Multidisciplined Language Analyst

Southern Arkansas University; Utah; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

NSA seeks Linguists (MDLAs) to apply advanced language skills in support of SIGINT missions. Depending on qualifications, candidates may enter the Language Analysis Development Program (LADP) or be hired directly into analytic roles.

The LADP lasts up to three years with tours across offices, training, and on-the-job experience in translating, transcribing, and analyzing foreign language materials. Ideal applicants are intellectually curious, multilingual, well organized, able to synthesize

Qualifications

• ILR level 2/2 in reading and listening for target language.
• At least one year of relevant language or analytic experience.
• Experience in intelligence or related fields is acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Analyze foreign language materials within SIGINT framework.
• Translate, transcribe, or analyze language data.
• Prepare written and oral assessments.
• Collaborate with partners across the IC.
• Engage in continuous learning and development.

Skills

Proficient foreign language reading

Well organized

Strong written and oral communication

Ability to synthesize information

Customer service mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in any field

Job description

Are you passionate about using your foreign language skills, working at the forefront of NSA's exciting SIGINT mission?

NSA's Linguists, known as Multidisciplined Language Analysts (MDLAs), are expected to take an inclusive approach to problem solving and mission accomplishment by frequently engaging with partners, enablers, and customers across the Intelligence Community. Based on skill level and experience, NSA MDLAs are considered for either the Language Analysis Development Program (LADP) or direct hire into positions supporting an analytic mission office.

The LADP, which lasts up to three years, is designed to provide an intensive, accelerated opportunity to acquire the unique technical skills and experience needed to successfully apply knowledge and analytic ability to the SIGINT mission and help MDLAs achieve core analytic competencies in accordance with the Cryptologic Training System Training Standard and the MDLA competencies framework. The program includes 4-5 operational tours in a variety of offices, interspersed with formal classroom and computer-based training. These on-the-job operational tours are primarily focused on analyzing foreign language materials within the framework of the two main SIGINT disciplines of intelligence analysis - SIGINT reporting and SIGINT development.

MDLAs are at the forefront of carrying out NSA's SIGINT mission, and they do so in a variety of ways:

• Offer U.S. policymakers and military leaders a window into the foreign language world by analyzing, transcribing, and translating key information
• Research and understand other cultures, how they operate, and how they fit in the larger geo-political context
• Apply new techniques and develop creative solutions to address analytic problems such as synthesizing large volumes of data and disparate sources of information
• Demonstrate a firm understanding of communications and technology trends
• Craft written and oral assessments that provide unique insights unavailable from other intelligence disciplines
• Work independently and collaborate effectively (both within NSA and with other analysts in the Intelligence Community) in research, analysis, and reporting

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.

A degree in any field is acceptable.

Applicant must have a minimum language proficiency of Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) level 2/2 in reading and listening in the target language for which the applicant is being considered.

At least one year of relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: performing professional work in the language (for example, translation, transcription, foreign language instruction, or analysis); OR non-language work in a field such as intelligence analysis, international relations, security studies, intelligence studies, journalism, law, STEM fields (for example, computer science, chemistry, space or weapons systems, or cyber), or other topics directly relevant to NSA SIGINT or Cybersecurity mission.

For the Full Performance and Senior levels, experience may also include formal or informal leadership experience.

ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 4 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree with no experience.

FULL PERFORMANCE Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 7 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree and no experience.

SENIOR Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 10 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree plus 6 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 4 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 2 years of relevant experience. At least three years of relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: performing professional work in the language (for example, translation, transcription, foreign language instruction, or analysis); OR non-language work in a field such as intelligence analysis, international relations, security studies, intelligence studies, journalism, law, STEM fields (for example, computer science, chemistry, space or weapons systems, or cyber), or other topics directly relevant to NSA SIGINT or Cybersecurity mission.

Experience may also include formal or informal leadership experience.

The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, has a desire for continual learning, and is:

• PROFICIENT (reading and listening) in a foreign language.
• Well organized and able to handle multiple assignments
• A strong written and oral communicator
• Able to synthesize information to solve complex problems
• Able to provide timely and accurate customer service