Kurdish Linguist

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

Job summary

Leidos invites a Kurdish Linguist to join a mission-driven Intel Sector team in Reston, VA. The role demands professional-level translation, interpretation, transcription, and gisting with cultural insight.

A TS/SCI clearance with polygraph is required before work begins, and candidates will be tested for language proficiency by LEIDOS or an approved vendor. Required education includes a BA/BS and/or equivalent military training with 4–8 years of related experience, or a Masters with 2–6 years.

Qualifications

• BA/BS or equivalent military training with 4–8 years relevant experience or Masters with 2–6 years.
• Translation/interpretation degree is highly desired.
• Must pass language tests administered by Leidos or vendor.
• MS Office proficiency and ability to perform language assessments.

Responsibilities

• Provide translation from Kurdish to English and vice versa with contextual accuracy.
• Offer consecutive and occasional simultaneous interpretation.
• Transcribe audio and produce English reports from multimedia sources.
• Summarize key facts and extract critical information from datasets.

Skills

Translation

Interpretation

Transcription

Gisting

Education

BA/BS and/or equivalent military training

Masters with 2-6 years experience

Translation/interpretation degree (highly desired)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

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. TS/SCI clearance with polygraph is required

Kurdish Linguist

Make a Global Impact – Join the Mission at Leidos

We are currently seeking a highly skilled Kurdish Linguist to join our mission-driven team. This position requires a language professional capable of performing a wide range of complex linguistic tasks with precision and cultural insight.

What You’ll Do:

You will provide professional-level linguistic support across translation, interpretation, transcription , and Gisting including but not limited to:

Translation

• Accurately translate materials (both digital and hard copy) from Kurdish 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.

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 audio/visual 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:

• A TS/SCI clearance with polygraph is required (must be fully adjudicated before work begins).

Qualifications:

• BA/BS and/or equivalent formal military training and 4-8 years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 2-6 years of prior relevant experience. Additional years of experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
• Translation and/or interpretation degree is highly desired
• HLT experience 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/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 a requirement of employment.
• All Candidates must take and successfully pass a medical laboratory and/or physical screen as required by theprogram.
• Successfully completing the required language assessments.
• Successfully completing the required weapons training.
• Travel OCONUS is required. Candidate must be able to support the contract 24/7 when on travel.

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 (https://www.leidos.com/capabilities/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.

Original Posting:

September 1, 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 onlyand 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.

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 .

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.

REQNUMBER: R-00191137

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. Leidos will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment in accordance with relevant Laws. Leidos is an equal opportunity employer/disability/vet.