Somali Translator/Linguist

Leidos•Reston, VA

About The Position

Somali 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 Somali 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. 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 Somali 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.

Requirements

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.)
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.
Able to obtain a TS/SCI clearance with polygraph (must be fully adjudicated before work begins).
Attending and passing all sponsor related training is a requirement of employment.
All Candidates must take and successfully pass a m edic al laboratory and/or physical screen as required by the program.
Successfully completing the required weapons training.
Travel OCONUS is a REQUIREMENT on this program.
Candidate must be able to support the contract 24/7 when on travel.

Nice To Haves

Translation and/or interpretation degree is highly desired
HLT experience a plus
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.

Responsibilities

Accurately translate materials (both digital and hard copy) from Somali 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.
Provide consecutive interpretation ; simultaneous interpretation may occasionally be required.
Maintain high fidelity and fluency, demonstrating understanding of regional dialects and cultural context.
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.
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