Kurdish/Arabic Translators

Leidos; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 73,450 - 132,775; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Health and wellness programs

Paid leave and retirement benefits

Job summary

Leidos is looking for a skilled Kurdish linguist with Arabic language skills to support national security missions. This position involves translation, interpretation, and transcription across diverse materials, ensuring accuracy and contextual understanding.

Qualified candidates should have a Bachelor's degree with relevant experience and pass language proficiency tests. An active TS/SCI clearance is preferred. The role also requires traveling and working around the clock when needed.

Qualifications

• 4-8 years of relevant experience for Bachelor's or 2-6 years for Master's.
• Translation and/or interpretation degree is a plus.
• Must complete a Leidos-administered language proficiency test.

Responsibilities

• Translate materials accurately from Kurdish and Arabic to English.
• Provide consecutive interpretation with high fidelity.
• Transcribe audio content and produce English-language reports.
• Summarize key facts accurately from large datasets.

Skills

Translation and interpretation expertise

Cultural understanding and contextual accuracy

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Language proficiency testing

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

Overview

Leidos is seeking a highly skilled Kurdish (Sorani or Kurmanji) linguist with Arabic language skills to support national security missions. The role requires expertise in translation, interpretation, transcription, and gisting across a variety of content to maintain operational effectiveness.

Responsibilities

Translation

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

Interpretation

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

Transcription

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

Gisting and Summarization

• 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.

Security Clearance

• An active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph is preferred; candidates with an existing security clearance may be eligible for sponsorship to obtain the required clearance upgrade. Must be fully adjudicated before work begins.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 4–8 years of prior relevant experience or Master’s with 2–6 years of prior relevant experience (additional years may be considered in lieu of a degree).
• Translation and/or interpretation degree is highly desired.
• HLT experience is a plus.
• Must successfully complete a Leidos-administered language proficiency test or equivalent at the Primary level or higher.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and basic online research.
• All candidates must take and pass language tests administered by Leidos or an accepted commercial testing vendor.

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.

Additional Information

• Attending and passing all sponsor-related training is required for employment.
• All candidates must successfully pass a medical laboratory and/or physical screen as required by the program.
• Successfully completing the required weapons training.
• Travel OCONUS is a requirement on this program; candidates must be able to support the contract 24/7 when on travel.

Pay Range

Pay Range: $73,450.00 – $132,775.00. The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and is not a guarantee of compensation or salary.

Pay and Benefits

Employment benefits include competitive compensation, health and wellness programs, income protection, paid leave and retirement. More details are available at the Leidos careers page.

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.