Geospatial Linguist - Vietnamese Toponymist

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 Vietnamese 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

#GEOINTMISSION

 #NSBA

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 8, 2026

Pay Range:

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.