Kurdish Linguist

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

Job summary

Leidos in Reston, Virginia is seeking a Kurdish Linguist to provide translation, interpretation, transcription, and gisting support for national security programs. You will work on high‑impact language tasks across multiple platforms to deliver accurate, timely intelligence products.

Required: TS/SCI with polygraph, BA/BS or equivalent military training and 4–8 years, or a Masters with 2–6 years. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to pass Leidos language tests.

Qualifications

• BA/BS or equivalent formal military training plus 4-8 years of relevant experience, or a Master's with 2-6 years of relevant experience.
• Translation and/or interpretation degree is highly desired.
• Must pass language proficiency tests administered by LEIDOS or equivalent.
• TS/SCI clearance with polygraph is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional-level linguistic support across translation, interpretation, transcription, and gisting.
• Maintain high fidelity and cultural/contextual accuracy.
• Identify and summarize key information from large datasets.

Skills

Language proficiency

Translation

Interpreting

Transcription

Education

BA/BS or equivalent training

Master's degree (optional)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Kurdish Linguist

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. TS/SCI clearance with polygraph is required

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 the program.
• 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. 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 $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.