Professional Translator - Naval Technical Services | Dahlgren, VA
Independent Contractor | $48 - $58/hour | Flexible Scheduling
Why Translators Choose CLFC
CLFC Healthcare & Communications connects elite linguists with high-impact federal translation work. Our translators support critical national defense and technical programs, working alongside naval engineers, scientists, and program managers on documents that shape military readiness and international cooperation.
What Makes This Opportunity Stand Out
- Mission-Critical Work: Translate technical documents that directly support naval surface warfare capabilities and national defense programs
- Professional Growth: Expand your expertise in military, technical, and engineering terminology across multiple defense domains
- Flexible Engagement: Independent contractor arrangement with scheduling flexibility built around project deliverables
- Competitive Compensation: $48 - $58/hour commensurate with experience and specialization
- Virginia Location: Work supporting one of the Navy's premier research and development installations in the Northern Virginia/Fredericksburg corridor
- Security Clearance Pathway: Opportunity to obtain or utilize existing government security clearance for classified translation work
- Long-Term Stability: Ongoing federal contract with consistent translation volume and project continuity
The Role
CLFC is seeking Professional Translators to support a federal naval research and development facility in Dahlgren, Virginia. You will provide high-quality written translation services for technical, scientific, and administrative documents supporting naval surface warfare programs. This role requires exceptional linguistic precision, subject matter expertise in military and technical domains, and the ability to handle sensitive materials with discretion and professionalism.
What You Will Do
- Technical Document Translation: Translate complex engineering, scientific, and technical documents between English and target languages with precision and accuracy
- Military Communications: Translate operational correspondence, reports, briefings, and technical manuals supporting naval programs
- Research Translation: Support translation of research papers, technical specifications, test reports, and program documentation
- Quality Assurance: Review and proofread translated materials for accuracy, consistency, and adherence to military terminology standards
- Terminology Management: Maintain and develop specialized glossaries for naval, technical, and defense-related terminology
- Cultural Consultation: Provide cultural context and guidance to ensure translations are appropriate for their intended audience and purpose
What You Bring
Required Qualifications:
- Native or near-native fluency in English and at least one additional language
- Minimum 2 years of professional translation experience, preferably in technical, military, or government contexts
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical and scientific documents with accuracy
- Eligible for U.S. government security clearance (U.S. citizenship required)
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality in all deliverables
- Proficiency with computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools and translation memory software
Preferred Qualifications:
- ATA (American Translators Association) certification
- Active or recently held government security clearance (Secret or Top Secret)
- Experience translating for Department of Defense, Navy, or other military branches
- Specialization in engineering, weapons systems, naval architecture, or related technical fields
- Familiarity with DoD translation standards and military document formatting
- Experience with SDL Trados, MemoQ, or similar professional CAT tools
- Additional language pairs beyond the primary combination
Compensation and Details
- Pay Rate: $48 - $58/hour, commensurate with experience and language specialization
- Engagement Type: Independent Contractor
- Location: Dahlgren, Virginia (federal naval facility)
- Schedule: Project-based with flexible scheduling around deliverable deadlines
About CLFC Healthcare & Communications
CLFC Healthcare & Communications is a nationwide federal contractor providing healthcare staffing and language access services. With 500+ healthcare professionals and 200+ interpreters and translators, CLFC delivers critical linguistic and clinical support to federal agencies, military installations, and government programs across the country. CLFC is a Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) committed to excellence in every engagement.
CLFC Healthcare & Communications is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.