Leidos is seeking a candidate for a Mandarin Toponymist/ Geospatial Linguist candidate to support a customer site in Springfield, VA

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:

• Analyze and provide conflated information associated with Foundation feature data listed within the Geographic Names Database (GNDB) and other data repositories, while working closely with geographic names experts.

• Use BGN and guidance and policies to respond to questions concerning the proper and correct application of names, various romanization systems, and the treatment of descriptive information on products. These services will use the FGModernization Geographic Names Processing System (GNPS), charts, imagery, and geospatial tools to refine names information for use in all types of products and to respond to user questions.

• Accurately enter and maintain data to update the GNDB. Geographic names are provided by Toponymist for use by the federal government and other U.S. and foreign users. Their accuracy and reliability are essential to the missions of these users.

• Research, order, scan, and geo-reference hydrographic and topographic sources, supporting textual sources, and commercial imagery to enhance toponymic and geographic accuracy. Georeferenced maps and imagery must be conflated with the GNDB. Spelling and other metadata shall be verified.

• Interpret and apply policies governing the treatment of names as well as general guidelines emanating from the BGN, the Department of State (DoS), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NA TO) and other related organizations.

• Research using ArcGIS Pro and QGIS software as well as common office business software ( e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, and internet browsers) and utilize internet and other general research tools. Sources regularly used include: native maps, secondary source maps, historic maps used for extraction and comparison, textual documents, Internet sources and imagery at various resolutions. Services will result in the creation of shapefiles, geo-databases, and data retrieval/storage.

• Research and recommend native maps or data for acquisition to use as new source material for production. This includes identifying the producer of the native map or data and where to obtain it.

• Provide foreign translation as necessary to support the Office of Geography and Mission.

Ensure a current and accurate International Trade in Arms Regulations (ITAR) exemption is in effect for all requested support involving partner interaction.

Basic Qualifications :

• Active TS/SCI and willingness to obtain a POLY level clearance is REQUIRED to be considered.

• Requires HS and experience requirements equaling or exceeding 10 years and may include a combination of relevant education and or experience.

• Qualified candidates will possess an ILR Skill Level certification for reading (minimum 2+) in the language.

• Qualified candidates will have demonstrated intermediate experience with GIS software to include ArcGIS Pro and QGIS.

• Demonstrated advanced experience with GIS software to include ArcGIS Pro and QGIS.

• Advanced understanding of and application of Geographic Names collection methodologies.

• Demonstrated experience operating successfully in a fast-paced and dynamic environment as a team-member and as an independent analyst.

• Expertise in research and information gathering.

• Knowledge of regularly used GEO INT Sources.

• Demonstrated experience with native maps, secondary source maps, historic maps used for extraction and comparison, mapping imagery for stereo and mono extraction at various resolutions.

• Demonstrated experience creating shapefiles, geo-databases, and features including data retrieval/storage.

• Demonstrated experience at communicating with clarity and accuracy both verbally and written.

Desired Qualifications:

• Proficiency in advanced Python Scripting.

• Regional Geographic proficiency in the geographies of the analyst's AOR at the SME level.

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:

March 12, 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 $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.