Khmer Linguist/Translator

Leidos; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 92,300 - 166,850; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Health and wellness programs

Paid leave

Retirement benefits

Job summary

A leading technology and defense contractor is seeking a Khmer Linguist/Translator to provide critical linguistic support directly related to national security. Responsibilities include accurate translation between Khmer and English, creating high-quality reports, and providing interpretations. The position requires a Bachelor's or Master's degree with relevant experience, and proficiency in Microsoft Office is essential. Candidates must be able to obtain a TS/SCI clearance. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to national interests effectively.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional and recent translation, transcription, and/or interpretation experience.
• Able to obtain TS/SCI clearance with polygraph.
• Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills in both English and Khmer.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional-level linguistic support across translation, interpretation, transcription, and gisting.
• Accurately translate materials from Khmer to English and vice versa.
• Produce high-quality English-language reports based on audio/visual materials.

Skills

Fluency in Khmer and English

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Ability to capture cultural nuances

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Translation and/or interpretation degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Khmer Linguist/Translator

Make a Global Impact – Join the Mission at Leidos

Are you ready to apply your linguistic expertise to meaningful work that directly supports national security? At Leidos, we bring together innovative minds, cutting‑edge technology, and a commitment to excellence to solve the world’s toughest challenges. Join a team where your contributions truly matter, and where you'll have the resources and support to thrive professionally and personally. Leidos will sponsor and upgrade security clearances for eligible candidates.

What You’ll Do

Provide professional‑level linguistic support across translation, interpretation, transcription, and gisting, including but not limited to:

• Accurately translate materials (both digital and hard copy) from Khmer into English and vice versa.
• Capture subtle nuances, cultural references, and abstract concepts with contextual accuracy.
• Capture geopolitical, regional, ethnic, and cultural references effectively.
• Use terminology and expression consistent with subject matter norms in the target language.

• Provide consecutive interpretation; simultaneous interpretation may occasionally be required.
• Maintain high fidelity and fluency, demonstrating understanding of regional dialects and cultural context.

• Listen to audio or review internet-based content and transcribe accurately and efficiently.
• Produce high-quality English-language reports based on audio/visual materials.
• Demonstrate nuanced understanding of dialectical variations.

• Identify and summarize key facts and abstract concepts accurately.
• Prioritize and extract critical information from large datasets.
• Use reference materials effectively to support quality output.

What You Bring

• No clearance required to apply.
• Able to obtain a TS/SCI clearance with polygraph (must be fully adjudicated before work begins). Leidos will sponsor candidates after passing all the required language tests.
• Bachelor’s degree with 8–12 years of relevant experience OR Master’s degree with 6–10 years of related experience. (Additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.)
• Translation and/or interpretation degree is highly desired.
• 3+ years of professional and recent translation, transcription, and/or interpretation experience.
• Must successfully complete a Leidos‑administered language proficiency test or equivalent at the Senior level or higher.
• HLT experience a plus.
• Must successfully complete a Leidos‑administered language proficiency test or equivalent at the Senior level or higher.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and basic online research.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in both English and target languages.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting contingency operations as a deployed linguist.
• Familiarity with the U.S. Intelligence Community, military operations, or law enforcement environments.
• Ability to effectively brief and communicate findings to various stakeholders.
• Proficiency in multiple languages is a strong asset.

Why Leidos?

At Leidos, we’re not just offering a job — we’re offering a mission. As part of the Leidos Intel Sector, you’ll contribute to a safer world by enabling critical intelligence efforts with AI, machine learning, and digital modernization. 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.

Ready to Elevate Your Career?

If you’re a passionate linguist ready to support impactful work on a global scale, we encourage you to apply today. Your greatest work is ahead.

Original Posting

June 6, 2025. 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: $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.

About 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 $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. 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 at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment‑related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment‑related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at [e-mail]. If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

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.