Socio-Cultural Analyst - Chinese

Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world’s leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can’t be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we’re keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Responsibilities

Are you a native Chinese speaker with deep expertise in Chinese culture, geopolitics, and intelligence operations? Peraton is looking for a Socio-Cultural Analyst to join a high-impact team supporting USCYBERCOM J2X at Fort Meade, MD — one of the most consequential cyber and intelligence missions in the U.S. government.

In this role, you won't just translate words — 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 ↔ 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

#USCCJ2

Qualifications

What You Bring

Required:

• Active Top 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 — first or second generation fluency with command of current vernacular, colloquialisms, and terminology
• ILR/DLPT Level 4 in 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+ years of relevant experience, including work within the last 2 years
• Master's degree in a related field — or a Bachelor's degree plus 5 additional years of senior-level experience (17 years total)

Peraton drives missions of consequence — 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.

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 individual’s 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.

Benefits Statement

Peraton offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, health savings account, short/long term disability, EAP, parental leave, 401(k), paid time off (PTO) for vacation, and company paid holidays. A full listing of available benefits can be viewed at https://www.careers.peraton.com/benefits.

Application Statements

The application period for the job is estimated to be 30 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in the role and the Company. During the review of your application, you may be required to participate in an on-camera interview, as well as participate in a process to verify your identity. Use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools of any kind during Peraton interviews is strictly prohibited unless the candidate has obtained prior written authorization. All interview responses must be the candidate’s own.

EEO

EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.