Russian Linguist - Reston, VA

VetJobs; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 92,000 - 167,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Russian Linguist to join a mission-focused team supporting national security. You will translate Russian/Ukrainian materials into English and back, provide consecutive or occasional simultaneous interpretation, and produce accurate English transcripts from audio/video content.

The role emphasizes linguistic precision, cultural insight, and the ability to handle sensitive information. A TS/SCI clearance with polygraph is preferred or sponsorable; travel to locations may be

Qualifications

• Must have professional translation/interpretation experience at a senior level or higher.
• Strong written and verbal communication in English and Russian/Ukrainian.
• Ability to identify and summarize key facts from large datasets.
• Proficiency tests or language proficiency assessments required.

Responsibilities

• Translate materials between Russian/Ukrainian and English with high accuracy and cultural nuance.
• Provide consecutive (and occasional simultaneous) interpretation for meetings and briefings.
• Transcribe audio/video content into accurate English reports.
• Identify and summarize key facts and abstract concepts from sources.

Skills

Russian language

English language

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Online research

Job description

ATTENTION MILITARY AFFILIATED JOB SEEKERS - Our organization works with partner companies to source qualified talent for their open roles. The following position is available to Veterans, Transitioning Military, National Guard and Reserve Members, Military Spouses, Wounded Warriors, and their Caregivers . If you have the required skill set, education requirements, and experience, all positions are onsite, unless otherwise stated.

Russian Linguist

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 Russian 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

Translation

• Accurately translate materials (both digital and hard copy) from Russian/Ukrainian into English and vice versa.
• Capture subtle nuances, cultural references, and abstract concepts with contextual accuracy.
• Capture geopolitical, regional, ethnic, and cultural references effectively.
• Use terminology and expression consistent with subject matter norms in the target language.

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.

Auto req ID 481464BR

Minimum Education Required Bachelors

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 the 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 of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.)
• Translation and/or interpretation degree is highly desired
• 3+ years of professional and recent translation, transcription, and/or interpretation experience.
• Must successfully complete a Leidos-administered language proficiency test or equivalent at the Senior level or higher.
• Must be willing to TDY to any location
• HLT experience a plus
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and basic online research.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in both English and target languages.
• Travel 0-50%

Why Leidos?

At Leidos, we’re not just offering a job — we’re offering a mission. As part of the Leidos Intel Sector you'll contribute to a safer world by enabling critical intelligence efforts with AI, machine learning, and digital modernization, Mission Software Systems. From safeguarding ports and borders to anticipating geopolitical instability years in advance, our linguists play an integral role in shaping global security.

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

Ready to Elevate Your Career?

At Leidos, the opportunities are boundless. We challenge our staff with interesting assignments that provide them with an opportunity to thrive, professionally and personally. For us, helping you grow your career is good business. We’re excited to learn more about you.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting January 2, 2026

Pay Range

• Pay Range $92,300.00 - $166,850.00
• The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

Preferred Experience

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.

City* Reston

State* Virginia

Job_Category Communications

Job Code Linguist Linguist

Affiliate Sponsor Leidos

Salary Range $75,000-$100,000