Socio-Cultural Analyst - Chinese

Peraton; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 135,000 - 216,000; Full time

Job summary

Peraton is seeking a Socio-Cultural Analyst at Fort Meade, MD to translate meaning beyond words, applying cultural context and intelligence tradecraft to understand Chinese threats in cyber and information domains.

You will work with USCYBERCOM J2X, deliver translations, conduct research, HUMINT collection, and contribute to target analysis and operations planning, supporting national security objectives.

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with Polygraph
• Native-level Chinese proficiency
• ILR/DLPT Level 4 in Chinese
• Strong bilingual communication in English and Chinese
• Experience in HUMINT collection and cultural analysis

Responsibilities

• Translate meaning beyond words with deep cultural context for Chinese geopolitics and cyber operations
• Provide nuanced cultural analysis to inform operational and strategic decisions
• Conduct research, HUMINT collection, and target analysis on Chinese actors and networks
• Produce accurate translations of transcripts, video, and audio materials (Chinese to English)
• Support CI/HUMINT operations under USCYBERCOM J2X and assist in dissemination of intelligence

Skills

Native-level Chinese proficiency

Bilingual English/Chinese

Cultural analysis

Strong written/verbal communication

Education

Master's degree in a related field

Bachelor's degree with 5+ years senior-level experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Responsibilities

Are you a native Chinese speaker with deep expertise in Chinese culture, geopolitics, and intelligence operations? Peraton is looking for aSocio-Cultural Analystto join a high-impact team supportingUSCYBERCOM J2Xat Fort Meade, MD - one of the most consequential cyber and intelligence missions in the U.S. government.

In this role, you won't just translate words - you'll translate meaning. You'll bring cultural context, regional expertise, and intelligence tradecraft together to help shape how the U.S. understands and responds to Chinese threats in the cyber and information domains.

What You'll Do

• Serve as a native-level Chinese (Mandarin/Cantonese) language specialist, delivering precise reading, writing, and spoken communication across all intelligence products
• Provide nuanced cultural analysis of Chinese geopolitical, economic, and social dynamics to inform operational and strategic decision-making
• Conduct research, HUMINT intelligence collection, and target analysis focused on Chinese actors and networks
• Produce accurate, meaning-preserving translations of transcripts, video, and audio materials (Chinese to English)
• Devise and recommend innovative methods for target language research and information exploitation
• Determine the most effective formats and channels for presenting and disseminating finished intelligence
• Provide language and cultural expertise in direct support of CI/HUMINT operations under USCYBERCOM J2X
• Collaborate with analysts and collectors to sharpen collection strategies and reporting requirements
• Author and maintain Operating Instructions (OIs) for Command-wide programs and initiatives

#USCCJ2

Qualifications

What You Bring

Required:

• ActiveTop Secret/SCI (TS/SCI) clearance with Polygraph
• Minimum or 12 years w/o a degree, 10 years with AS/AA or 8 years with BS/BA or 6 years with MS/MA or 3 years with PhD
• Native-level Chinese proficiency— first or second generation fluency with command of current vernacular, colloquialisms, and terminology
• ILR/DLPT Level 4in speaking, reading, and writing in Chinese
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in both English and Chinese
• Working knowledge of HUMINT collection, cultural analysis, and IC/DoD classification guidelines
• Demonstrated ability to produce accurate translations and polished intelligence products in Microsoft Office formats

Preferred:

• Academic or professional background in Chinese regional studies, political science, or cultural analysis
• Hands-on experience with HUMINT collection operations or CI/HUMINT language analysis
• Familiarity with Chinese social media platforms, technical terminology, and evolving colloquialisms
• Knowledge of Chinese military doctrine, cyber capabilities, and intelligence services (PLA, MSS, MPS)
• Knowledge of network defense principles and network infrastructure concepts in an intelligence context
• Flexibility for on-call surge support with short-notice availability during contingency operations
• 12+ yearsof relevant experience, including work within the last 2 years
• Master's degreein a related field -or-a Bachelor's degree plus 5 additional years of senior-level experience (17 years total)

Peraton drives missions of consequence - protecting and promoting U.S. national security at the highest levels. As part of our team, you'll work alongside some of the most skilled professionals in the intelligence community, tackling complex problems that matter. We offer a culture that values your expertise and invests in your growth.

Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world’s leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can’t be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we’re keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range

$135,000 - $216,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual’s experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

EEO

EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.