NSEP Job Board

(FEATURED!) CHINESE LINGUIST/TRANSLATOR
Leidos
Overview

Open & Closing Dates
09/08/2025 to 09/30/2025
Work Schedule
Full-Time
Appointment Type
Other
Location
City
Chantilly
State
VA
Duties
Summary
Chinese 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 Chinese 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.





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!

Responsibilities
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 Chinese 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.




Requirements
Conditions of Employment
What You Bring:



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.



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.)



3+ years of professional and recent translation and interpretation experience



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.



Strong written and verbal communication skills in both English and target languages.



Requirements
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.



Security Clearance
Required
Top Secret/SCI
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.
Required Application Materials
Resume
Application Instructions
Please visit the Leidos careers page for more information and to apply: https://leidos.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/External/job/Chantilly-VA/Chinese-Linguist-Translator_R-00160428-1
Apply at the following website or click Apply below: leidos.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/External/job/Chantilly-VA/Chinese-Linguist-Translator_R-00160428-1
Additional Notes
All contract work for service credit is considered on a case-by-case basis. In general, the NSEP Service Committee considers requests for service credit at a contractor if the company is receiving funding from a Tier One federal agency. The federal funding for the position must come in the form of a contract or cooperative agreement. Work performed under federal grants will not qualify for service credit.



When applying to contracting positions, please be sure to verify with the hiring manager that the position is funded by federal contracts or cooperative agreements, and reach out to the NSEP Service Team at nsep@nsep.gov if you have any questions.