Japanese Translator

AISIN World Corp. of America; Marion (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

AISIN World Corp. of America in Illinois is seeking a bilingual interpreter to bridge Japanese and English across Production Engineering, management, and hourly staff.

You will interpret in routine meetings, at customer and supplier visits, and during unplanned situations, translating documents and communications to support Production Engineering. You will support the Aisin Technical Academy and language training, assist with orientations and training classes, and help maintain clear, proactive

Qualifications

• High level of proficiency in written and spoken Japanese and English.
• Strong interpretation and translation abilities, especially in technical/manufacturing settings.
• Ability to follow and implement company policies, posted work rules, and procedures.
• Strong organizational, time‑management, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to function independently while supporting team goals.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; able to maintain positive internal and external relationships.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and coordinate activities when required.
• Ability to accept constructive feedback.

Responsibilities

• Provide Japanese-English and English-Japanese interpretation for production, engineering, management, and hourly staff.
• Interpret during routine meetings, customer/supplier visits, and other scheduled/unplanned situations.
• Translate documents, reports, and written communications for exempt, non-exempt, and Japanese Coordinators (APS) as required; primarily supporting Production Engineering.
• Support Aisin Technical Academy and other language-training preparation activities.
• Assist the Training Department, including orientations, Aisin University, and teaching training classes.
• Maintain clear communication within the department and with other groups such as Manufacturing, Logistics, and outside affiliates.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with team members, management, and external parties.
• Support departmental and company targets including Hoshin Kanri goals.
• Perform all duties in compliance with HR, Safety, and Security standards.
• Perform other reasonably related tasks as required by Management.

Skills

Japanese-English fluency

Technical interpretation/translation

Written and spoken communication

Organizational/time management

Teamwork/collaboration

Independent work with team goals

Interpersonal skills

Leadership/coordination

Willingness to accept feedback

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Experience in interpretation/translation in manufacturing/engineering a plus

Job description

Summary

This position supports the Production Engineering and General Administration functions by providing technical interpretation and translation between Japanese and English. The role facilitates communication across internal departments, customers, and suppliers; assists with documentation and training activities; and contributes to departmental goals while promoting positive relationships throughout the organization.

• Provide technical interpretation from Japanese to English and English to Japanese for production, engineering, management, and hourly team members.
• Interpret during routine meetings, customer/supplier visits, and other scheduled/unplanned situations.
• Translate documents, reports, and written communications for exempt, non-exempt, and Japanese Coordinators (APS) as required; primarily supporting Production Engineering.
• Support Aisin Technical Academy and other language‑training preparation activities.
• Assist the Training Department, including orientations, Aisin University, and teaching training classes, as needed.
• Maintain clear communication within the department and with other groups such as Manufacturing, Logistics, and outside affiliates.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with team members, management, and external parties.
• Support departmental and company targets including Hoshin Kanri goals.
• Perform all duties in compliance with HR, Safety, and Security standards.
• Perform other reasonably related tasks as required by Management.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide technical interpretation from Japanese to English and English to Japanese for production, engineering, management, and hourly team members.
• Interpret during routine meetings, customer/supplier visits, and other scheduled/unplanned situations.
• Translate documents, reports, and written communications for exempt, non‑exempt, and Japanese Coordinators (APS) as required; primarily supporting Production Engineering.
• Support Aisin Technical Academy and other language‑training preparation activities.
• Assist the Training Department, including orientations, Aisin University, and teaching training classes, as needed.
• Maintain clear communication within the department and with other groups such as Manufacturing, Logistics, and outside affiliates.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with team members, management, and external parties.
• Support departmental and company targets including Hoshin Kanri goals.
• Perform all duties in compliance with HR, Safety, and Security standards.
• Perform other reasonably related tasks as required by Management.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• High level of proficiency in written and spoken Japanese and English.
• Strong interpretation and translation abilities, especially in technical/manufacturing settings.
• Ability to follow and implement company policies, posted work rules, and procedures.
• Strong organizational, time‑management, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to function independently while supporting team goals.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; able to maintain positive internal and external relationships.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and coordinate activities when required.
• Ability to accept constructive feedback.

Qualifications / Education

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience in interpretation/translation required; manufacturing or engineering environment a plus.

ORGANIZATION & EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS

• Frequent interaction with:
  • AISIN corporate headquarters personnel
  • Production Engineering
  • Other internal departments
  • Customers, suppliers, community partners
  • Local, state, and federal agencies

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work performed in both office and manufacturing settings with frequent interaction across departments.
• Must be able to adapt to changing priorities on short notice.
• Exposure to dust, noise, oils, metal shavings, propane, solvents, and similar materials.
• Minimal exposure to hazardous machinery/conditions when safety rules are followed.
• Some areas require the use of PPE such as safety glasses and safety shoes.
• Lighting, temperature, and conditions are generally within normal ranges.