Sr Translator (CONTRACTOR)

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior Translator (Contractor) based in the United States. We are seeking an experienced Senior Japanese-English Translator to facilitate seamless communication across a dynamic manufacturing environment. In this contractor role, you will provide high-level simultaneous and consecutive interpreting, as well as written translation, supporting communication between Japanese and local teams. You will work across technical and non-technical subjects, including manufacturing processes, engineering, equipment, and operational activities. Your expertise will be essential in supporting executive discussions, customer meetings, and day-to-day collaboration. Beyond translation, you will contribute to terminology development, mentor fellow translators, and help strengthen the team's overall capabilities. This is an opportunity to support innovative lithium-ion battery manufacturing while contributing to the development of sustainable energy and transportation technologies. Accountabilities As a Senior Translator, you will ensure accurate, culturally appropriate communication between Japanese and English-speaking stakeholders while supporting translation quality, team development, and operational collaboration. - Provide simultaneous, consecutive, liaison, and whispered interpreting (chuchotage) during onsite meetings, individual discussions, group sessions, and virtual meetings. - Support executive-level discussions and customer interactions, ensuring exceptional accuracy and preserving the intended meaning and nuances of conversations. - Translate technical and non-technical terminology related to manufacturing, engineering, production processes, equipment, maintenance, and business operations. - Facilitate effective communication between Japanese nationals and local employees across different organizational functions. - Maintain strict confidentiality when handling sensitive discussions, meeting agendas, and business information.

- Develop, maintain, and share Japanese-English technical terminology and translation resources with fellow translators. - Mentor and train other translators, helping improve team capabilities and maintain consistent translation standards. - Create training materials for new translators and demonstrate best practices through daily work. - Support the translator supervisor with staff coordination and resource planning when business needs arise. - Use relevant software applications, communication platforms, and mobile devices to maintain timely communication with colleagues. - Assist leadership with planning, scheduling, training, presentations, process improvement initiatives, and equipment or software research. - Participate in assigned professional training and contribute to continuous improvement activities. - Perform additional translation and interpreting duties as needed to support Japanese-speaking personnel across the organization. - Follow applicable workplace health and safety procedures, including wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE) in designated areas. Requirements The ideal candidate is a highly proficient Japanese-English language professional with extensive interpreting experience in manufacturing or technical environments, strong cultural awareness, and the ability to lead and support other translators. Required Qualifications: - High school diploma or GED required. - Bachelor's degree in languages, linguistics, education, translation, interpretation, engineering, or a related technical field preferred. Equivalent education and relevant experience may also be considered. - Native or near-native proficiency in Japanese and English, with at least ILR Level 4+ proficiency in the non-native language.