Translator I [Japanese / English]

Overview Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Translator? Then we're looking for you! Put your skills to meaningful use, gain unique experience, and work with world‑class team members with diverse backgrounds and expertise who share the same vision. Join the PECNA team today! Join us at Panasonic Energy as we expand to De Soto, Kansas, where we’re building the world’s largest lithium‑ion battery factory. This is an exciting opportunity to grow your career while contributing to the future of electric vehicles. As part of our team, you’ll help push the limits of battery technology, enhancing performance and efficiency in sustainable transportation. Job Summary The Translator I is responsible for providing accurate and timely translation and interpretation services to support business operations. This role translates technical and non‑technical materials, facilitates communication between Japanese and English‑speaking stakeholders, and ensures documents meet company quality and style standards. The position also supports production and construction teams through effective communication, terminology management, and collaboration to ensure smooth project execution. Essential Duties Functional Operations: Translate written materials including policies, procedures, manuals, reports, presentations, proposals, and contracts between Japanese and English. Provide real‑time interpretation for meetings, conference calls, and daily communications between Japanese expatriates and domestic staff. Compose and translate emails, reports, and other administrative documentation. Maintain translation accuracy, consistency, and adherence to company terminology and style guides. Utilize translation memory tools and maintain terminology databases. Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement: Conduct terminology and linguistic research to improve translation consistency and quality. Identify opportunities to improve translation workflows, tools, and processes. Ensure timely turnaround of translations while maintaining a high level of accuracy. Continuously enhance language proficiency and technical knowledge related to manufacturing environments. Training & Team Support: Provide language support and clarification to team members as needed. Assist in onboarding or supporting team members with communication needs involving bilingual materials. Remain flexible in supporting both primary translation duties and secondary operational needs. Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Communication: Collaborate closely with production, construction, and engineering teams to support communication needs. Facilitate effective communication across departments and between global stakeholders. Support project teams to ensure alignment, timely deliverables, and clear understanding of requirements. Quality, Safety, & Compliance: Ensure all translated materials meet company quality, accuracy, and compliance standards. Adhere to company safety protocols, including the use of required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in designated areas. Demonstrate attention to detail and strong organizational skills to support production and engineering quality standards. Comply with all workplace policies, including confidentiality and data integrity requirements. PPE Requirements: May include a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, bump cap, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator. Qualifications Required High School Diploma or GED. Business‑level proficiency in both Japanese and English (reading, writing, and speaking). Preferred Bachelor’s degree in Japanese, Linguistics, Translation, or a related field. Technical coursework or exposure to manufacturing, engineering, or industrial environments. Essential Qualifications Strong foundational understanding of translation principles (accuracy, tone, and context). Business‑level fluency in Japanese and English with strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to translate clearly and accurately in both directions (Japanese English). Exposure to interpretation in academic, internship, or professional settings. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines. Willingness to work outside standard hours as needed to support business demands and global teams. Ability to work in a construction or manufacturing environment and use required PPE. Alignment to Panasonic’s seven core principles: contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, gratitude. Preferred Qualifications 2+ years of translation experience through internships, co‑ops, or entry‑level roles in manufacturing environments. Experience or exposure to manufacturing, automotive, electronics, or industrial environments. Basic understanding of technical or production terminology. Familiarity with translation tools (e.g., CAT tools, translation memory systems) is a plus. Experience supporting cross‑functional teams or projects. Physical Demands Sit: 30% Walk: 30% Stand: 40% Up to 10 lbs.: Occasional Up to 20 lbs.: Occasional Up to 35 lbs.: Occasional Team‑lift only (over 35 lbs.): Rare Benefits & Perks Health Benefits – medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, plus Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options. Voluntary Benefits – life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance. Panasonic Retirement Savings & Investment Plan (PRSIP) – 401(k) plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting. Paid Time‑Off Benefits – vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer, and parental & caregiver leave. Educational Assistance – tuition reimbursement for job‑related courses after six months of service. Health Management and Wellbeing Programs – lifestyle spending account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources. Employee Recognition Program – High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition. Annual Bonus Program – opportunity for an annual performance‑based bonus. On‑site Food Options – on‑site cafes, snack and beverage kitchens, revolving vendor visits and employee events. Equal Opportunity Statement Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. All qualified individuals are required to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Pre‑employment drug testing is required. Due to the high volume of responses, we will only be able to respond to candidates of interest. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction.

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