Are you a linguistic detective with a passion for geography? Do you believe that a place's name tells a story waiting to be uncovered? We are seeking a Geospatial Linguist, or Toponymist, to join our elite team of experts. In this role, you won't just be processing data; you'll be a cultural cartographer, mapping the hidden histories and linguistic nuances that shape our world.
This is a unique opportunity for a meticulous researcher with a global mindset to contribute to projects with a real-world impact. Your work will influence how governments, organizations, and analysts understand the intricate tapestry of our planet's human and physical geography.
Active TS/SCI and willingness to obtain a POLY level clearance is REQUIRED to be considered.
The Toponymist (Geospatial Linguist) shall analyze and conflate information associated with feature data listed in the Geographic Names Database (GNDB) while working closely with Intelligence Community (IC) geographic names experts. Selected candidate will use agency guidance and policies to respond to questions concerning the proper and correct usage of names, various Romanization systems, and the treatment of descriptive information on standard products. These services will use the Geographic Names Processing Systems (GNPS), charts, imagery and geospatial tools to refine names information for use in all types of products and to respond to use question via the Ad Hoc Query process. In addition, the candidate will prepare files and maps for work, accurately entering data to maintain and update the GNDB, including batching the completed work into the GNDB. The accuracy and reliability of the selected candidate’s work is essential to the missions of these users.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Selected candidate will scan and geo-reference hardcopy maps, research, and order geospatial data sources and commercial imagery to use as reference sources
Georeferenced maps and imagery must be conflated with the GNDB Selected candidate will interpret and apply national and international policies governing the treatment of and general guidelines emanating from the US Board on Geographic Names (US BGN), the Department of State (DoS), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and other related organizations
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Requires HS and 5 years of prior relevant experience
Qualified candidates will possess an ILR Skill Level Two certification for reading (DLPT5 2/2) in the language or be willing to pass reading language test of 2+ or higher and have a minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience
Qualified candidates should also have experience using ArcGIS or GeoMedia Pro; creating shapefiles, geo-databases; utilizing native maps, secondary source maps, and historic maps for extraction and comparison; mapping imagery for stereo and mono extraction at various resolutions; and, expertise in research and information gathering.
Active TS/SCI and willingness to obtain a POLY level clearance is REQUIRED to be considered.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Specific experience processing geographic names following agency policies and procedures is highly desired
Ideal candidate must be a self-starter and capable of working independently with minimal supervision and guidance
Candidate must be able to multitask and deliver quality products within specified timelines
Candidate should work well as part of a team effort
BA degree and 4 years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 2 years of prior relevant experience. Additional years of experience can be considered in lieu of degree
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.
June 23, 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 $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.
Leidos is a Fortune 500® innovation company rapidly addressing the world’s most vexing challenges in national security and health. The company's global workforce of 48,000 collaborates to create smarter technology solutions for customers in heavily regulated industries. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $15.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2023.
Leidos was cited for the meaningful work employees perform that is challenging, impactful, and aligned with our customers’ missions as reasons professionals want to work and stay at our company. Leidos has also been named to lists including Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity, Forbes’ America’s Best Employers for Women, Military Times Best for Vets Employers, and Ethisphere Institute’s World's Most Ethical Companies®.
Employees enjoy career enrichment opportunities available through mobility and development and experience rewarding relationships with supportive supervisors and talented colleagues and customers. Employees appreciate our flexible work environment, allowing for and encouraging a true work-life balance. Our professionals are also excited about our Employee Resource Groups, like the Collaborative Outreach with Remote and Embedded Employees (CORE), which strives to create an environment where every employee, regardless of location, feels fully engaged as a valued employee of Leidos.
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