Linguist III

BCforward; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

BCforward is seeking a Linguist III to join our team in a contract role focused on linguistic data analysis, language technologies, and LLM-enabled workflows. You will deliver high-quality language data, encode rule-based classifiers, engineer prompts, and evaluate model and data quality.

The position supports onsite hybrid work in Burlingame, CA or Redmond, WA, with a 12-month duration and pay range of $40/hr to $45/hr (W2).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics, Computational Linguistics, or related field.
• Experience with regular expression encoding.
• Knowledge of syntax, semantics, pragmatics, sociolinguistics, and corpus linguistics.
• Proficiency in Python.
• Experience with SQL and data analysis processes.
• Experience working with speech and text data.
• Familiarity with Large Language Models, prompt engineering, and applications.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide linguistic expertise while delivering data for large language models.
• Collaborate with linguists and data operations teams on data collection, curation, and annotation.
• Evaluate and curate datasets for ML models using LLM solutions.
• Assess model performance and data quality.
• Conduct prompt engineering for data synthesis and evaluation tasks.
• Create clear guidelines that enable consistent labeling by annotators.
• Develop complex linguistic analyses and encode rule-based classifiers.

Skills

Linguistics

Python

Regex

SQL

Data analysis

ML frameworks

Prompt engineering

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s in Linguistics

Master’s/PhD in related field

Tools

NLP libraries

ML frameworks

Job description

Job Title: Linguist III

Location: Burlingame, CA or Redmond, WA (Onsite hybrid). Preference order: Burlingame, CA; New York, NY; Redmond, WA.

Duration: Contract – 12 months

Pay Range: $40/hr $45/hr (W2)

Job ID: 410143

About BCforward

BCforward is a leading global IT consulting and workforce solutions firm providing services and support to Fortune 500 and government clients. Founded in 1998, BCforward has grown with our customers needs into a full-service business solutions provider. With delivery centers and offices across North America and India, we take pride in building long-term relationships and delivering excellence through innovation, collaboration, and integrity.

Job Description

We are seeking a Linguist III to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in linguistic data analysis, language technologies, and LLM-enabled workflows and a proven ability to deliver high-quality language data, encode rule-based classifiers, engineer prompts, and evaluate model and data quality.

Responsibilities:

• Provide linguistic expertise while delivering data for large language models.

• Collaborate with linguists and data operations teams on data collection, curation, and annotation.

• Evaluate and curate datasets for ML models using LLM solutions.

• Assess model performance and data quality.

• Conduct prompt engineering for data synthesis and evaluation tasks.

• Create clear guidelines that enable consistent, high-quality labeling by annotators.

• Develop complex and consistent linguistic analyses and encode rule-based classifiers.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics, Computational Linguistics, or related field.

• Experience with regular expression encoding.

• Knowledge of syntax, semantics, pragmatics, sociolinguistics, and corpus linguistics.

• Proficiency in Python.

• Experience with database queries and data analysis processes (SQL, spreadsheets).

• Experience working with speech and text data.

• Familiarity with Large Language Models, prompt engineering, and applications.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative, and dynamic environment.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Master’s or PhD in Linguistics, Computational Linguistics, language technologies, or related field.

• Experience with machine learning frameworks, NLP libraries, and tools.

• 4-5 years of experience in a Linguist role.

• Experience with conversational assistants, ML support, and LLMs.

Why BCforward?

At BCforward, we believe in advancing lives and careers. When you join our team, you gain access to:

• Competitive compensation and benefits.

• Opportunities for growth with global clients.

• A supportive, inclusive culture that values innovation and people.

• Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and projects.

About Our Commitment

BCforward is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Fair Chance Notice

Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, qualified applicants will be considered for assignment with arrest and conviction records. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position, including adherence to company policies, sound judgment, stress management, safe and respectful collaboration, trustworthiness, meeting client expectations and standards, and safeguarding business operations and company reputation.