Pashto/Dari Linguists

Leidos; Vienna (VA); On-site; USD 92,300 - 166,850; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Health and wellness programs

Paid leave

Retirement benefits

Job summary

A leading defense contractor in Virginia is seeking a highly skilled Pashto/Dari Linguist to provide expert-level linguistic support in translation, interpretation, and transcription for national security and intelligence operations. The position requires professional translation experience, proficiency in both English and Pashto/Dari, and the ability to obtain necessary security clearance. Competitive benefits include a salary range of $92,300.00 – $166,850.00, with various health and wellness programs.

Qualifications

• Must obtain TS/SCI clearance with polygraph.
• 8-12 years of relevant experience, or 6-10 years with Master’s.
• 3+ years professional translation and interpretation experience.

Responsibilities

• Accurately translate materials from Pashto/Dari to English and vice versa.
• Summarize critical information from large datasets.
• Provide consecutive interpretation and produce high-quality English reports.

Skills

Professional translation and interpretation experience

Strong written and verbal communication in English and Pashto/Dari

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in relevant field

Job description

Position Summary

Leidos is seeking a highly skilled Pashto/Dari Linguist to provide professional-level linguistic support across translation, interpretation, transcription, and gisting, contributing to national security and intelligence operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Accurately translate materials from Pashto/Dari into English and vice versa, capturing nuances, cultural references, and contextual accuracy.
• Report and prioritize critical information from large datasets, identifying and summarizing key facts.
• Provide consecutive interpretation (and occasional simultaneous) with high fidelity and cultural competence.
• Listen to audio or review internet-based content and transcribe accurately, producing high-quality English reports.
• Apply consistent terminology and expressions aligned with subject‑matter norms.

Required Qualifications

• No clearance required to apply; must obtain TS/SCI clearance with polygraph and be fully adjudicated before work begins.
• Bachelor’s degree with 8-12 years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree with 6-10 years; additional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 3+ years of professional translation and interpretation experience.
• Successful completion of a senior-level language proficiency test or equivalent.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and basic online research.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in both English and Pashto/Dari.

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 brief and communicate findings to various stakeholders.
• Proficiency in multiple languages.

Benefits and Compensation

Pay Range: $92,300.00 – $166,850.00. Competitive compensation, health and wellness programs, income protection, paid leave, and retirement benefits.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos may also consider applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.