Somali Translator/Linguist

Leidos; Great Falls Crossing (VA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Leidos as a Somali Translator/Linguist to support national security efforts. This role requires translating, interpreting, and transcribing materials with high accuracy and cultural insight. The ideal candidate has relevant experience and a passion for impactful work while contributing to global security initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 4-8 years relevant experience.
• Translation and/or interpretation degree is highly desired.
• Ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

• Translate materials accurately between Somali and English.
• Provide consecutive and simultaneous interpretation.
• Transcribe audio and produce high-quality reports.

Skills

Translation

Interpretation

Cultural Insight

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Translation degree (desired)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

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This range is provided by Leidos. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$72,150.00/yr - $130,425.00/yr

Description

Somali 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 Somali 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

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 Somali 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

• 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.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 4 – 8 years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 2 – 6 years of prior relevant experience. (Additional years of experience may be considered 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 Primary 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 screenas required by theprogram.
• Successfully completing the required weapons training.
• Travel OCONUS is a REQUIREMENT on this program. Candidate must be able to support the contract 24/7 when on travel.
  
  

Why Leidos?

At Leidos, we’re not just offering a job — we’re offering a mission. As part of the National Security 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?

If you’re a passionate linguist ready to support impactful work on a global scale, we encourage you to apply today. Your greatest work is ahead.

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, apply today!

Original Posting

June 6, 2025

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 $72,150.00 - $130,425.00

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.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing

• Industries

  IT Services and IT Consulting

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