Socio-Cultural Analyst – Chinese

Peraton

$135K — $216K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Active Top Secret/SCI (TS/SCI) clearance with Polygraph
  • 12+ years of relevant experience, with a degree providing reduced requirements based on education
  • Native-level proficiency in Mandarin/Cantonese
  • ILR/DLPT Level 4 in all three modes: speaking, reading, and writing in Chinese
  • Strong communication skills in both English and Chinese
  • Knowledge of HUMINT collection and cultural analysis
  • Capability to produce polished intelligence products using Microsoft Office formats

Responsibilities

  • Serve as a language specialist, ensuring accurate communication in Mandarin/Cantonese across intelligence products
  • Analyze Chinese geopolitical, economic, and social dynamics for strategic insights
  • Conduct HUMINT intelligence collection and target analysis on Chinese networks
  • Produce accurate translations of various media from Chinese to English
  • Develop innovative research methods for target language exploitation
  • Select effective formats and channels for intelligence dissemination
  • Support CI/HUMINT operations with cultural expertise

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on high-impact missions for national security
  • Collaborative environment with skilled professionals in the intelligence community
  • Commitment to employee growth and development
  • Potential for flexible on-call support during operations
Full Job Description
Responsibilities

Are you a native Chinese speaker with deep expertise in Chinese culture, geopolitics, and intelligence operations? Peraton is looking for aSocio-Cultural Analystto join a high-impact team supportingUSCYBERCOM J2Xat Fort Meade, MD 6 one of the most consequential cyber and intelligence missions in the U.S. government.

In this role, you won't just translate words 6 you'll translate meaning. You'll bring cultural context, regional expertise, and intelligence tradecraft together to help shape how the U.S. understands and responds to Chinese threats in the cyber and information domains.

What You'll Do
  • Serve as a native-level Chinese (Mandarin/Cantonese) language specialist, delivering precise reading, writing, and spoken communication across all intelligence products
  • Provide nuanced cultural analysis of Chinese geopolitical, economic, and social dynamics to inform operational and strategic decision-making
  • Conduct research, HUMINT intelligence collection, and target analysis focused on Chinese actors and networks
  • Produce accurate, meaning-preserving translations of transcripts, video, and audio materials (Chinese 1 English)
  • Devise and recommend innovative methods for target language research and information exploitation
  • Determine the most effective formats and channels for presenting and disseminating finished intelligence
  • Provide language and cultural expertise in direct support of CI/HUMINT operations under USCYBERCOM J2X
  • Collaborate with analysts and collectors to sharpen collection strategies and reporting requirements
  • Author and maintain Operating Instructions (OIs) for Command-wide programs and initiatives
Qualifications What You Bring

Required:

  • ActiveTop Secret/SCI (TS/SCI)clearance with Polygraph
  • Minimum or 12 years w/o a degree, 10 years with AS/AA or 8 years with BS/BA or 6 years with MS/MA or 3 years with PhD
  • Native-level Chinese proficiency 6 first or second generation fluency with command of current vernacular, colloquialisms, and terminology
  • ILR/DLPT Level 4in speaking, reading, and writing in Chinese
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills in both English and Chinese
  • Working knowledge of HUMINT collection, cultural analysis, and IC/DoD classification guidelines
  • Demonstrated ability to produce accurate translations and polished intelligence products in Microsoft Office formats

Preferred:

  • Academic or professional background in Chinese regional studies, political science, or cultural analysis
  • Hands-on experience with HUMINT collection operations or CI/HUMINT language analysis
  • Familiarity with Chinese social media platforms, technical terminology, and evolving colloquialisms
  • Knowledge of Chinese military doctrine, cyber capabilities, and intelligence services (PLA, MSS, MPS)
  • Knowledge of network defense principles and network infrastructure concepts in an intelligence context
  • Flexibility for on-call surge support with short-notice availability during contingency operations
  • 12+ yearsof relevant experience, including work within the last 2 years
  • Master's degreein a related field 6ora Bachelor's degree plus 5 additional years of senior-level experience (17 years total)

Peraton drives missions of consequence 6 protecting and promoting U.S. national security at the highest levels. As part of our team, you'll work alongside some of the most skilled professionals in the intelligence community, tackling complex problems that matter. We offer a culture that values your expertise and invests in your growth.

#USCCJ2

Target Salary Range$135,000 - $216,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individuals experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

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