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Airborne Cryptologic Linguist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AEVEX

SIGINT Operator (SIO)

Washington, DC · On-site

$125K - $140K/yr

... EW), Cryptologic Linguist, Radio Operations, Cyber Security, Network Engineering/Security ... for airborne special mission needs for the U.S. Government, partner nations, and commercial ...

New

AEVEX

SIGINT Operator (SIO)

Washington, DC

$125K - $140K/yr

... EW), Cryptologic Linguist, Radio Operations, Cyber Security, Network Engineering/Security ... for airborne special mission needs for the U.S. Government, partner nations, and commercial ...

New

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Airborne Cryptologic Linguist information

See salary details

$11K

$35.5K

How much do airborne cryptologic linguist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for airborne cryptologic linguist in the United States is $35,000.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,000.00 and $35,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Airborne Cryptologic Linguist?

Airborne Cryptologic Linguists are highly trained members of the U.S. Air Force who specialize in translating, analyzing, and interpreting foreign communications while aboard aircraft. They use their language skills and cryptologic training to collect and process signals intelligence that supports military operations and national security. These linguists play a crucial role in providing real-time intelligence to commanders and decision-makers, often working in high-pressure environments and using advanced technology to intercept and decode communications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Airborne Cryptologic Linguist?

To thrive as an Airborne Cryptologic Linguist, you need fluency in a foreign language, strong analytical abilities, and completion of the relevant military training programs. Familiarity with signals intelligence (SIGINT) systems, radio equipment, and secure communication tools is typically required. Attention to detail, adaptability, and teamwork are essential soft skills for handling dynamic intelligence-gathering missions. These skills are vital for accurately interpreting critical information and ensuring mission success in high-pressure environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Airborne Cryptologic Linguists during missions, and how can they be addressed?

Airborne Cryptologic Linguists often face challenges such as interpreting complex, rapidly changing foreign communications in high-pressure environments, often while airborne and under strict time constraints. Adapting quickly to evolving dialects, jargon, or coded language is essential, as is maintaining focus and accuracy during long missions. These challenges can be addressed through rigorous ongoing training, collaborative debriefings with team members, and leveraging advanced translation and analysis tools. Building strong communication skills within the aircrew and intelligence teams also helps ensure linguistic insights are quickly and effectively shared.

What is the difference between Airborne Cryptologic Linguist vs Cryptologic Technician (Collection)?

AspectAirborne Cryptologic Linguist
Primary RoleTranslate and analyze foreign language communications in airborne environments
CertificationsLanguage proficiency, security clearance, specialized training
Work EnvironmentAircraft, airborne surveillance platforms, field operations
Industry UsageMilitary, defense, intelligence agencies

While both roles involve signals intelligence, the Airborne Cryptologic Linguist specializes in translating foreign languages during airborne missions, whereas the Cryptologic Technician (Collection) focuses on signals collection and analysis across various platforms. The linguist role emphasizes language skills and airborne operations, making it distinct in environment and responsibilities.

What does an Airborne Cryptologic Linguist do?

An Airborne Cryptologic Linguist analyzes and interprets foreign language communications collected through airborne signals intelligence platforms. They operate specialized equipment, transcribe and translate intercepted data, and support military operations by providing real-time intelligence. Proficiency in foreign languages, security clearances, and technical skills are essential for this role.
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Airborne Cryptologic Linguist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Airborne Cryptologic Linguist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $35,000 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

SIGINT Operator (SIO)

AEVEX

Washington, DC • On-site

$125K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Work Arrangement
This is an onsite position.
Job Overview
Operates and manages signals intelligence (SIGINT) equipment to intercept, analyze, and report on electronic communications and signals.
Essential Functions
  • Support complex global, strategic-level operations against high-priority threats to U.S. national security
  • Operate as a technical leader to leverage SIGINT operations and collection equipment expertise within a multi-disciplinary, 24/7 intelligence operations center
  • Research, analyze, and fuse complex SIGINT data sets
  • Be a proactive and accountable teammate
  • Perform other related duties as assigned

Standard Essential Functions
  • Regular and reliable attendance on a full time basis [or in accordance with posted schedule]
  • Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company's policies and practices
  • Embodies AEVEX's cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture

Qualifications
  • Technical competency in SIGINT Collection/Analysis/Targeting, ELINT Collection/Analysis, Electronic Warfare (EW), Cryptologic Linguist, Radio Operations, Cyber Security, Network Engineering/Security, Information Technology (with degree), and HAM Operations (with certification)
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
  • Capability to think critically and communicate highly complex information accurately and clearly

Education / Certifications
  • Bachelor's Degree preferred
  • Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience can be accepted in lieu of degree

Experience
  • 5+ years of relevant SIGINT experience
  • Military background or equivalent operations experience

Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties the employee is:
  • Occasionally required to sit, and to reach to use computers and other office equipment

For the purpose of this summary, occasionally is used to represent up to 1/3 of the time given to the work day, frequently represents 1/3 to 2/3 of the time and constantly represents 2/3 or more of the time
Security Clearance
  • Ability to obtain/maintain a Top Secret DoD clearance with Polygraph, U.S. Citizenship required

The Company provides a reasonable range of compensation. Actual compensation is influenced by an array of factors including, but not limited to, skill set, level of experience, and specific location. The range of starting pay for this position is for the listed location only.
Salary Range
$125,000-$140,000 USD
About AEVEX
AEVEX, headquartered in Solana Beach, California, supports the U.S. national security mission and partner nation needs around the world by providing full-spectrum aviation, remote sensing, and analysis solutions. The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and support; mission operations service; advanced intelligence data processing, exploitation, and dissemination solutions; and tailored hardware and software mission-system tools. AEVEX uses agile and customized approaches to rapidly define, develop, and deliver specialized solutions for airborne special mission needs for the U.S. Government, partner nations, and commercial businesses. AEVEX has major offices in California, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia.
AEVEX provides a full suite of comprehensive benefits, including a 401(k)-retirement plan, comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance group coverage with a portion of the premiums paid by the company, professional development funds, and an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) with counseling, legal help, child and elder care support, among other benefits for qualified employees.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
AEVEX is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religious creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, breast feeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military and veteran status, marital status, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.

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