Senior Spanish Linguist

Leidos; Vienna (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 167,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Senior Spanish Linguist to support national security missions by translating, interpreting, transcribing, and summarizing content from Spanish into English and back.

The role requires an active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph, strong bilingual proficiency, and the ability to work with intelligence communities. Occasional TDY 10–25% is expected.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph required and fully adjudicated.
• Bachelor’s degree with 8–12 years or Master’s with 6–10 years of related experience.
• 4+ years translation/interpretation experience, preferably in Intelligence Community and operations.
• Translation/interpretation degree is highly desired.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and online research.
• Strong written and verbal skills in English and target languages.
• Willingness to TDY 10–25%.

Responsibilities

• Translate materials from Spanish to English and vice versa.
• Provide consecutive interpretation; occasional simultaneous interpretation.
• Listen to audio/review content and transcribe accurately into English reports.
• Identify and summarize key facts from large datasets.

Skills

Translation experience

Intelligence Community experience

Language proficiency English/Spanish

Microsoft Office

Online research

Language proficiency test (Senior)

HLT experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Job description

Senior Spanish 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. An active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph is required.

What You’ll Do

Translation

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

• TS/SCI clearance with polygraph is required (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 translation and interpretation experience.
• Candidates must have experience in the Intelligence Community and Operations.
• 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
• 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 a linguist.
• Must have interpretation skills.
• 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.

Original Posting

March 16, 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.

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].

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.