Japanese Interpreter

Aston Carter • Reno, NV

2d • $43 - $46 • Onsite

About The Position

The Japanese Interpreter / Translator Level 3 provides advanced Japanese-English interpretation and translation in a technical manufacturing and engineering environment. The role supports executives, technical teams, and business stakeholders across mechanical, electrical, chemical engineering, maintenance, and advanced manufacturing operations. It requires high accuracy, consistency, cultural sensitivity, and discretion, especially in executive-level and customer-facing settings.

In addition to interpreting and translating, the position includes mentoring junior translators, developing training materials and terminology resources, and helping coordinate translation assignments. The role is full-time, on-site in Reno, Nevada, with typical hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is a contract-to-hire position supporting advanced manufacturing initiatives, particularly advanced battery projects, within a translation and interpretation team of approximately 19 members. The work environment is collaborative and technically focused, with regular interaction with engineering, maintenance, and operations personnel.

Requirements

• Native-level proficiency in Japanese and English, with ILR Level 4+ proficiency in the non-native language.
• Multiple years of interpretation experience in manufacturing or another technical environment.
• Experience supporting mechanical, electrical, chemical engineering, or maintenance organizations.
• Ability to perform consecutive, liaison, chuchotage (whisper), and simultaneous interpretation.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment, and operational terminology.
• Ability to communicate technical information and cultural nuances accurately between stakeholders.
• Experience supporting executive-level and customer-facing meetings where interpretation accuracy is critical.
• Experience mentoring, training, or leading other translators.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Familiarity with interpretation software, remote interpreting platforms, and interpretation equipment.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with diverse stakeholders.
• Professionalism, confidentiality, and a team-oriented approach.

Nice To Haves

• Experience living, studying, or working extensively in both Japan and an English-speaking country.
• Experience living and working in both Japan and the United States.
• Lead interpreter experience on large-scale or long-term projects.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Toyota Production System (TPS), or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Lean or Six Sigma experience, including familiarity with continuous improvement practices.
• At least 5 years of experience using computer-aided translation (CAT) tools.
• Translation or interpretation certification and/or membership in a professional translation organization.
• Strong interest in advanced manufacturing and battery-related projects.
• Ability to adapt quickly and contribute with minimal ramp-up time in a fast-paced technical environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide Japanese-English interpretation for meetings, presentations, and discussions involving executives, engineers, maintenance teams, and business stakeholders.
• Perform consecutive, liaison, chuchotage (whisper), and simultaneous interpretation as required.
• Translate technical documents, presentations, emails, and other written materials concerning manufacturing processes, equipment, and business operations.
• Communicate technical terminology, operational details, and cultural nuances accurately between Japanese- and English-speaking stakeholders.
• Support executive-level and customer-facing meetings where interpretation accuracy is important to decisions and relationship management.
• Apply knowledge of manufacturing processes, equipment, and operational terminology to anticipate communication needs and clarify ambiguous content.
• Mentor, train, and support junior translators through guidance, feedback, and best practices.
• Help develop training materials, glossaries, and reference documents to promote consistent terminology and communication standards.
• Help coordinate team assignments, including scheduling and prioritizing work to meet project and operational deadlines.
• Use Microsoft Office, interpretation software, remote interpreting platforms, interpretation equipment, and computer-aided translation tools to prepare, deliver, and document work.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality when handling sensitive business information and discussions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on advanced manufacturing projects, including advanced battery initiatives.
• Serve as a lead or key interpreter on long-term or large-scale projects when required.

Benefits

• Long-term hotel stay with a kitchen for the duration of the contract.
• Daily shuttle service between the hotel and the factory.
• Reasonable round-trip economy airfare or mileage and gas reimbursement may be covered at the start and end of the contract.
• Relocation assistance may be available if contractors convert to full-time employment.
• Eligible temporary-role benefits may include medical, dental, and vision coverage; critical illness, accident, and hospital coverage; a 401(k) retirement plan with pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions; voluntary life and AD&D insurance; short- and long-term disability; a Health Spending Account (HSA); transportation benefits; an Employee Assistance Program; and PTO, vacation, or sick leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed