Japanese-English Translator – Contract-to-Hire Role

Fictiv Exists to Enable Hardware Innovators to Build Better Products, Faster

Fictiv, coined the “AWS of manufacturing,” is a leading technology company transforming the $350 billion manufacturing industry. Our cutting-edge cloud platform uses AI and machine learning algorithms to help companies build hardware at the speed of software. Come join our growing team!

Japanese-English Translator – Contract-to-Hire Role

Location: Oakland, California (On-site)Department: People Operations (HR)Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire (Hourly)

About the Role

Fictiv is seeking a culturally fluent, bilingual Japanese-English Translator to join our team in Oakland, California on a contract-to-hire basis. This role is critical to ensuring clear, accurate, and culturally aligned communication between our U.S. and Japan-based teams.

You will provide both real-time interpretation and written translation support, while also helping foster cultural understanding across global functions. The position begins as an hourly contract, with the opportunity to convert into a full-time role based on performance, business needs, and mutual fit.

This is an on-site role working closely with our People Operations (HR) team.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Interpret live discussions in leadership and cross-functional meetings (Japanese ↔ English).
• Translate internal documents, templates, communications, and presentations with precision.
• Serve as a cultural consultant, helping U.S. and Japanese teams collaborate effectively.
• Localize content such as policies, procedures, and training materials.
• Support People Operations (HR) initiatives when not actively translating.

Desired Traits and Experience

• Native or near-native fluency in Japanese and English.
• Strong understanding of Japanese and U.S. cultural and business norms.
• Professional presence with the ability to manage sensitive or high-stakes communication.
• Prior experience interpreting in corporate or leadership environments.
• Located in or able to commute to our Oakland, California office (this is an on-site role).
• Previous collaboration with HR or cross-cultural teams is a plus.

Why Join Us on a Contract-to-Hire Basis?

• Path to Full-Time: Opportunity to transition into a permanent role based on performance and business alignment.
• Impact: Play a key role in bridging global communication and fostering cultural alignment.
• Exposure: Gain valuable experience supporting international business operations and executive-level communication.
• Flexibility: Start as a contractor with the potential for long-term career growth at Fictiv.

Compensation

This contracting role pays between $45.00 - $85.00 per hour, depending on experience.

About Fictiv

Our Digital Manufacturing Ecosystem is transforming how the next rockets, self-driving cars, and life-saving robots are designed, developed and delivered to customers around the world.

This transformation is made possible through our technology-backed platform, our global network of manufacturing partners, and our people with deep expertise in hardware and software development.

We’re actively seeking potential teammates who can bring diverse perspectives and experience to our culture and company. We believe inclusion is the best way to create a strong, empathetic team. Our belief is that the best team is born from an environment that emphasizes respect, honesty, collaboration, and growth.

We encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups, including but not limited to women, members of the LGBTQ community, people of color, people with disabilities, and veterans.