Technical Translator (Chinese) - Production Support

About the role

SpaceX is scaling advanced manufacturing across multiple programs and has a multi-year need for technical language support with Chinese-speaking equipment, installation, and process teams. We are seeking a permanent Technical Translator to set translation standards, provide high-quality interpretation and translation, and build/manage a mix of permanent and temporary Mandarin translators as demand scales.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate consecutive interpretation between English-speaking SpaceX production, engineering, and leadership teams and Mandarin-speaking equipment installation, commissioning, and technical personnel
• Translate technical documents, work instructions, SOPs, manuals, specifications, and process documentation supporting equipment installation, ramp, and ongoing operations across multiple programs
• Partner directly with engineering and production teams to ensure precise communication of technical requirements, troubleshooting, process parameters, and safety information
• Own the language-support bench: source, onboard, schedule, and quality-manage both permanent staff translators and temporary/contract interpreters as needs change
• Establish and maintain translation standards, terminology glossaries, and quality expectations for manufacturing equipment, process, and production terminology
• Embed on the production floor as needed during critical installation, commissioning, training, and ramp phases, and escalate communication risks that could impact safety, quality, or schedule
• Maintain strict confidentiality of proprietary processes and equipment details while supporting continuous improvement and operational standards
• Scale interpreter coverage up or down across multi-year equipment and production activities while driving continuous improvement in language-support processes

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline (chemical, materials, mechanical, electrical, or other engineering discipline)
• Native or near-native fluency in Chinese (Mandarin) and professional fluency in English (spoken and written)
• 2+ years of professional experience in technical interpretation, technical translation, or a closely related technical communication role

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in chemical engineering, materials science, or a related technical field
• Prior experience supporting manufacturing, chemical process, equipment installation, commissioning, or high-volume production environments
• Experience sourcing, onboarding, or quality-managing permanent staff and temporary/contract technical personnel
• Strong ability to rapidly learn complex technical processes and convey them accurately under time pressure
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing, production metrics (yield, throughput, OEE), or industrial/chemical process environments
• Demonstrated organizational skills and comfort operating in a fast-paced, multi-shift production setting

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work on-site in an industrial manufacturing environment
• Ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 25 pounds unassisted, and work around industrial equipment and chemicals
• Willingness to support extended hours, weekends, and varying shifts as required during critical installation and ramp periods

Itar Requirements

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.