Join SpaceX as a Technical Translator to support manufacturing with Chinese-speaking teams in a dynamic production environment.
Posted by employer 11 hours ago
First seen on Joblaze 7 hours ago
Last verified on the company career page 7 hours ago
What you'll build
- Provide accurate consecutive interpretation
- Translate technical documents
- Partner with engineering and production teams
- Source and manage translators and interpreters
- Establish translation standards and glossaries
Must have
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
- Native or near-native fluency in Chinese (Mandarin)
- Professional fluency in English
- 2+ years of professional experience in technical interpretation or translation
Nice to have
- Advanced degree in chemical engineering or related field
- Prior experience in manufacturing or chemical process environments
- Experience sourcing and managing technical personnel
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing
- Demonstrated organizational skills
Practical constraints
- Ability to work on-site in an industrial manufacturing environment
- Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 25 pounds
- Willingness to support extended hours and varying shifts
Requirements
- Experience
- 2+ years
- Education
- Bachelor's degree
Not disclosed in this posting: compensation, visa sponsorship.
Joblaze summary
In this role, the Technical Translator at SpaceX provides essential language support by interpreting and translating technical documents and communications between English-speaking teams and Mandarin-speaking personnel involved in equipment installation and production processes. The position requires a strong background in engineering, along with native or near-native fluency in Mandarin and professional proficiency in English. Ideal candidates will have experience in technical communication within manufacturing environments and the ability to manage a team of translators as project demands evolve. This role is critical for ensuring precise communication during complex technical operations.
Joblaze insights
- Listed today — first seen on Joblaze October 9, 2026. Last confirmed on SpaceX's careers page October 9, 2026.
Quick facts
- Is the Technical Translator (Chinese) - Production Support role remote?
- No — this is an on-site role in Bastrop, TX, United States.
- How much experience is required?
- At least 2 years of relevant experience for this Technical Translator (Chinese) - Production Support role.
- Where is the role based?
- SpaceX is hiring for this position in Bastrop, TX, United States.
- What's the tech stack?
- Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: Chinese, English, Mandarin.
- What seniority level is this role?
- SpaceX targets mid-level candidates for this position.
- Is this full-time or contract?
- Full-time for this Technical Translator (Chinese) - Production Support role at SpaceX.
From the original posting
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:
Standard company text repeated across SpaceX's postings is omitted here.