Japanese Translator & HR Admin Support

Gunze Plastics & Engineering Corporation of America; Olathe (KS); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing company in Olathe, Kansas, seeks a highly skilled Japanese Translator to facilitate communication between Japanese management and local teams. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Japanese Language or related field, 2-3 years of translation experience, and proficiency in Japanese and English. Responsibilities include translating documents and providing real-time interpretation during meetings. The role is vital for smooth collaboration between partners and manufacturing operations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2-3 years of professional translation/interpretation experience in a manufacturing context.
• JLPT N1 or equivalent proficiency is preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced setting.

Responsibilities

• Translate technical documents and operational procedures between Japanese and English.
• Provide real-time interpretation during meetings and training sessions.

Skills

Proficiency in Japanese and English

Excellent interpersonal skills

Strong knowledge of technical vocabulary

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Japanese Language or related field

Tools

MS Office

Translation software tools

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Japanese Translator to support effective communication between our Japanese-speaking management (President) and our local teams at our film manufacturing facility. The successful candidate will play a key role in translating technical documents, operational procedures, training materials, and live verbal communication during meetings and audits. This position is critical to ensuring smooth collaboration between our Japanese partners and our manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Translate technical documents, production manuals, safety guidelines, and quality assurance documentation from Japanese to English and vice versa.
• Provide real-time interpretation during meetings, video conferences, training sessions.
• Support Japanese visitors and staff with day-to-day communication and cultural guidance as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality and accuracy in all translations and interpretations.
• Act as a liaison between local staff and Japanese counterparts to foster strong working relationships and efficient project execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Japanese Language, Translation, International Relations, or a related field. (experience may be accepted in the place of degree)
• Minimum of 2–3 years of professional translation/interpretation experience, preferably in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Proficiency in Japanese and English (both written and spoken); JLPT N1 or equivalent preferred.
• Strong knowledge of technical vocabulary, particularly in manufacturing, engineering, or chemical processes.
• Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work in a fast-paced production setting.
• Familiarity with MS Office and translation software tools is a plus.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in the film, plastics, or materials science industry.
• Prior experience working with Japanese companies or multinational teams.