Language Specialist - Japanese

About DeepL

DeepL is a globally recognized AI enterprise dedicated to developing secure and intelligent solutions that address intricate business challenges. Trusted by over 200,000 enterprise clients and millions of individual users across 228 worldwide markets, DeepL's Language AI platform enables human-like translation, enhanced writing, and real-time voice translation. Since its establishment in 2017 by CEO Jaroslaw “Jarek” Kutylowski, DeepL has grown to roughly 1,000 committed professionals and is backed by prestigious investors such as Benchmark, IVP, and Index Ventures.

The company's mission is to lead globally in reliable, intelligent AI technology by creating products that enhance communication, foster connections, and make a significant impact. Joining DeepL offers the opportunity to influence the future of AI while developing your career in a dynamic, purpose-driven environment.

Role Overview

As a Japanese Language Specialist at DeepL, you will work at the nexus of Research and Product development to influence how the AI comprehends and generates language. Your role involves quality assessment of linguistic data, feature testing, mentoring freelance linguists, and collaborating within a multicultural specialist team to define excellence in Japanese translation. The position requires both deep linguistic expertise and the ability to communicate intricacies to a broad audience, from novices to language professionals.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a linguistic advisor for Japanese language across departments including Research, Product, and Sales to enhance language-related product features.
• Conduct pre- and post-launch testing and evaluation of DeepL’s products and features.
• Analyze linguistic quality of data produced by human and machine sources.
• Create testing protocols and samples to assist in selecting freelance linguists for projects.
• Review and provide insightful, actionable critiques to freelance linguists according to project goals.
• Engage with complex and ambiguous language data in Japanese and at least one other foreign language.
• Investigate user-submitted language complaints and deliver comprehensive linguistic evaluations.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to design experiments and evaluations informed by linguistic insight and user expectations.
• Leverage AI tools to enhance workflow efficiency on individual and team levels.
• Communicate linguistic concepts to diverse audiences ranging from non-specialists to fellow linguists.

Candidate Profile

• Deep cultural and professional understanding of Japanese language contexts, ideally as a native speaker or with extended experience in Japan.
• Proficient English communication skills at C1 level or above.
• Bachelor's degree in linguistics, translation studies, foreign languages, language education, or related disciplines.
• Minimum two years’ experience in translation, localization, linguistics, education or similar roles.
• Proven skill in simplifying complex linguistic topics for varied audiences, including non-native speakers.
• Extensive familiarity with authoritative Japanese linguistic resources.
• Strong grasp of research methodologies and best practices.
• Experience analyzing machine translation outputs and common error patterns.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication capabilities.
• Basic knowledge or experience with AI prompting, large language models, natural language processing, or AI-integrated workflows.
• Ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-changing environment.
• Capable of working autonomously and collaboratively within teams.

Benefits and Culture

• Join a diverse and globally distributed team comprising over 90 nationalities, fostering a culturally rich, collaborative community.
• Promote open communication, transparent feedback, and a growth-oriented mindset aligned with empathy.
• Hybrid work model offering the flexibility to work two days in-office weekly combined with remote work and flexible hours suited to team time zones.
• Equity participation through Virtual Shares, aligning your role with the company's growth and success.
• Frequent in-person team and company-wide events to strengthen team bonds.
• Monthly innovation sessions (“Hack Fridays”) for independent or cross-team projects nurturing creativity and impact.
• Twenty days of annual leave excluding public holidays, complemented by access to mental health support.
• Competitive and geographically tailored benefits supporting your wellbeing throughout your journey with DeepL.

Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

DeepL is committed to an inclusive workplace that embraces diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, seeing authenticity as a strength that empowers us to overcome language barriers globally.