Japanese Interpreter

IAF manufactures fasteners for the automotive industry. Because of that, our team has to work hard to have an environment of mutual respect, understanding, and fulfillment of our responsibilities, in an environment that can be hot, dirty, and challenging. We want to be a place that our team can envision opportunity and personal growth to reach their own potential.

IAF is need of a competent interpreter to join the team as our Interpreter Specialist (“Japanese Interpreter”). The Interpreter will support our non-English speakers in real-time meeting translations. You will provide accurate concepts and explanations with no additions or omissions, and according to conventions of established interpretation protocol.

What we provide.

We have had no greater desire than to be a company where fellow team members believe in each other, and where they love to work. Our success comes from the happiness team members.

Because of this, we provide:

• An on-site Health Clinic
• An on-site Cafeteria
• Comprehensive medical, dental, prescription and vision coverage
• Company paid short term disability and life insurance
• 401(k) with employer match

We also provide other benefit plans and packages that you may elect to take advantage of as a member of our work family.

What we’ll do together.

This position will report to our Quality Manager, but helps our Japanese Leaders and Advisors. Must be able to perform simultaneous and/or consecutive interpretation from English to Japanese and vice versa in meetings to promote smooth communication between Japanese speaking members and English-speaking members. Must have excellent Japanese and English writing skill to translate various written documents. Utilizing experience in both US and Japanese cultures, act as a communication advisor to promote understanding for Japanese speakers and English speakers.

Work will include:

• Interpret in Quality/manufacturing related meetings.
• Interpret in Quality/production management and production system related meetings
• Translate Quality/manufacturing related documents.
• Translate Quality/production management and production system related documents.
• Production KPI data collection, data entry, data sharing, and management.
• Administrative duties in the Quality department as per Quality Manager’s instruction.
• Conduct interpreter training and evaluate their skills.
• Advise Japanese coordinators and American managers on cultural differences, business practice differences to promote understanding and smooth communication.
• Advice speakers/listeners to improve interpretation environment.
• Carries out Quality Manager’s and Japanese coordinators’ requests.
• Backup other interpreters in other areas.
• Understand our production processes for better interpretation and translation.
• And of course, other duties as assigned by quality management.

What you’ll bring to the team.

• Bachelor's degree and 1 – 3 years’ interpretation experience. Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Must have excellent communication skills in Japanese and English.
• Strong understanding of cultural differences and expectations for both American and Japanese team members.
• Communicates effectively and has strong presentation skills.
• Collaborates well with colleagues using adept social skills.
• Ability to build strong working relationships, learn quickly and has strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Confident with Microsoft Office Suite.