Technical Translator (Chinese) - Production Support at SpaceX
- In Bastrop, TX.
SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. TECHNICAL TRANSLATOR (CHINESE) – PRODUCTION SUPPORT 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. …