Japanese Translator / Interpreter – Night Shift

Location Type: Not Specified

 

Description
Opportunity Summary – Japanese Translator / Interpreter (PECNA)

• This requisition supports Panasonic Energy North America’s Electrode Production organization by providing onsite Japanese ⇄ English interpretation and translation during night-shift operations at the Reno facility. The role is critical to enabling clear, accurate communication between Japanese leadership and local production teams during active manufacturing hours.
• The interpreters will function as real-time communication bridges on the production floor, supporting operational continuity, safety, and production efficiency during a high-impact shift.

Key Areas of Focus & Daily Responsibilities
Primary Focus Areas

• Consecutive Japanese ⇄ English interpretation in a manufacturing environment
• Cross-cultural communication between Japanese nationals and U.S. production staff
• Support of technical and non-technical discussions related to production operations

Daily Responsibilities

• Interpret 1:1 and group meetings, shift handovers, and production discussions
• Support real-time communication on the production floor during night shift
• Translate written materials such as SOPs, work instructions, schedules, and internal communications
• Quickly learn and apply department-specific manufacturing terminology
• Maintain professionalism, neutrality, and cultural awareness in all interactions

Size, Scope & Strategic Impact
Size & Scope
2 contract interpreter roles

• Night shift coverage (7:00 PM – 7:00 AM), 40 hours per week
• Initial assignment April 1 – May 31, with potential extension
• Direct support of Electrode Production operations

Strategic Impact of Winning This Opportunity

• Enables uninterrupted communication during critical overnight production hours
• Reduces operational risk, miscommunication, and production delays
• Strengthens partnership with Panasonic by supporting a mission-critical function
• Positions Aston Carter as a trusted provider for specialized, hard-to-fill bilingual talent
• Creates expansion potential for additional language support or production-aligned roles

Skills
Bilingual, Japanese, JLPT N1, ILR Level 3, translation, manufacturing, product knowledge, chemical manufacturing, electrical manufacturing, lean manufacturing, lean six sigma, Technical Translation
Top Skills Details
Bilingual,Japanese,JLPT N1,ILR Level 3,translation
Additional Skills & Qualifications
• Document translation experience supports accurate translation of SOPs, work instructions, schedules, and internal communications alongside live interpretation.
• CAT tools exposure (e.g., Trados, MemoQ, Smartcat) improves consistency and efficiency when translating recurring technical documentation but is not required for success.
• Lean manufacturing / TPS familiarity helps the interpreter better understand production workflows and terminology, improving clarity during operational discussions.
• Experience supporting Japanese nationals onsite enables faster trust-building and smoother cross-cultural communication.
Required Education, Certifications, or Experience
• Required Education: High School Diploma or GED.
• Preferred Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Japanese, English, linguistics, education, engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Certifications: None required; interpretation or translation certification is a plus.
• Experience: Professional-level Japanese ⇄ English proficiency with demonstrated consecutive interpretation experience. Manufacturing or production exposure strongly preferred.
Key Attributes for Success
• Strong cultural awareness with the ability to remain neutral and professional at all times
• High situational awareness and adaptability in fast-paced production environments
• Confidence interpreting for both individuals and groups
• Willingness and ability to quickly learn technical terminology
• Reliability, punctuality, and comfort working overnight shifts
• Clear communication style and proactive clarification to ensure accuracy
Desired / Nice-to-Have Skills
• 1-2+ years professional interpreting experience
• Manufacturing, production, engineering, or technical environment exposure
• Lived, studied, or worked in both Japan and the U.S.
• Experience translating technical documentation
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office and digital communication tools
Experience Level
Intermediate Level
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Sparks, NV.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $28.00 – $33.00/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 Sparks,NV.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Mar 23, 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® double diamond 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 astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.