Project Manager Japanese bilingual

Pasona Inc.; Torrance (CA); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

IRA retirement plan

Hybrid work arrangement in Torrance

Job summary

Pasona Inc. in Torrance, CA is seeking a Japanese/English bilingual Project Manager to coordinate joint development projects with Japanese automotive and electronics manufacturers.

You will combine customer communication, project coordination, and hands-on AI tool experimentation, working with leadership, engineers, and international partners to advance proposals, prototypes, and automated workflows.

Qualifications

• Native-level Japanese proficiency with business writing skills
• Business-level English proficiency to communicate with engineers and partners
• Willingness to learn and own tasks
• Experience in project coordination is preferred
• Familiarity with AI tools is a plus

Responsibilities

• Coordinate joint development projects with Japanese manufacturers, tracking schedules and deliverables
• Serve as primary contact for Japanese customers, prepare monthly progress reports and materials
• Organize and support trade shows, demos, and PoC activities
• Coordinate with internal engineers and overseas partners to keep projects moving
• Track quotations, orders, and invoicing milestones
• Use AI tools to develop proposals, prototypes, and automate workflows
• Identify issues, propose solutions, and ensure execution
• Represent the company professionally in meetings with customers and partners

Skills

Japanese bilingual

English proficiency

Communication

Learning mindset

Education

Engineering/Science degree

Job description

Project Manager – Japanese Bilingual

Joint Development Projects | AI & Technology

Location: Torrance, CA

Work Arrangement: Hybrid; office attendance to be discussed during the interview

Employment Type: Full-Time, W-2

Annual Salary: Up to $80,000, depending on qualifications

Visa Sponsorship: Not available

About the Opportunity

Our client is seeking a Japanese/English Bilingual Project Manager to coordinate joint development projects with Japanese automotive, electronics, and other manufacturing companies.

This role combines customer communication, project coordination, and hands-on experimentation with AI tools. You will work closely with leadership, internal engineers, and international partners to move projects forward while exploring ways to improve proposals, develop prototypes, and automate workflows.

Learning ability, initiative, and ownership matter more than previous project management experience. This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys learning new technologies and turning ideas into practical results.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate joint development projects with Japanese automotive, electronics, and other manufacturing companies, tracking schedules, deliverables, and progress.
• Serve as a primary contact for customers in Japan, managing Japanese-language correspondence and preparing monthly progress reports and presentation materials.
• Organize and support trade shows, demonstrations, and proof-of-concept activities.
• Coordinate with internal engineers and overseas partners to keep projects moving.
• Track quotations, purchase orders, and invoicing milestones.
• Use AI tools to develop proposals, create prototypes, and plan and implement workflow automation.
• Proactively identify issues, propose solutions, and follow through on execution.
• Represent the company professionally in meetings with customers and business partners.

Required Qualifications

• Native-level Japanese proficiency, including strong business writing skills and familiarity with Japanese business etiquette. Approximately 90% of daily email correspondence is in Japanese.
• Business-level English proficiency to communicate effectively with engineers and international partners.
• Existing authorization to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.
• Clear, confident communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with customers and colleagues.
• A proactive approach to learning, problem-solving, and completing tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in project management or project coordination.
• Automotive industry experience.
• A degree in engineering, science, or a related technical field.
• Experience working for or conducting business with Japanese companies.
• Experience organizing trade shows or demonstrations.
• Familiarity with IT, AI, IoT, or related technologies.
• Experience using AI to create applications, scripts, automation tools, or business materials through work, personal projects, or side projects.
• Exposure to Python or cloud platforms such as AWS; beginner-level experience is welcome.

Professional programming experience is not required.

Who Will Thrive in This Role

We are looking for someone who:

• Enjoys independently researching, testing, and using AI tools to create practical solutions.
• Approaches unfamiliar tasks with curiosity and follows through to completion.
• Takes initiative, proposes ideas, and actively contributes to execution.
• Works with a strong sense of responsibility and ownership.
• Is comfortable working closely with leadership and representing the company to customers and partners.

Benefits & Working Conditions

• Company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• IRA retirement plan.
• Hybrid work arrangement in Torrance, California.
• Domestic and international travel approximately once or twice per year, potentially including Japan, Asia, and Europe.
• Target start date: early to mid-November 2026, with approximately two weeks planned for handover.