Kurdish Linguists

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

Job summary

Leidos Inc. seeks a Kurdish Linguist to deliver professional translation, interpretation, transcription, and gisting across sensitive materials. You will translate Kurdish-English, perform consecutive and occasional simultaneous interpretation, produce accurate transcripts, and summarize key facts succinctly. Eligibility includes TS/SCI with polygraph; prior defense/IC context is valued.

Travel OCONUS is required; candidates must be able to support the contract 24/7 during travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 8–12 years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree with 6–10 years of related experience.
• 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.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and basic online research.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in both English and target languages.

Responsibilities

• Translate materials from Kurdish into English and vice versa with accuracy.
• Provide consecutive interpretation; simultaneous interpretation may be required.
• Listen to audio or review content and transcribe accurately.
• Produce high-quality English-language reports based on audio/visual materials.
• Identify and summarize key facts and abstract concepts from large datasets.

Skills

Translation

Interpretation

Bilingual English/Kurdish

MS Office

Research skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Online research

Job description

Kurdish Linguist

Responsibilities

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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Benefits

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.

Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement.

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.