Chinese Multidisciplined Language Analyst / Language Analyst Development Program (LADP) - Entry to Experienced Level (MD, HI, GA, UT)
About the role
NSA's Linguists, known as Multidisciplined Language Analysts (MDLAs), play a crucial role in the Intelligence Community by analyzing, transcribing, and translating foreign language materials. They contribute to the SIGINT mission, helping U.S. policymakers and military leaders understand foreign language worlds, cultures, and geopolitical contexts.
Responsibilities
- Offer insights to U.S. policymakers and military leaders through analysis and translation of key information.
- Research and understand other cultures and their operations within the broader geo-political landscape.
- Develop creative solutions to address complex analytic problems, such as synthesizing large volumes of data and disparate sources.
- Craft written and oral assessments that provide unique insights unavailable from other intelligence disciplines.
- Work independently and collaboratively with NSA colleagues and other analysts in the Intelligence Community.
Requirements
- A minimum language proficiency of Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) level 2/2 in reading and listening in the target language.
- Relevant experience in professional work in the language, military, teaching, or analysis; or non-language work in intelligence analysis, international relations, security studies, intelligence studies, journalism, law, STEM fields, or other topics relevant to NSA mission.
- Education: High School Diploma/GED, Associate's degree, Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, or Doctoral degree.
- Experience: Entry requires a high school diploma or GED plus 4 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience, etc.; Senior requires a Doctoral degree plus 2 years of relevant experience.
Qualifications
- Intellectually curious and a desire for continuous learning.
- Proficient (reading and listening) in Chinese.
- Well-organized and capable of handling multiple assignments.
- A strong written and oral communicator.
- Able to synthesize information to solve complex problems.
- Able to provide timely and accurate customer service.
- Desired coursework, knowledge, and experience in target development, social network analysis, metadata analysis, research methodology, topical or regional studies, quantitative/statistical analysis, data modeling, mining, or science, cyber security, computer science or networking, telecommunications, and relevant internships/extracurricular activities.
- Prior military experience with language analysis cryptologic experience.
- Experienced Level Language Analysts at NSA have experience in language quality control, serving as SMEs, authoring/releasing reports, mentoring/coaching, ensuring mission technical health, mastering/coaching others on tools, testing ILR 3/3 levels, and displaying broad knowledge of the Intelligence Community.
Competencies
- Intellectually curious and a desire for continuous learning.
- Proficient (reading and listening) in Chinese.
- Well-organized and capable of handling multiple assignments.
- A strong written and oral communicator.
- Able to synthesize information to solve complex problems.
- Able to provide timely and accurate customer service.
- Desired coursework, knowledge, and experience in target development, social network analysis, metadata analysis, research methodology, topical or regional studies, quantitative/statistical analysis, data modeling, mining, or science, cyber security, computer science or networking, telecommunications, and relevant internships/extracurricular activities.
- Prior military experience with language analysis cryptologic experience.
- Experienced Level Language Analysts at NSA have experience in language quality control, serving as SMEs, authoring/releasing reports, mentoring/coaching, ensuring mission technical health, mastering/coaching others on tools, testing ILR 3/3 levels, and displaying broad knowledge of the Intelligence Community.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package offered by NSA.
Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule
- Salary range: $50,460 - $187,093 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance, Senior).
- Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience.
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package.
- Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday - Friday, flexible hours between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
How to apply
Apply soonest as job postings can close earlier than stated end dates. Ensure your resume reflects your experience in/with the Chinese language. Review and note the minimum qualifications to be contacted for further steps. Populate the resume tool with relevant work experience and education. Answer any applicable screening questions. Information collected will be used to determine eligibility. A confirmation email will be sent after submission. Due to time-sensitive communications, ensure spam filters allow emails from noreply@intelligencecareers.gov, uwe.nsa.gov, nsa.gov, and pearson.com. For job vacancies with testing requirements, include @uwe.nsa.gov, @nsa.gov, and @pearson.com in your application.
Additional Information
U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph. NSA provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process. Applicants must certify that they are using their own words and did not use a consultant or AI such as ChatGPT or Copilot.
Narrative Questions
Please provide responses of 200 words or less to each question:
How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience.
In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes.
How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are relevant to this role.