Technical Localization Specialist (NTD)

Nintendo Technology Development

The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Nintendo Switch™ system and the Nintendo 3DS™ family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System™, Nintendo has sold more than 4.7 billion video games and more than 740 million hardware units globally, including Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, as well as the Game Boy™, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS™ family of systems, Super NES™, Nintendo 64™, Nintendo GameCube™, Wii™ and Wii U™ systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names, such as Mario, Donkey Kong, Metroid, Zelda and Pokémon. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo Technology Development, based in Redmond, Washington, creates future hardware/software technology and researches North American-based technologies.

The role of the Technical Localization Specialist at Nintendo Technology Development Inc. (NTD) is to perform localization and related tasks of moderate scope and complexity to overcome the linguistic barriers between globally dispersed engineering teams working on platform development. This role involves some coordination with members of localization-related teams elsewhere at Nintendo; counterparts at Nintendo Co., Ltd. (NCL), our Kyoto-based global headquarters; and occasionally with external partners.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

• Serves as a conduit for communication between NCL, and engineering teams within NTD

• Translates documentation between Japanese and English pertaining to general and technical subjects, with consideration for the cultural differences

• Provides interpretation in meetings between NTD and NCL teams

• Drives initiatives related to translation quality and process improvements

• Identifies issues in the localization process and proposes solutions

• Contributes to localization program roadmaps, project plans, and overall program health

• Trains and mentors others in translation and proofing procedures

• Coordinates workload/interpreting schedules with the localization staff, negotiating deliverables/deadlines as necessary

• May require frequent evening work in Pacific Time Zone

SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS:

• Two to six years of translation experience

• General knowledge of translation management systems, such as memoQ or similar

• Working familiarity with at least one popular programming language, such as Python, JavaScript, C#, R, Go, or similar

• Familiarity with the use of regular expressions in the context of localization

• Familiarity with translation-related technologies, such as machine translation and generative AI, and the industry trends related to them

• Familiarity with version control systems, such as Git

• Solid understanding of tagged file formats such as XML/HTML

• Ability to communicate complex and technical information fluently in Japanese and English

• Excellent verbal and written translation skills, with acute attention to detail

• Understanding of technical subject matter on a broad range of computer technology

• Excellent organizational skills

• Must fluently read, write, and speak Japanese and English, including jargon, slang, and idioms

• Understands cultural/linguistic issues and makes recommendations regarding content

• Knowledge of game development and/or the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) is preferred

• Experience as a liaison between international offices is a plus

• Secondary skills in any of the following areas are highly desirable: Technical writing, visual design (using Figma, etc.), project management

• Undergraduate degree in Computer Science or Engineering, Communication, English, Japanese, or a suitably related field

• Full professional proficiency (ILR Level 4 or higher) in both Japanese and English

  • For native speakers of English, Japanese Language Proficiency Test N1 certification or equivalent capability is preferred

  • For native speakers of Japanese, Eiken Pre-1 certification or equivalent is preferred

  • For native speakers of other languages, equivalent language skill assessments (such as a TOEFL iBT score of 80) are preferred

This position is onsite in Redmond, WA, and not open to remote status at this time.

This contract position has a base pay range of $44 - $67 per hour and is eligible for benefits through the employing agency. Agency benefits include eligibility for medical insurance, employee assistance program, and paid sick leave. All benefits are subject to elections, eligibility requirements, plan and program terms. Benefits offerings will be confirmed at the time of offer by the employing agency, and may differ depending on the employing agency partner.