Chinese Multidisciplined Language Analyst / Language Analyst Development Program (LADP)

<p style="font-size: 1em; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem;" class="job-description-text”>NSA’s Linguists, known as Multidisciplined Language Analysts (MDLAs), are expected to take an inclusive approach to problem solving and mission accomplishment by frequently engaging with partners, enablers, and customers across the Intelligence Community. Based on skill level and experience, NSA MDLAs are considered for either the Language Analysis Development Program (LADP) or direct hire into positions supporting an analytic mission office. LADP: The LADP, which lasts up to three years, is designed to provide an intensive, accelerated opportunity to acquire the unique technical skills and experience needed to successfully apply knowledge and analytic ability to the SIGINT mission and help MDLAs achieve core analytic competencies in accordance with the Cryptologic Training System Training Standard and the MDLA competencies framework. The program includes 4-5 operational tours in a variety of offices, interspersed with formal classroom and computer-based training. These on-the-job operational tours are primarily focused on analyzing foreign language materials within the framework of the two main SIGINT disciplines of intelligence analysis – SIGINT reporting and SIGINT development. MDLAs are at the forefront of carrying out NSA’s SIGINT mission, and they do so in a variety of ways: – Offer U.S. policymakers and military leaders a window into the foreign language world by analyzing, transcribing, and translating key information – Research and understand other cultures, how they operate, and how they fit in the larger geo-political context – Apply new techniques and develop creative solutions to address analytic problems such as synthesizing large volumes of data and disparate sources of information – Demonstrate a firm understanding of communications and technology trends – Craft written and oral assessments that provide unique insights unavailable from other intelligence disciplines – Work independently and collaborate effectively (both within NSA and with other analysts in the Intelligence Community) in research, analysis, and reporting

Job Summary

Are you passionate about using your foreign language skills, working at the forefront of NSA’s exciting SIGINT mission? Click below to learn more.

Qualifications

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: performing professional work in the language (for example, translation, transcription), military, teaching, and analysis; OR non-language work in a field such as intelligence analysis, international relations, security studies, intelligence studies, journalism, law, STEM fields (for example, computer science, chemistry, space or weapons systems, or cyber), and other topics relevant to NSA mission. Applicant must have a minimum language proficiency of Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) level 2/2 in reading and listening in the target language for which the applicant is being considered, ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 4 years of relevant experience, or an Associate’s degree plus 2 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree with no experience. A degree in any field is acceptable. FULL PERFORMANCE Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 7 years of relevant experience, or an Associate’s degree plus 5 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree plus 1 year of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree and no experience. A degree in any field is acceptable. SENIOR Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 10 years of relevant experience, or an Associate’s degree plus 8 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree plus 6 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree plus 4 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 2 years of relevant experience. A degree in any field is acceptable. EXPERT Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 13 years of relevant experience, or an Associate’s degree plus 11 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree plus 9 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree plus 7 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 5 years of relevant experience. A degree in any field is acceptable. When submitting your Application, please ensure that you fully populate all sections of the resume tool with all relevant skills, experience, and education, as the resume entered into the tool will be the primary resume used to evaluate your application. Please do NOT populate the resume tool with ‘see resume.’ Please ensure that your resume reflects your experience in/with the Chinese language.

Competencies

The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, has a desire for continual learning, and is: – Proficient (reading and listening) in CHINESE. – Well organized and able to handle multiple assignments – A strong written and oral communicator – Able to synthesize information to solve complex problems – Able to provide timely and accurate customer service Coursework, knowledge, and experience in one or more of the following is desired: – Target development – Social network analysis – Metadata analysis – Research methodology – Topical or Regional studies relevant to national security – Quantitative/Statistical analysis – Data modeling, mining, or science – Cyber security – Computer science or networking – Telecommunications Relevant Internships, extracurricular activities, and/or foreign study are also considered. Prior military without a degree but with language analysis cryptologic experience will be considered. In most cases, Experienced Level Language Analysts at NSA will have substantial experience in one or more of the following areas: – Performing language quality control; – Serving as an established Subject Matter Expert (SME); – Authoring and releasing reports; – Mentoring, coaching, and leading other Language Analysts; – Ensuring the technical health of the mission; – Mastering and coaching others on the use of a variety of internal tools; – Testing at Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) 3/3 levels for one or more mission languages; and – Displaying a broad knowledge of the Intelligence Community and how various elements work together to prosecute mission. NOTE: If you are selected to process further, you will be required to take the Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) which measures language proficiency and/or the Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB) which measures potential for learning a foreign language. Invitations and instructions for the scheduling of the language test will be emailed to you – you must complete these steps before your application can be considered for further processing. You will be required to schedule and test within three (3) weeks of receiving the language test email as this information will be used as part of the selection decision. If you are selected to process, after testing is completed, you will be required to complete an online interview. Invitations and instructions for the online interview will be emailed to you ‘ you must complete these steps before your application can be considered for further processing. Please check your Spam folder just in case these emails landed there instead of your Inbox.

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates’ education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position. Salary Range: $52,680 – 197,200 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance, Senior, Expert) Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position. Training will be provided based on the selectee’s needs and experience. Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package. Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday – Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible). DCIPS Trial Period: If selected for this position, you will be required to serve a two-year DCIPS trial period, unless you are a veterans’ preference-eligible employee, in which case you are required to serve a one-year trial period. This trial period runs concurrently with your commitment to the position, if applicable. Before finalizing your appointment at the conclusion of your trial period, NSA will determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest. This decision will be based on factors such as your performance and conduct; the Agency’s needs and interests; whether your continued employment would advance the Agency’s organizational goals; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. If you do not receive certification for continued employment, you should receive written notice prior to the end of your trial period that your employment will be terminated and the effective date of such termination.

How to apply

Apply soonest, as job postings can close earlier than stated end dates due to changes in requirements. It is important to review and note the minimum qualifications, as only those applicants who meet the required qualifications will be contacted to continue the employment process. Please populate the resume tool to showcase any relevant work experience and education related to the position and answer any applicable screening questions. Information collected will be used to determine eligibility, and failure to provide accurate information may result in disqualification for this position. A confirmation email will be sent after submission of the first application and also after any future updates to submitted applications. **Due to time sensitive communications regarding applications, please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept email from [email protected]. For job vacancies that include stated testing requirements, also include the following: @uwe.nsa.gov, @nsa.gov, and @pearson.com** U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process where appropriate. The following four narrative questions provide an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question. Please provide a response of 200 words or less to each question. You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot. (Please attach in application) 1. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience. 2. In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes. 3. How would you help advance the President’s Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you, and explain how you would help implement them if hired. 4. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples, and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.