Kurdish (Sorani) / Arabic Translators

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Wellness programs

Income Protection

Paid Leave

Retirement benefits

Job summary

A technology and engineering company is seeking a highly skilled Kurdish (Sorani) linguist with proficiency in Arabic to provide linguistic support including translation, interpretation, transcription, and gisting for national security missions. The position offers competitive pay ranging from approximately $73,450 to $132,775, and candidates will receive clearance sponsorship from the company. Strong translation skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 4–8 years of relevant experience or Master’s with 2–6 years.
• Translation and/or interpretation degree is highly desired.
• Must successfully complete Leidos-administered language proficiency test.

Responsibilities

• Accurately translate materials from Kurdish and Arabic into English.
• Provide consecutive interpretation and maintain understanding of dialects.
• Transcribe audio/visual materials accurately and efficiently.

Skills

Proficiency in Kurdish (Sorani)

Proficiency in Arabic

Translation skills

Interpretation skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Kurdish (Sorani) linguist with proficiency in Arabic to provide professional-level linguistic support including translation, interpretation, transcription, and gisting for national security missions. Leidos will sponsor and upgrade security clearances for eligible candidates.

Responsibilities

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; use terminology and expression consistent with subject matter norms in the target language.

Interpretation: Provide consecutive interpretation, with occasional simultaneous interpretation as needed; 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 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

• Attendance and completion of 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.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay Range: $73,450.00 – $132,775.00. 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. 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.