Senior Arabic Linguists

Leidos; United States; On-site; USD 92,300 - 166,850; Full time

Job summary

Leidos invites linguists with strong translation, interpretation, transcription, and summarization skills to join a team supporting national security efforts. The role requires a TS/SCI clearance with polygraph, and the ability to translate Arabic and English with high fidelity and cultural nuance.

Applicants should hold a relevant degree and substantial experience, demonstrate proficiency in MS Office and online research, and be prepared to undergo Leidos language proficiency testing at senior

Qualifications

• BA degree with 15+ years of relevant experience or a Master's degree with 13+ years of relevant experience.
• Translation and/or interpretation degree is highly desirable.
• HLT experience is a plus.
• Must pass language proficiency tests at senior level or higher.
• Proficiency in MS Office and basic online research required.

Responsibilities

• Translate materials from Arabic into English and vice versa with contextual accuracy.
• Provide consecutive and possibly simultaneous interpretation.
• Transcribe audio and produce high-quality English reports.
• Identify and summarize key facts from large data sets using reference materials.

Skills

Microsoft Office Suite

Online research

Language proficiency tests

Education

Bachelor's degree with extensive experience

Master's degree

Translation/Interpretation degree

Tools

HLT experience

Job description

ake 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. TS/SCI clearance with polygraph is required

What You'll Do:

Translation

• Accurately translate materials (both digital and hard copy) from Arabic 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.

Security Clearance:

• A TS/SCI clearance with polygraph is required

Qualifications:

• BA degree and 15+ years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 13+ years of prior relevant experience. Additional years of experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
• Translation and/or interpretation degree is highly desired
• HLT experience a plus
• Must successfully complete a Leidos-administered language proficiency test or equivalent at the senior level or higher.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and basic online research.
• All candidates must take and pass language tests administered by LEIDOS/an accepted commercial testing vendor.

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.

Additional Information:

• Attending and passing all sponsor related training is a requirement of employment.
• All Candidates must take and successfully pass a medical laboratory and/or physical screen as required by the program.
• Successfully completing the required weapons training.
• Travel OCONUS is required.

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.

Attachments

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

March 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.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That’s why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos' name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment‑related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system - never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment‑related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at [e-mail].

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

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.