Kurdish Translators

Leidos

$73K — $132K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree with 4-8 years relevant experience (or Master’s with 2-6 years) in linguistics or related language fields.
  • Degree in translation and/or interpretation is highly desired.
  • Experience with HLT is a plus.
  • Must pass a Leidos-administered language proficiency test at the Primary level or higher.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and basic online research.
  • Required to successfully complete language assessments administered by Leidos or approved vendors.

Responsibilities

  • Translate materials between Kurdish, Arabic, and English with cultural nuance and contextual accuracy.
  • Provide consecutive interpretation and, as needed, occasional simultaneous interpretation with high fidelity.
  • Transcribe audio and digital content into detailed, high-quality English reports.
  • Gist and summarize key facts and complex concepts from diverse data sources.
  • Utilize subject-specific terminology to ensure consistency and accuracy in language outputs.
  • Fulfill travel requirements, including OCONUS deployments and providing round-the-clock support during assignments.

Benefits

  • Leidos sponsors and upgrades security clearances for eligible candidates.
  • Opportunity to work on mission-driven projects supporting national security.
  • Access to comprehensive training programs and professional development.
  • Engagement with cutting-edge technology, including AI, machine learning, and digital modernization.
  • Collaborative environment that values innovation, integrity, and career growth.
Full Job Description
Kurdish (Sorani) Linguist

We are currently seeking a highly skilled Kurdish (Sorani) linguist with proficiency in Arabic 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.

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 Kurdish and Arabic 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 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.


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

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and 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.

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