Translator I (Japanese / English) (Manufacturing)

Location: De Soto, Kansas, United States; onsite. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction.

Company

Panasonic Energy produces lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and is expanding a large-scale battery manufacturing facility in De Soto, Kansas.

What you will do

• Translate policies, procedures, manuals, reports, presentations, proposals, contracts, emails, and administrative documents between Japanese and English.
• Provide real-time interpretation for meetings, conference calls, and daily communication between Japanese expatriates and domestic staff.
• Maintain translation accuracy, consistency, company terminology, style standards, and terminology databases.
• Research technical language and improve translation workflows, tools, and processes.
• Collaborate with production, construction, engineering, and project teams to support clear communication and timely deliverables.
• Follow quality, confidentiality, data-integrity, and workplace safety requirements, including PPE use in designated areas.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Business-level proficiency in Japanese and English across reading, writing, and speaking.
• Understanding of translation principles, including accuracy, tone, and context, with the ability to translate in both directions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, deadline management, and ability to handle multiple assignments.
• Ability to work in a construction or manufacturing environment and use required PPE.

Nice to have

• Bachelor’s degree in Japanese, linguistics, translation, or a related field.
• Two or more years of translation experience through internships, co-ops, or entry-level manufacturing roles.
• Exposure to manufacturing, automotive, electronics, or industrial environments and technical terminology.
• Familiarity with CAT tools or translation memory systems.
• Experience supporting cross-functional teams or projects.

Culture & Benefits

• Full-time onsite work supporting sustainable energy and electric vehicle technology.
• Medical, dental, vision, prescription, HSA, and FSA options.
• 401(k) plan with company matching and immediate vesting, plus an annual performance-based bonus opportunity.
• Paid vacation, holidays, personal and sick leave, volunteer leave, and parental and caregiver leave.
• Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses after six months of service.
• Onsite cafés, snack and beverage kitchens, vendors, and employee events.

Hiring process

• Pre-employment drug testing is required.