Japanese-English Translator – Contract-to-Hire Role

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.