Kurdish Translators

Leidos LLC; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 133,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Security clearance sponsorship

Professional development

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Kurdish (Sorani) linguist to translate from Kurdish and Arabic into English and back, with high contextual accuracy and cultural insight. The role involves interpretation, transcription, and summarization for national security-related materials.

The position offers sponsorship for security clearances and requires passing Leidos language proficiency tests. Travel may be involved, and readiness to support 24/7 operations when on assignment is valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 4–8 years of prior relevant experience or Master’s with 2–6 years of prior relevant experience.
• Translation and/or interpretation degree is highly desired; HL T 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.

Responsibilities

• Translate materials from Kurdish and Arabic into English and vice versa with contextual accuracy.
• Provide consecutive and occasional simultaneous interpretation with high fidelity.
• Transcript audio or video content and produce high-quality English reports.
• Identify and summarize key facts and abstract concepts; extract critical information from large datasets.

Skills

Translation & interpretation

Language testing

Multitask handling

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Online research

Job description

Kurdish (Sorani) 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:

• 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 Masters 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/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 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 $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. 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.

Original Posting: July 1, 2025 For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

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.