Japanese-English Translator – Full-Time (Oakland)

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!

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Bilingual Japanese-English Translator (Founders Office)

Schedule: Full-Time | Monday–Friday

Department: Founders Office

Travel: Up to 15%

Are you passionate about bridging cultures at the highest levels of business? As the Bilingual Japanese-English Translator in Fictiv’s Founders Office, you’ll work side-by-side with our executive leadership, translating more than just words — you’ll translate ideas, strategies, and relationships, all while acting as a cultural bridge for the company. This is a rare opportunity to operate at the intersection of language, business, and innovation, playing a pivotal role in connecting Silicon Valley with Japan’s industrial and manufacturing leadership.

Impact in This Role

At Fictiv, we’re transforming how the world manufactures—powered by technology, precision, and global collaboration. As we expand our executive engagement with Japan, we’re seeking a culturally fluent Japanese-English Translator to join the Founders Office.

This role goes far beyond translation. You will serve as a trusted bridge between Fictiv’s U.S. and Japan-based teams, ensuring that communication, culture, and collaboration flow seamlessly across continents. Working closely with company leadership, you will interpret executive meetings, translate high-impact materials, and support the successful integration of Japanese and U.S. business practices.

What You’ll Do

• Provide real-time interpretation (English ↔ Japanese) in executive, board-level, and cross-functional meetings.
• Translate business-critical documents, presentations, operating manuals, and strategic materials with precision, efficiency, and nuance.
• Serve as a cultural consultant, helping leaders understand Japanese and U.S. norms in communication, hierarchy, and decision-making.
• Support the localization of company policies and executive communications.
• Assist in hosting Japanese executives and team members visiting Oakland, and traveling to Japan for executive business meetings, all while ensuring smooth and culturally respectful engagement.
• Collaborate directly with the Founders Office to ensure alignment between U.S. and Japan leadership priorities.

Who You Are

• Native or near-native fluency in both Japanese and English.
• Deep understanding of Japanese and U.S. business culture, particularly in manufacturing and industrial sectors.
• Experienced in executive or board-level translation, comfortable engaging with senior leaders and presidents.
• A self-starter with strong business acumen, able to follow and interpret conversations about topics such as, but not limited to, P&L, operations, and strategy.
• Culturally fluent, diplomatic, and confident in representing the Founders Office with discretion and professionalism.
• Must be based in the San Francisco Bay Area and available to work on-site in Oakland daily.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Partner directly with Fictiv’s founders and executive leadership, shaping the bridge between Silicon Valley and Japan.
• Help integrate two powerful business cultures in a company that values clarity, respect, and innovation.
• Join a dynamic environment where your linguistic and cultural expertise has true strategic impact.
• Be part of a mission-driven organization transforming the manufacturing industry globally.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $75,000 – $115,000 USD annually, depending on experience
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development opportunities

Ready to help build the bridge between Silicon Valley and Japan? Apply now and bring your expertise, cultural insight, and executive-level communication skills to the Founders Office at Fictiv.

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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.