(Cleared) Senior Linguist Korean Language Specialist and Cultural

Duties & Responsibilities)

The Senior Linguist – Korean Language Specialist and Cultural Advisor is a mission-critical role supporting the ROK CWMD Readiness Program under DTRA CTRIC III. This position directly enables DTRA, USFK/CFC, 8th Army, SOCKOR, and ROK CBRNDC stakeholders by providing expert-level classified translation, consecutive interpretation, cultural advising, and operational linguistic support for high-stakes mission planning, joint/combined exercises, and multinational operational engagements.

The incumbent must possess expert fluency in English and Korean, experience in military interpretation at the senior command level, and a deep understanding of Korean cultural, military, and government protocols. This role will primarily support classified multinational operational planning, SOF CWMD mission execution, and force capability assessments between the U.S. and ROK.

Responsibilities

Duties include but are not limited to:

Classified Interpretation & Cultural Advisory (Consecutive): 60%

Provide classified, high-level consecutive interpretation for DTRA CTR leadership and ROK CBRNDC stakeholders across planning meetings, training exercises, and classified document reviews

Serve as the lead linguist for multinational CWMD mission planning and execution involving USFK, SOCKOR, ROK SWC, 8th Army, and CBRNDC

Support key leader engagements, roundtable discussions, multinational conferences, official training seminars, and military site assessments

Serve as the cultural and operational advisor to ensure seamless engagement between U.S. and ROK military forces, advising on protocols, etiquette, and geopolitical sensitivities

Manage classified interpretation equipment and provide real-time linguistic support during operations, ensuring accuracy and security in sensitive mission contexts

Conduct pre- and post-mission research to understand specialized CBRN and CWMD terminology, operational plans, and cultural sensitivities affecting mission success

Classified Translation & Document Review: 40%

Conducts quality reviews and provides project leadership with technical feedback of subcontractor provided interpretation and translation services regarding linguistic quality and accuracy

Translate classified operational documents, military doctrines, capability assessments, SOPs, and threat intelligence from English to Korean and vice versa

Ensure translation accuracy for ROK and U.S. military assessments, CWMD joint planning reports, and unit capability briefs

Support DTRA CTR’s classified documentation efforts, ensuring compliance with U.S. and ROK national security policies

Provide translation quality control (QC) and verification for critical mission reports, ensuring accurate terminology and alignment with strategic objectives

Maintain familiarity with evolving CBRN defense doctrines, force capability assessments, and US-ROK interoperability requirements

Required Qualifications

Qualifications:

USG Security Clearance: TS/SCI with CI Poly preferred, Minimum SECRET, eligible for upgrade

Must be eligible for U.S. Government-issued clearance with classified access

Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics, Interpretation, Intelligence Studies, International Relations, or a related field

Eligible for USFK SOFA status with access to ROK-US military installation and facilities ISO program activities

Language Proficiency:

Certified in Korean in one of the following: (1) Masters Degree in Interpretation and Translation; (2) Level IV (fluent) English and Level V (native, educated) Korean; (3) Military DLPT 3/3+ or greater; or (4) ACTFL/LTI upper proficiency score in both Korean and English (listening, writing, and speaking)

Demonstrated expert understanding of ROK-U.S. military terminology, SOF/CWMD operational planning language, and geopolitical theater context

Skills and Experience:

5+ years of consecutive interpretation experience in military or government settings

Direct experience working with ROK-U.S. military forces in operational CWMD and SOF environments

Proven ability to interpret and advise at the 2- to 3-star general officer/flag officer level in unclassified/classified discussions or exercises

Expertise in U.S. and ROK military doctrine, operational planning, and intelligence analysis

Experience supporting multinational force interoperability, joint exercises, and classified mission planning

Ability to function in high-pressure environments, providing mission-critical linguistic and cultural advisory support

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and secure document handling software

Knowledge:

Extensive knowledge of professional translation work for English and Korean.

Good sense of Korean and English style is required

Good knowledge of translation technical toolkits, including electronic dictionaries, thesauruses, and other translation databases

Good working knowledge of how to use the Internet

Basic knowledge of Korean and American political, economic, military, scientific, cultural, and social developments

Knowledge of CBRN training programs and supporting capability assessments of Partner Nation Forces

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

Experience supporting DTRA CTR, USFK, SOCKOR, or ROK CBRNDC efforts

Background in SOF CWMD operations, intelligence analysis, or strategic force capability assessments

Prior service as a military linguist, operational analyst, or senior advisor within KTO operations

Expertise in CBRN threat analysis and special operations force (SOF) capability assessments

Strong network with ROK SWC, USFK, and CFC strategic planning units

Additional notes

Note:

Base salary plus Housing Allowance (HOLA) and Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) for Greater Seoul Metropolitan Area (GSMA)

International Assignment Agreement through Amentum GMT with full relocation assistance may be provided for qualified candidates

Position contingent on security clearance validation

Funding only through 3/31/2026

TS/SCI preferred, Minimum SECRET

Must be US citizen

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender, national origin, age, United States military veteran’s status, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, family structure, medical condition including genetic characteristics or information, veteran status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal EEO laws and supplemental language at EEO including Disability/Protected Veterans and Labor Laws Posters.

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