Senior Russian Linguists

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

Benefits offered by this job

Sponsorship for clearance upgrades

Job summary

Leidos is seeking Senior Russian interpreters to apply linguistic expertise to national security missions. Join a mission-driven team that combines advanced technology with rigorous standards to deliver precise translation, interpretation, transcription, and gisting across high-stakes materials.

The role requires an active TS/SCI with polygraph (sponsorship for upgrades available), a Bachelor's (8–12 years) or Master's (6–10 years) of relevant experience, 4+ years interpreting, ILR 4/SLR 4+, and

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph preferred; sponsorship for clearance upgrades available.
• Bachelor’s degree with 8–12 years of relevant experience OR Master’s degree with 6-10 years of related experience.
• 4+ years of professional and recent interpretation experience.
• Experience in the Intelligence Community and Operations is required.
• Must receive 90% on English test and have ILR 4 or higher; strong English proficiency in both directions.

Responsibilities

• Provide translation from Russian to English and vice versa across materials.
• Deliver consecutive interpretation; occasional simultaneous interpretation may be required.
• Listen to audio or review content and transcribe accurately into English reports.
• Identify and summarize key facts and abstract concepts (gisting) from datasets and materials.
• Brief and communicate findings to various stakeholders.

Skills

Interpretation

Translation

English-Russian proficiency

Security clearance

MS Office

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Senior Russian interpreters

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.

An active TS/SCI with polygraph is preferred; however, sponsorship for clearance upgrades is available.

We are currently seeking a highly skilled Russian Linguist/interpreters 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.

Description

Job Description

Senior Russian interpreters

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.

An active TS/SCI with polygraph is preferred; however, sponsorship for clearance upgrades is available.

We are currently seeking a highly skilled Russian Linguist/interpreters 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 Russian 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.

What You Bring

• An active TS/SCI security clearance with a polygraph. Candidates must also be eligible for a security clearance upgrade, (must be fully adjudicated before work begins).
• 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.)
• 4+ years of professional and recent interpretation experience.
• Candidates must have a Strong interpretation experience.
• Candidates must have experience in the Intelligence Community and Operations.
• Must receive 90% on English test
• Must successfully complete a Leidos-administered language proficiency test or equivalent at the Senior level (ILR 4 and SLR 4+/4+/4+)
• Translation and/or interpretation degree is highly desired
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Must be willing to TDY 10-25%
• Experience supporting contingency operations as an interpreter.
• 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 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?

#MSBA

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.

#MSBA

• Program Name Program Name

STOUT

Original Posting

May 6, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range

Pay Range $92,300.00 - $166,850.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand 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.

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.