Kurdish Linguists

Leidos; United States; On-site; USD 92,300 - 166,850; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Kurdish Linguist to provide professional-level translation, interpretation, transcription, and gisting services. You will translate materials between Kurdish and English, perform consecutive (and occasional simultaneous) interpretation, and produce accurate English reports from audio/video materials.

The role requires a high level of language proficiency and familiarity with dialects. Applicants must be eligible for a TS/SCI clearance with polygraph and have 3+ years of

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 translation and interpretation experience.
• Must successfully complete language proficiency test at Senior level or higher.
• Translation and/or interpretation degree is highly desired.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and online research.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and target languages.

Responsibilities

• Provide translation across Kurdish and English.
• Provide consecutive and occasional simultaneous interpretation.
• Transcribe audio and video content into high-quality English reports.
• Identify and summarize key facts from large datasets (gisting).

Skills

English-Kurdish bilingual

Microsoft Office

Online research

HLT experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

HLT

Job description

Kurdish Linguist – Leidos

Make a Global Impact - Join the Mission at Leidos

What You’ll Do

Provide professional‑level linguistic support across translation, interpretation, transcription, and gisting, including:

Translation

• Accurately translate materials from Kurdish into English and vice versa.
• Capture subtle nuances, cultural references, and abstract concepts with contextual accuracy.
• Use terminology consistent with subject matter norms.

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.
• 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 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 is 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 Requirements

Travel OCONUS is a requirement. Candidate must be able to support the contract 24/7 when on travel.

Compensation

Pay Range: $92,300.00 – $166,850.00. The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only.

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.