Jobs · Information Technology · Virginia

Pashto/Dari Linguist

Leidos · Reston, VA · 3 mo ago
On-siteInformation Technology$73k–$133k/yrFull-time

Description

Pashto/Dari 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.

About the Role

We are currently seeking a highly skilled Pashto linguist with proficiency in Dari to join our mission-driven team. This role requires a language expert capable of handling a diverse range of complex linguistic tasks with accuracy, cultural awareness, and insight.

Responsibilities

  • 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 Pashto and Dari 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.

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.

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 the program.
  • 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 Leidos 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.

Original Posting

June 5, 2025

Pay Range

$73,450.00 - $132,775.00

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquarters 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.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos' name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com. If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

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.

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