Translator - Nights

Overview

Join Panasonic Energy as a Translator I supporting Japanese-English translation and interpretation to assist production and construction teams, and to help ensure project communication and documentation meet company quality standards. This role is based at our De Soto, Kansas facility and contributes to the future of electric vehicles and sustainable energy.

• Translate written materials including policies, procedures, manuals, reports, presentations, proposals, and contracts between Japanese and English
• Provide real-time interpretation for meetings, conference calls, and daily communications between Japanese expatriates and domestic staff
• Compose and translate emails, reports, and other administrative documentation
• Maintain translation accuracy, consistency, and adherence to company terminology and style guides
• Utilize translation memory tools and maintain terminology databases

• Conduct terminology and linguistic research to improve translation consistency and quality
• Identify opportunities to improve translation workflows, tools, and processes
• Ensure timely turnaround of translations while maintaining a high level of accuracy
• Continuously enhance language proficiency and technical knowledge related to manufacturing environments

• Provide language support and clarification to team members as needed
• Assist in onboarding or supporting team members with bilingual materials
• Remain flexible in supporting both primary translation duties and secondary operational needs

• Collaborate closely with production, construction, and engineering teams to support communication needs
• Facilitate effective communication across departments and between global stakeholders
• Support project teams to ensure alignment, timely deliverables, and clear understanding of requirements

• Ensure all translated materials meet company quality, accuracy, and compliance standards
• Adhere to company safety protocols, including the use of required PPE in designated areas
• Demonstrate attention to detail and strong organizational skills to support production and engineering quality standards
• Comply with all workplace policies, including confidentiality and data integrity requirements

• Wearing PPE as required may include equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, bump cap, and a full hazmat suit with respirator

The foregoing description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, skills, or work conditions. It is intended to reflect the general nature and level of the job.

• High School Diploma or GED
• Business-level proficiency in both Japanese and English (reading, writing, and speaking)

• Bachelor’s degree in Japanese, Linguistics, Translation, or a related field
• Technical coursework or exposure to manufacturing, engineering, or industrial environments

• Strong foundational understanding of translation principles (accuracy, tone, and context)
• Business-level fluency in Japanese and English with strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to translate clearly and accurately in both directions (Japanese English)
• Exposure to interpretation in academic, internship, or professional settings
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines
• Willingness to work outside standard hours as needed to support business demands and global teams
• Ability to work in a construction or manufacturing environment and use required PPE
• Alignment to Panasonic’s seven core principles (contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, gratitude)

• 2+ years of translation experience through internships, co-ops, or entry-level roles in manufacturing environments
• Experience or exposure to manufacturing, automotive, electronics, or industrial environments
• Basic understanding of technical or production terminology
• Familiarity with translation tools (e.g., CAT tools, translation…