Japanese Interpreter

Aston Carter • Sparks, NV

7d • $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, and maintenance operations, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and cultural sensitivity in executive-level and customer-facing communications.

The position includes mentoring and supporting junior translators, helping develop training materials and terminology references, and coordinating team assignments. The interpreter collaborates with cross-functional teams on advanced manufacturing initiatives, including battery projects, and may serve as a lead or key interpreter on long-term or large-scale projects.

This is a full-time, on-site contract-to-hire position in Sparks, Nevada, with typical hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The role is part of a structured translation and interpretation team of approximately 19 members and involves close collaboration with engineering, maintenance, and operations personnel. The work environment is collaborative, technically focused, and aligned with a professional manufacturing and office setting where safety and professionalism are prioritized. During the contract, a long-term hotel stay with a kitchen and daily shuttle service between the hotel and factory are provided. 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 an individual converts to full-time employment, though conversion opportunities are limited.

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 other technical environments.
• 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 accurately communicate technical information and cultural nuances 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 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.
• Five or more 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 other business stakeholders.
• Perform consecutive, liaison, chuchotage (whisper), and simultaneous interpretation as appropriate to the situation and audience.
• Translate technical documents, presentations, emails, and other written materials related to manufacturing processes, equipment, and business operations.
• Communicate technical terminology, operational details, and cultural nuances accurately between Japanese-speaking and English-speaking stakeholders.
• Support executive-level and customer-facing meetings where interpretation accuracy is important to decision-making 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 by providing guidance, feedback, and best practices.
• Help develop training materials, glossaries, and reference documents to promote consistent terminology and communication standards.
• Help coordinate, schedule, and prioritize interpretation and translation assignments 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, maintaining quality and communication throughout the project lifecycle.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with pre-tax and Roth post-tax contribution options
• Voluntary life and AD&D insurance for employees and dependents
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time off/leave, including PTO, vacation, or sick leave
• Long-term hotel stay with a kitchen during the contract
• Daily shuttle service between the hotel and factory
• Possible reimbursement for reasonable round-trip economy airfare or mileage and gas at the start and end of the contract
• Relocation assistance may be available upon conversion to full-time employment

What This Job Offers

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