Senior Japanese Linguist

About Welocalize

Welocalize, a Welo Global brand, serves localization teams through AI-enabled multilingual content solutions that enable enterprises to operate and scale globally. Welocalize combines AI, automation, and human expertise to support enterprises in more than 300 languages, enabling accurate, culturally aligned, and compliant multilingual content at scale.

Welocalize’s Opal Platform comprises patented technology designed to automate multilingual content and improve workflow performance for enterprises. Opal functions as an agentic system that orchestrates AI, automation, and human expertise to coordinate content workflows across the lifecycle, improving speed, scalability, and operational control for global enterprises. These solutions operate within a secure and compliant environment supported by seven ISO certifications. Welocalize is headquartered in New York with offices worldwide. welocalize.com

Job Responsibilities

This role involves managing translation and copy-editing tasks, ensuring high-quality linguistic deliverables for assigned projects or accounts. Responsibilities include coordinating with freelancers and agencies, maintaining language resources, resolving terminology queries, and collaborating with clients and internal teams to enhance workflow efficiency. The position also supports broader team efforts through editing, error arbitration, and active participation in quality initiatives. Job Reference: #LI-JC1

The following is a non-exhaustive list of responsibilities and areas of ownership for this role:

Performing copy-edit tasks on assigned projects or accounts

Performing on-demand translation tasks

Performing lead linguist role on assigned accounts

Taking ownership of deliveries that were translated internally or by external partners for one or more accounts into Japanese language

Preparing, managing and maintaining the language materials (including glossaries, Style Guides, work instruction) up to the quality standards and up to date as required by the account or project

Managing project-related queries

Ensuring good interaction among team members and resolving questions on terminology and language matters

Coordinating with freelancers, agencies and internal linguists on assigned projects or accounts

Testing and qualifying new freelancers and vendors as required

Developing and training of internal linguists/new and existing freelancers according to the accounts’ and Welocalize’s needs

Interacting with clients on linguistic matters as required

Participating in the development of new and improved working processes. Propose process improvements.

Meet or exceed the KPIs in terms of productivity, on time delivery, quality

Achieving the goals set by the team manager

Additional Job Details

REQUIREMENTS

Education Level

University degree in Translation/Applied Languages/Linguistic Studies or equivalent combination of education and experience (University degree in other fields plus 2 years of full time experience in translation; OR 5 years of full time professional experience in translating)

Experience and Skills

Fluent in English, both written and spoken

Native fluency in Japanese language

8+ years of relevant experience in translation/localization/editing or content writing

5+ years of review experience

Thorough understanding of the localization process

Excellent knowledge of terminology used various subject matters

Subject-matter expert within company for assigned content specialities, service lines and processes

Excellent user experience of standard CAT tools, e.g. XTM, SDL Studio and issue tracking and query management tools, e.g. JIRA

Ability to learn new localization tools and applications quickly

Excellent user experience of standard software, such as Windows and Office applications

Ability to give clear, concise and constructive feedback

Ability to coordinate internal and external translators

Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills

Ability and willingness to train/teach others and pass on knowledge.

Ability to work with tight deadlines

Excellent problem solving skills

Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, linguists

Ability, willingness and experience in communicating with customers at various levels

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists

Ability to work in a virtual team