Japanese Senior Linguist (CAT III), Exercise Support (Temporary Duty)

Yorktown Systems Group • Monterey, CA

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Unconventional, LLC (TU) is seeking a highly qualified Japanese Senior Linguist (CAT III) to provide professional interpretation, translation, transcription, and reporting support for military planning activities, training events, and exercises conducted in the continental United States (CONUS) and overseas (OCONUS). The successful candidate will facilitate clear, accurate, and culturally appropriate communication between U.S. personnel and Japanese military or government counterparts. This position requires advanced Japanese and English language proficiency, sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to operate effectively in dynamic, mission-focused environments. Specific duties may include, but are not limited to: Provide consecutive interpretation and translation between English and Japanese in support of military planners, training audiences, and exercise participants. Support meetings, planning conferences, briefings, working groups, training activities, and exercise execution. Translate written correspondence, planning documents, briefings, reports, and other operational or administrative materials. Accurately interpret discussions between U.S. personnel and designated Japanese military, government, or partner-nation representatives. Provide transcription, translation, and reporting services as required by supported organizations. Preserve the meaning, tone, context, and intent of spoken and written communications, including military and technical terminology. Produce clear and accurate records of discussions, decisions, activities, and other mission-relevant information. Report to designated duty locations in accordance with exercise schedules, planning requirements, and mission needs. Maintain availability outside normal duty hours when required to support urgent or emergency situations. Conduct all activities in a professional, culturally appropriate, and discreet manner. Collaborate effectively as an integral member of a multidisciplinary team. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet operational and customer requirements. Exercise support is expected to take place: Middle Planning Conference, 23 SEP 2026 – 30 SEP 2026 in Monterey, CA. Wargame Execution, 22 FEB 2027 – 05 MAR 2027 in Japan.

Requirements

• Demonstrated professional experience providing Japanese-English and English-Japanese interpretation and translation services.
• Experience transcribing, translating, and accurately documenting conversations, meetings, or operational activities.
• Demonstrated experience providing consecutive interpretation between native English and Japanese speakers.
• Ability to interpret and translate rapidly and accurately in individual, small-group, and large-group settings involving multiple or complex topics.
• Advanced proficiency in English and Japanese, demonstrated by a minimum Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) score of 3/3/3 or an equivalent industry-recognized assessment.
• Industry-recognized certification, test result, or other verifiable documentation confirming the required language proficiency.
• Familiarity with Japanese culture, customs, professional protocols, and appropriate standards of conduct.
• Ability to understand and accurately communicate military, operational, technical, and planning-related terminology.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and perform effectively under time-sensitive or changing operational conditions.
• Ability to function professionally as part of an integrated team.
• Prior U.S. military experience or demonstrated experience supporting U.S. military organizations, exercises, or operations.
• Must possess an active TOP SECRET Security Clearance.
• Must possess or be able to obtain and maintain a valid passport and meet all applicable travel requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide consecutive interpretation and translation between English and Japanese in support of military planners, training audiences, and exercise participants.
• Support meetings, planning conferences, briefings, working groups, training activities, and exercise execution.
• Translate written correspondence, planning documents, briefings, reports, and other operational or administrative materials.
• Accurately interpret discussions between U.S. personnel and designated Japanese military, government, or partner-nation representatives.
• Provide transcription, translation, and reporting services as required by supported organizations.
• Preserve the meaning, tone, context, and intent of spoken and written communications, including military and technical terminology.
• Produce clear and accurate records of discussions, decisions, activities, and other mission-relevant information.
• Report to designated duty locations in accordance with exercise schedules, planning requirements, and mission needs.
• Maintain availability outside normal duty hours when required to support urgent or emergency situations.
• Conduct all activities in a professional, culturally appropriate, and discreet manner.
• Collaborate effectively as an integral member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to meet operational and customer requirements.

Benefits

• Reimbursement for travel and lodging costs while working in support of this assignment
• Daily per diem based on location to cover meals and incidental expenses while on assignment

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed