Sr Translator (CONTRACTOR)

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior Translator (Contractor) based in the United States.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Japanese-English Translator to facilitate seamless communication across a dynamic manufacturing environment. In this contractor role, you will provide high-level simultaneous and consecutive interpreting, as well as written translation, supporting communication between Japanese and local teams. You will work across technical and non-technical subjects, including manufacturing processes, engineering, equipment, and operational activities. Your expertise will be essential in supporting executive discussions, customer meetings, and day-to-day collaboration. Beyond translation, you will contribute to terminology development, mentor fellow translators, and help strengthen the team's overall capabilities. This is an opportunity to support innovative lithium-ion battery manufacturing while contributing to the development of sustainable energy and transportation technologies.

Accountabilities

As a Senior Translator, you will ensure accurate, culturally appropriate communication between Japanese and English-speaking stakeholders while supporting translation quality, team development, and operational collaboration.

Provide simultaneous, consecutive, liaison, and whispered interpreting (chuchotage) during onsite meetings, individual discussions, group sessions, and virtual meetings.

Support executive-level discussions and customer interactions, ensuring exceptional accuracy and preserving the intended meaning and nuances of conversations.

Translate technical and non-technical terminology related to manufacturing, engineering, production processes, equipment, maintenance, and business operations.

Facilitate effective communication between Japanese nationals and local employees across different organizational functions.

Maintain strict confidentiality when handling sensitive discussions, meeting agendas, and business information.

Develop, maintain, and share Japanese-English technical terminology and translation resources with fellow translators.

Mentor and train other translators, helping improve team capabilities and maintain consistent translation standards.

Create training materials for new translators and demonstrate best practices through daily work.

Support the translator supervisor with staff coordination and resource planning when business needs arise.

Use relevant software applications, communication platforms, and mobile devices to maintain timely communication with colleagues.

Assist leadership with planning, scheduling, training, presentations, process improvement initiatives, and equipment or software research.

Participate in assigned professional training and contribute to continuous improvement activities.

Perform additional translation and interpreting duties as needed to support Japanese-speaking personnel across the organization.

Follow applicable workplace health and safety procedures, including wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE) in designated areas.

Requirements

The ideal candidate is a highly proficient Japanese-English language professional with extensive interpreting experience in manufacturing or technical environments, strong cultural awareness, and the ability to lead and support other translators.

Required Qualifications:

High school diploma or GED required.

Bachelor's degree in languages, linguistics, education, translation, interpretation, engineering, or a related technical field preferred. Equivalent education and relevant experience may also be considered.

Native or near-native proficiency in Japanese and English, with at least ILR Level 4+ proficiency in the non-native language.

At least 5 years of interpreting experience in manufacturing or comparable technical industries, including mechanical, electrical, or chemical engineering, maintenance, and repair.

In-depth understanding of production processes, manufacturing equipment, and internal business operations.

Ability to accurately interpret complex technical terminology while preserving cultural nuances and contextual meaning.

Experience with simultaneous, consecutive, liaison, and whispered interpreting.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with management, executives, customers, and employees.

Professional demeanor, impartiality, discretion, and a strong commitment to confidentiality.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and other relevant computer tools.

Familiarity with remote interpreting platforms and simultaneous interpreting equipment.

Strong organizational skills, punctuality, attentiveness, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Commitment to professional values including social contribution, fairness, honesty, teamwork, continuous improvement, humility, adaptability, and gratitude.

Preferred Qualifications:

More than 5 years of experience living, studying, or working professionally in both Japan and the United States or another English-speaking country.

Experience serving as a lead interpreter on projects lasting more than two weeks and coordinating multiple interpreters.

Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, the Toyota Production System (TPS), or Six Sigma methodologies.

At least 5 years of professional translation experience using Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools and document management software.

Strong technical knowledge of interpreting devices, software, and audio equipment.

Professional interpreting or translation certification, or membership in a recognized translation or interpreting association.

Additional Requirements:

Must have unrestricted authorization to work in the United States.

Successful completion of pre-employment drug testing.

Ability to wear required PPE in designated manufacturing areas, potentially including safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face masks, bump caps, Tyvek suits, and full hazmat suits with respirators.

Ability to perform a combination of sitting, walking, and standing throughout the workday, with occasional lifting of items weighing up to 35 lbs.

Benefits

Competitive compensation and benefits package.

Opportunity to work in an innovative manufacturing environment focused on advanced lithium-ion battery technology.

Exposure to cutting-edge production processes and sustainable energy solutions.

Opportunities to develop technical translation expertise and mentor other language professionals.

Collaborative and inclusive workplace culture that values diversity, fairness, and professional growth.

Opportunity to contribute to technologies supporting the future of electric vehicles and sustainable transportation.

Onsite working environment designed to support productivity, employee well-being, and collaboration.

Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.