

ArcGIS

GeoMedia Pro

Job description

Are you a linguistic detective with a passion for geography? Do you believe that a place's name tells a story waiting to be uncovered? We are seeking a Geospatial Linguist, or Toponymist, to join our elite team of experts. In this role, you won't just be processing data; you'll be a cultural cartographer, mapping the hidden histories and linguistic nuances that shape our world. This is a unique opportunity for a meticulous researcher with a global mindset to contribute to projects with a real-world impact. Your work will influence how governments, organizations, and analysts understand the intricate tapestry of our planet's human and physical geography.

Active TS/SCI and willingness to obtain a POLY level clearance is REQUIRED to be considered.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Selected candidate will scan and geo-reference hardcopy maps, research, and order geospatial data sources and commercial imagery to use as reference sources. Georeferenced maps and imagery must be conflated with the GNDB. Selected candidate will interpret and apply national and international policies governing the treatment of and general guidelines emanating from the US Board on Geographic Names (US BGN), the Department of State (DoS), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and other related organizations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Requires HS and 5 years of prior relevant experience. Qualified candidates will possess an ILR Skill Level Two certification for reading (DLPT5 2/2) in Vietnamese language or be willing to pass reading language test of 2+ or higher and have a minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience. Qualified candidates should also have experience using ArcGIS or GeoMedia Pro; creating shapefiles, geo-databases; utilizing native maps, secondary source maps, and historic maps for extraction and comparison; mapping imagery for stereo and mono extraction at various resolutions; and, expertise in research and information gathering. Active TS/SCI and willingness to obtain a POLY level clearance is REQUIRED to be considered.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Specific experience processing geographic names following agency policies and procedures is highly desired. Ideal candidate must be a self-starter and capable of working independently with minimal supervision and guidance. Candidate must be able to multitask and deliver quality products within specified timelines. Candidate should work well as part of a team effort. BA degree and 4 years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 2 years of prior relevant experience. Additional years of experience can be considered in lieu of degree.

#GEOINTMISSION #NSBA

Company Branded Section:

At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

September 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.

Pay Range:

Pay Range $73,450.00 - $132,775.00 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 (but are not limited to) 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.

Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $17.2 billion for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

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.