Engineering Assistant / Interpreter

Engineering Assistant / I nterpreter

Rockmart, GA

General:

This position is responsible for supporting cross-functional teams by ensuring effective communication between international and local stakeholders, maintaining accurate documentation, and assisting with administrative and technical tasks throughout the project lifecycle. This position will play a key role in bridging communication between Japanese, German, and American teams, supporting the engineering, purchasing, and quality departments in launching new products for OEM customers.

Role & Responsibilities:

• Act as a real-time interpreter (English-Japanese) during virtual meetings and on-site visits with customers and internal teams.
• Translate technical and administrative documents between English and Japanese.
• Take detailed meeting notes and share it to relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain project documentation and control files throughout all project phases.
• Create and manage spreadsheets for tracking project milestones, open items, and timelines.
• Issue and track Purchase Orders (POs) and follow up with suppliers to ensure timely delivery.
• Assist in the creation Work Instructions related to Stamping, Welding and Engineering activities.
• Setup BOMs (Bill of Materials) on PLEX in collaboration with engineering and production planning teams.
• Support Process Engineers in gathering and reporting OEE
• Conduct preliminary supplier research and assist in obtaining quotations for materials, tooling, and services.
• Monitoring new models project expenses, ensuring accurate tracking and reporting of all launch-related costs
• Assist Engineering and Quality teams during internal and customer audits related to new projects.
• Support preparation and follow-up of customer APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) documentation.
• Collaborate with the Quality department to maintain compliance with IATF 16949 requirements, including support in audits, documentation, and implementation of related procedures.
• Maintain effective communication with internal departments (Engineering, Quality, Purchasing, Production & MSPC) to ensure smooth project execution.
• Other duties as assigned to support Engineering and new model launches.

Qualifications:

• 2-year college degree or equivalent professional experience in project coordination, or technical administrative roles.
• Proficiency in Japanese (spoken and written).
• Advanced computer skills: Microsoft Excel (data tracking, pivot tables, charts), Word, PowerPoint.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced, cross-cultural environment.
• Prior experience in automotive industry or Tier 1 supplier preferred.
• Experience in document control, translation, or project tracking tools is a plus.

Environmental & Physical Demands:

• The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those typically encountered while performing the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, and use a computer for extended periods.
• May need to walk through manufacturing areas with exposure to mechanical parts, noise, and industrial processes.
• Occasionally required to lift up to 30 lbs.
• Must be able to participate in on-site meetings, supplier visits, and production floor walk-throughs as needed.

ONEPOWER Consulting LLC is an Atlanta-based executive search firm. Our consultation services are informed by years of accumulated recruiting experience and knowledge across a variety of fields and industries. Our expertise is in working with professionals of a niche field or with specialized experience, as well as those who are Japanese-English bilingual. While our current client base consists mostly of foreign-invested manufacturing companies, ONEPOWER is working hard to expand and diversify its existing network. With our head office in Duluth, Georgia, ONEPOWER strives to introduce the best talent to excellent companies nationwide.