Operational Language Analyst (Chinese/Mandarin)

the-swift-group; Maryland; On-site; USD 65,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Swift, headquartered in Reston, VA, seeks an Operational Language Analyst (Chinese/Mandarin) to support SIGINT through translation, transcription and analysis of language materials. The role spans processing, reporting, and quality control as levels progress, with access to standard SIGINT tools and guidance.

Responsibilities include translating and gist-ing foreign language content into clear English, identifying EEIs, and contributing to mission reporting.

Qualifications

• ILR Level 2 in Audio and/or Text Translation (within 2 years).
• ILR Level 3 in Audio and/or Text Translation (within 2 years).
• 4 years of cryptologic language processing experience (OLA Level 3/4).
• US citizenship and an active TS/SCI with Polygraph security clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Process voice and/or graphic language materials in support of SIGINT operations.
• Translate, transcribe, and gist foreign language materials into clear, idiomatic English.
• Identify and extract essential elements of information (EEIs).
• Support mission reporting through accurate and timely language analysis.
• Utilize standard tools and databases to support analysis and reporting.

Skills

ILR Level 2 Translation

ILR Level 3 Translation

TS/SCI with Polygraph

English Typing

Cryptologic Language Processing

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate’s Degree or +2 years experience

Bachelor’s Degree or +4 years experience

Job description

Swift is a privately held, mission-driven and employee-focused services and solutions company headquartered in Reston, VA. Our capabilities include Software Development, Engineering & IT, Data Science, Cyber Enablement, Logistics, and Training. Founded in 2019, Swift supports Civilian, Defense, and Intelligence Community customers across the country and around the globe.

We are looking for an Operational Language Analyst(Chinese/Mandarin) to support SIGINT operations through the processing, analysis, and translation of voice and/or graphic language materials. This role contributes directly to mission success by enabling the extraction, interpretation, and reporting of critical foreign language information.

OLAs perform a range of cryptologic language processing tasks including translation, transcription, and gisting of foreign language materials. More senior levels contribute through quality control, mentoring, and advanced analysis of complex language data.

Core Responsibilities (All Levels):

• Process voice and/or graphic language materials in support of SIGINT operations
• Translate, transcribe, and gist foreign language materials into clear, idiomatic English
• Identify and extract essential elements of information (EEIs)
• Support mission reporting through accurate and timely language analysis
• Utilize standard tools and databases to support analysis and reporting

Requirements:

OLA Level 1

• High School Diploma or GED
• ILR Level 2 in Audio and/or Text Translation (within 2 years)
• 2 years of cryptologic language processing experience
  • At least 1 year with translation/transcription/gisting as primary duties
• 1 year typing on an English keyboard
• US citizenship and an active TS/SCI with Polygraph security clearance required

OLA Level 2

• Associate’s Degree (or +2 years experience in lieu)
• ILR Level 3 in Audio and/or Text Translation (within 2 years)

4 years of cryptologic language processing experience

• At least 2 years with translation/transcription/gisting as primary duties
• No more than 1 year reporting as primary duty
• 2 years must be within last 4 years
• 1 year typing on an English keyboard
• US citizenship and an active TS/SCI with Polygraph security clearance required

OLA Level 3

• Bachelor’s Degree (or +4 years experience in lieu)
• ILR Level 3 in Audio and/or Text Translation (within 2 years)

10 years of combined relevant experience

• At least 6 years in cryptologic language processing
• At least 6 years in the required language
• At least 1 year performing quality control (QC) at ILR 3
• Recency requirements apply (within 6 years)
• 1 year typing on an English keyboard
• US citizenship and an active TS/SCI with Polygraph security clearance required

OLA Level 4

• Bachelor’s Degree (or +4 years experience in lieu)
• ILR Level 3 in BOTH Audio and Text Translation (within 2 years)

15 years of combined relevant experience

• At least 8 years in cryptologic language processing
• At least 8 years in required language
• At least 3 years performing QC at ILR 3
• Recency requirements apply
• 1 year typing on an English keyboard
• US citizenship and an active TS/SCI with Polygraph security clearance required