The Role

ASD language analysts make a difference. As a member of a diverse team you will:

Support the Australian Government by providing signals intelligence to keep Australia secure;
Have opportunities to take a leadership role within ASD's language cohort, including providing mentorship and undertaking quality control of the work of more junior linguists; and
Mix your Mandarin language skills with a capacity to write concise and well researched reports, learn new skills to become a Signals Intelligence Analyst, or combine your language skills with other technical skills such as data analysis.

As this is a specialist language recruitment activity, language qualifications will contribute to the assessment of your ASD level.

Further information can be found at: I’m changing my career | Australian Signals Directorate (asd.gov.au)

About our Team

Do you want to use your cultural and language expertise to help protect Australia’s interests and play a role in Australia’s response to strategic threats? Would you like to combine your Mandarin language expertise with other skills in a multidisciplinary role?

The work we do is unique, critical and incredibly rewarding. ASD linguists benefit from extensive ongoing training and development opportunities and flexible and supportive work environments. Regardless of the role, we want people who are able to work within a team environment and use their curiosity, resilience and creativity to solve problems involved in out-thinking and out-imagining some of the most testing adversaries.

In return you can expect extensive training and ongoing support to further develop your language skills to meet the changing demands of ASD activities.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are seeking candidates with different backgrounds and skills who:

Are able to lead and mentor junior linguists
Are innovative, team orientated and have a passion for learning and developing their skills
Are able to produce high quality translations into English
Use their curiosity, resilience and creativity to solve problems

ASD is seeking applicants to fill current and anticipated vacancies and to create a merit pool for future vacancies. In line with the Australian Public Service Commissioner’s Direction 2022, upon completion of the recruitment activity, the merit pool will be available to locations across Australia.

Mandatory Qualifications

ASD is looking for candidates with high-level Mandarin language skills. A current NAATI certification for Mandarin translation or interpreting into English or Australian Government language testing result (including but not limited to DFAT and DFSL language testing) at the ‘3’ level or higher is mandatory for this leadership role. Candidates will be required to upload documentation of their qualifications as part of the application process.

Application Closing Date: Sunday 7th December 2025

For further information please review the job information pack, reference ASD/09209/25 on www.asd.gov.au/careers.

Australian Signals Directorate

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