Chinese Mandarin Linguist/Instructor

Step into a mission where what you do truly matters!

At Leidos, innovation is at the heart of everything we do. Powered by a team as diverse as it is talented, we're driven by a shared passion for delivering bold solutions that fuel our customers' success. We believe in empowering our people, giving back to our communities, and leading with sustainability. Every action we take is grounded in integrity and a steadfast commitment to doing what’s right—for our customers, our teams, and the world around us. Our Mission, Vision, and Values aren't just words—they're the compass guiding our journey toward a brighter future.

If this sounds like the kind of environment where you can thrive, keep reading!

Leidos has a exciting opportunity for a Chinese Mandarin Linguist/Instructor. The role can be performed from anywhere within the United States, with the ability to travel approximately 40% to support in‑person classes.

Candidates must currently possess a TS/SCI security clearance in order to be considered. The selected individual will provide translation services in a variety of forms, primarily global and cryptologic language training to military personnel. Works with unit Language Program Manager to develop/integrate language training materials, technologies, and methods in existing training programs.

Note-Assignment is projected for one year, approximately October 2027.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide global language, cryptologic, language, and cultural training to military forces and civilian personnel via traditional classroom instruction, written materials, technology-based instruction, and distributed learning services.
• Help to develop and integrate new global and cryptologic training materials, curriculum, and courseware for approval of US Government.
• Adapt instructional methods to meet student language proficiency goals, learning styles, and time constraints.
• Advise Language Manager and military representatives on assessment, placement, and training needs of students.
• Track student progression and reports effectiveness of training to Language Manager and military.

Required Qualifications:

• Requires an active TS/SCI security clearance. Candidates must also possess a current polygraph or be eligible to obtain one, along with meeting all customer access requirements.
• Interagency Language Round Table {ILRT) level 3 or higher in Chinese Mandarin and an advanced working proficiency in English {ILRT level 2+, based on DLPT 4)
• Bachelor's Degree in Chinese Mandarin language/Applied Linguistics/language teaching preferred. Additional experience may be considered in lieu of degree or combination with an Associate’s degree)
• 2-4 years of military or intelligence experience
• 1-3 years of language related experience.
• 1 or more years’ experience in producing translation and language-related services.
• 1 or more years’ experience providing language or relation instruction. Military cryptologic language instructor experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Chinese Mandarin to include speaking, grammar, phonology, linguistic functions, etc.
• Familiarity with various phases of intelligence cycle such as collection, processing, exploitation and dissemination and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance activities.

NOTE: For the Proficiency requirements, specifically for English, an American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) score of Advanced High is the equivalent to an English Comprehension Level test that's administered by the DLI English Language Center. The wording can stay as is, but as a note for HR, the ACTFL score would also work. Overall, the Interagency Language Roundtable is what sets the USG standards for Language proficiency.

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If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

September 21, 2026

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 $52,000.00 - $94,000.00

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.