Kurdish (Sorani) / Arabic Translators

Leidos Inc; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 73,450 - 132,775; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Clearance sponsorship

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Kurdish (Sorani) linguist with proficiency in Arabic to join our mission-driven team in support of national security. You will provide linguistic services across translation, interpretation, transcription, and gisting, ensuring accuracy and cultural insight.

The role offers the opportunity to work on complex materials, participate in language testing and training, and travel as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 4–8 years’ relevant experience, or Master’s with 2–6 years.
• Translation and/or interpretation degree is highly desired.
• Must pass Leidos language proficiency tests or accepted vendor.
• Proficiency in MS Office and basic online research.
• All candidates must take language tests.

Responsibilities

• Provide translation of Kurdish and Arabic materials into English and vice versa.
• Perform consecutive and occasional simultaneous interpretation.
• Transcribe audio and generate high‑quality English reports.
• Summarize key facts from large datasets (gisting).
• Support travel and on‑call coverage as required.

Skills

MS Office

Online research

Language testing

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master’s degree

Job description

Description

Kurdish (Sorani)/Arabic 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 (Sorani) linguist with proficiency in Arabic to join our mission‑driven team. This role requires a language expert capable of handling a diverse range of complex linguistic tasks with accuracy, cultural awareness, and 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 and Arabic 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

• 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 4‑8 years of prior relevant experience or Master’s with 2‑6 years of prior relevant experience. (Additional years of experience may be considered 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 or 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 weapons training.
• Travel is required both OCONUS and CONUS and is at the discretion of the customer. 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.

Ready to Elevate Your Career?

If you’re a passionate linguist ready to support impactful work on a global scale, we encourage you to apply today. Your greatest work is ahead.

At Leidos, the opportunities are boundless. We challenge our staff with interesting assignments that provide them with an opportunity to thrive, professionally and personally. For us, helping you grow your career is good business. We’re excited to learn more about you, apply today!

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $73,450.00 – $132,775.00

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. 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.