Job Title: Sr. Japanese Interpreter / Translator
Job Description
The Sr. Japanese Interpreter / Translator provides advanced Japanese-English interpretation and translation support in a highly technical manufacturing and engineering environment. This role serves as a critical communication bridge for executives, technical teams, and business stakeholders, facilitating complex discussions that span mechanical, electrical, chemical engineering, and maintenance operations. The position combines high-level interpreting and translating with mentoring responsibilities, including supporting junior translators, developing training materials, and helping coordinate team activities. The Sr. Translator ensures accuracy, consistency, and cultural sensitivity in all communications, particularly in executive-level and customer-facing settings, while contributing to the success of advanced manufacturing projects.
Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality Japanese-English interpretation for meetings, presentations, and discussions involving executives, engineers, maintenance teams, and other business stakeholders.
• Perform all major modes of interpretation, including consecutive, liaison, chuchotage (whisper interpretation), and simultaneous interpretation, depending on the situation and audience needs.
• Translate technical documents, presentations, emails, and other written materials related to manufacturing processes, equipment, and business operations with a high degree of accuracy and clarity.
• Ensure accurate communication of complex technical terminology, operational details, and cultural nuances between Japanese-speaking and English-speaking stakeholders.
• Support executive-level and customer-facing meetings where interpretation accuracy is critical to decision-making and relationship management.
• Leverage a deep understanding 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 to improve interpretation and translation quality.
• Assist in developing training materials, glossaries, and reference documents to promote consistency in terminology and communication standards across the translation team.
• Contribute to team coordination by helping schedule and prioritize interpreting and translation assignments to meet project and operational deadlines.
• Use Microsoft Office and interpretation-related software and equipment to prepare, deliver, and document interpretation and translation work.
• Maintain strict professionalism and confidentiality when handling sensitive business information and discussions.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams involved in advanced manufacturing projects, including advanced battery initiatives, to provide rapid and reliable language support.
• Participate in long-term or large-scale projects as a lead or key interpreter when required, ensuring consistent quality and smooth communication throughout the project lifecycle.

Essential Skills

• 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 all major modes of interpretation, including consecutive, liaison, chuchotage (whisper interpretation), and simultaneous interpretation.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment, and operational terminology.
• Proven 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 the ability to interact professionally with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated professionalism, confidentiality, and team orientation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 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.
• 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.

Work Environment
This is a full-time, on-site role with standard hours typically from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You will work within a structured translation and interpretation team of approximately 19 members, including leadership, higher level translators, and translators at various levels. The team's mission is to provide comprehensive language support for advanced manufacturing initiatives, with a particular focus on advanced battery projects, and to ensure that new team members can contribute quickly with minimal ramp-up time. The environment is highly collaborative and technically focused, involving close interaction with engineering, maintenance, and operations personnel. You will regularly use Microsoft Office, remote interpreting platforms, interpretation equipment, and computer-aided translation tools as part of your daily work. For the duration of the contract, a long-term hotel stay with a kitchen is provided, along with daily shuttle service between the hotel and the factory. Reasonable round-trip economy airfare or mileage and gas reimbursement may be covered at the beginning and end of the contract. Relocation assistance may be available if individuals convert to full-time employment, although only a limited number of contractors are expected to have the opportunity to convert. The dress code aligns with a professional, on-site manufacturing and office environment, where safety and professionalism are prioritized.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Reno, NV.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $43.27 - $45.67/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Reno,NV.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 23, 2026.