Pashto/Dari Linguists

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

Job summary

A national security solutions provider is seeking a highly skilled Pashto/Dari Linguist to provide comprehensive linguistic support including translation, interpretation, and transcription with a focus on national security. Candidates should hold a relevant degree and have extensive experience. Preferred qualifications include familiarity with the U.S. Intelligence Community. Competitive salary range of $92,300 to $166,850 is offered.

Qualifications

• Able to obtain a TS/SCI clearance with polygraph.
• 3+ years of professional translation and interpretation experience.
• Translation and/or interpretation degree is highly desired.
• HLT experience is a plus.
• US immigration experience is highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional-level linguistic support across translation, interpretation, transcription, and gisting.
• Accurately translate materials from Pashto/Dari into English and vice versa.
• Provide consecutive interpretation; simultaneous interpretation may occasionally be required.
• Listen to audio or review internet-based content and transcribe accurately and efficiently.
• Identify and summarize key facts and abstract concepts accurately.

Skills

Translation

Interpretation

Transcription

Cultural Insight

Microsoft Office Suite

Strong Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree with 8-12 years of relevant experience OR Master's degree with 6-10 years of related experience

Job description

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 Pashto/Dari Linguist to join our mission‑driven team. This position requires a language professional capable of performing a wide range of complex linguistic tasks with precision and cultural insight.

What You’ll Do

You will provide professional‑level linguistic support across translation, interpretation, transcription, and gisting including but not limited to:

• Translation: Accurately translate materials (both digital and hard copy) from Pashto/Dari into English and vice versa. Capture subtle nuances, cultural references, abstract concepts, geopolitical, regional, ethnic and cultural references. Use terminology and expression consistent with subject matter norms.
• 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.

What You Bring

• 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 required language tests.
• Bachelor’s degree with 8‑12 years of relevant experience OR Master’s degree with 6‑10 years of related experience. Additional years may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 3+ years of professional and recent translation and interpretation experience.Must successfully complete a Leidos‑administered language proficiency test or equivalent at the Senior level or higher.
• Translation and/or interpretation degree is highly desired.
• HLT experience a plus.
• US immigration experience is highly desired.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and basic online research.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in both English and target languages.

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.

Why Leidos

At Leidos, we’re not just offering a job — we’re offering a mission. As part of the National Security Sector, you’ll contribute to a safer world by enabling critical intelligence efforts with AI, machine learning, and digital modernization. Our linguists play an integral role in shaping global security.

We value innovation, collaboration, and integrity. We are looking for people who are driven to make a difference.

Pay Range

$92,300.00 – $166,850.00

Commitment to Non‑Discrimination

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.

Ready to Elevate Your Career?

If you’re a passionate linguist ready to support impactful work on a global scale, we encourage you to apply today. Your greatest work is ahead. At Leidos, the opportunities are boundless; we challenge our staff with interesting assignments that provide them with an opportunity to thrive, professionally and personally.