Kurdish Linguists

Leidos LLC; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 92,000 - 167,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Wellness programs

Income Protection

Paid Leave

Retirement

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Kurdish Linguist to translate materials between Kurdish and English, perform interpretation, transcription, and concise summarization of large data sets. The role requires precision, cultural insight, and the ability to manage diverse linguistic tasks.

The position may involve travel (OCONUS) and requires passing language tests. Leidos will sponsor TS/SCI clearance after eligibility is established. No clearance is required to apply initially.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 8–12 years of relevant experience or Master’s degree with 6–10 years of related experience.
• Translation and/or interpretation degree is highly desired.
• 3+ years of translation and interpretation experience.

Responsibilities

• Translate materials from Kurdish into English and vice versa with contextual accuracy.
• Provide consecutive and occasional simultaneous interpretation.
• Listen to audio content and transcribe accurately into English.
• Identify and summarize key facts and extract critical information from datasets.

Skills

Translation

Interpretation

Transcription

Gisting & summarization

MS Office proficiency

English & target languages

Education

Bachelor’s degree with 8–12 years of relevant experience

Master’s degree with 6–10 years of related experience

Translation/interpretation degree desirable

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job 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. Leidos will sponsor and upgrade security clearances for eligible candidates. 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

• 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.

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.)
• 3+ years of professional and recent translation and interpretation experience.
• Must successfully complete a Leidos-administered language proficiency test or equivalent at the Senior level or higher.
• Translation and/or interpretation degree is highly desired.
• HLT experience a plus.
• 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.

Travel

OCONUS is a REQUIREMENT on this program. 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 Leidos 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: 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 (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.

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.