Tamashek/Tamasheq Linguists

Leidos Inc; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos in Reston, Virginia, seeks a Tamashek/Tamasheq Linguist to provide translation, interpretation, transcription, and gisting support for mission-critical needs.

Qualified candidates hold a Bachelor's degree (or Master's) with relevant experience and must pass Leidos language tests; TS/SCI clearance with polygraph can be pursued with sponsorship after language assessments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus 4–8 years of experience or Master's with 2–6 years of experience (or equivalent).
• Translation and/or interpretation degree highly desired.
• HLT experience a plus.
• Must pass Leidos language proficiency test or equivalent at Primary level or higher.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and basic online research.
• All candidates must pass language tests administered by Leidos/accepted vendor.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional-level linguistic support across translation, interpretation, transcription, and gisting.
• Translate materials from Tamashek/Tamasheq into English and vice versa with contextual accuracy.
• Provide consecutive and occasional simultaneous interpretation.
• Transcribe audio/visual materials accurately and efficiently.
• Identify and summarize key facts and abstract concepts accurately.

Skills

Translation

Interpretation

Transcription

Gisting

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Description

Tamashek/Tamasheq Linguist

Make a Global Impact – Join the Mission at Leidos

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 Tamashek/Tamasheq 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 Tamashek/Tamasheq 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 screen as required by theprogram.
• Successfully completing the required weapons training.
• Travel is required both OCONUS and CONUS and is at the discretion of the customer. 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 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.

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.

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.

Original Posting:October 1, 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 $73,450.00 - $132,775.00

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.