Japanese Translator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Japanese-English Translator
Job Description

This role focuses on translating and proofreading a wide range of technical documents between Japanese and English, including vehicle specifications, manuals, test procedures, presentations, and technical reports. You collaborate closely with the translation team to enhance translation processes and support the ongoing development of specialized powertrain terminology.

Responsibilities

• Translate and proofread vehicle specification books from Japanese to English and English to Japanese, ensuring accuracy and clarity of technical content.
• Translate and proofread manual books related to vehicles and technical operations, maintaining consistency in terminology and style.
• Translate and proofread test procedure materials, preserving technical precision and intent across languages.
• Translate and proofread presentation materials, adapting language and tone for clear communication to diverse audiences.
• Translate and proofread technical reports, ensuring that complex technical information is accurately conveyed in both Japanese and English.
• Collaborate with the Translation Group to develop, refine, and improve the translation job system, contributing ideas to enhance workflow and quality.
• Support the updating and maintenance of powertrain terminology, helping to standardize and expand the technical vocabulary used across documents.
• Communicate effectively with team members to maintain strong working relationships in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Use Microsoft Office tools such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to prepare, format, and manage translated documents.
• Operate within an independent work style while meeting deadlines and quality standards for all translation and proofreading assignments.

Essential Skills

• Excellent language and communication skills in both Japanese and English, with the ability to handle technical content accurately.
• At least 2 years of experience in an administrative capacity involving Japanese-English translation.
• Proven experience translating and proofreading technical documents, including specifications, manuals, test procedures, presentations, and reports.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain positive working relationships in a team environment.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work independently while adhering to established processes and quality standards.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with translation software, particularly TRADOS, is preferred.
• Background in administrative work supporting technical teams is beneficial.
• Familiarity with automotive or powertrain-related terminology is an advantage.
• Interest in contributing to the development and standardization of technical terminology and translation processes.

Work Environment

This position is based in a Technical Training Center within a dedicated translation department of approximately ten people. The team works very independently, allowing you to manage your own workload while contributing to shared goals. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The dress code is business casual. You use standard office technologies, including Microsoft Office and, where applicable, translation software such as TRADOS, in a professional setting focused on technical documentation and continuous improvement of translation systems.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Gardena, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $36.00/hr.

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 Gardena,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 26, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.