Chinese–English Technical Engineering Translator & Interpreter

About the Role

We’re looking for a Mandarin Chinese–English Technical Engineering Translator & Interpreter with at least 3 years of relevant experience to support engineering, project management, and procurement teams in communicating with Chinese equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and technical representatives. You’ll translate technical documents, interpret engineering discussions, and facilitate accurate communication of technical requirements, equipment specifications, and project-related information between Chinese-speaking and English-speaking teams.

Key Responsibilities

1. Technical Document Translation

• Translate technical and engineering documents between Chinese and English.
• Translate engineering drawings, annotations, and technical notes.
• Translate equipment datasheets, specifications, vendor documents, and process-related documentation, including PFDs and P&IDs.
• Translate mechanical, fabrication, general arrangement (GA), and assembly drawings.
• Translate BOMs, MTOs, ITPs, FAT/SAT documents, inspection reports, and equipment manuals.
• Translate installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance procedures.
• Translate supplier quotations, technical offers, test reports, emails, meeting minutes, and action trackers.

2. Engineering Meeting Interpretation

• Provide Chinese ↔ English interpretation during technical meetings, vendor discussions, design reviews, FAT/SAT, inspections, manufacturing, installation, and commissioning.
• Communicate technical discussions accurately without losing the original engineering intent.

3. Engineering & Vendor Communication

• Bridge communication between English-speaking engineering/project teams and Chinese-speaking suppliers and manufacturers.
• Translate technical queries, clarifications, revisions, and vendor responses.
• Follow up on pending technical clarifications and documentation.

4. Drawing & Specification Support

• Review and translate Chinese annotations, labels, drawing notes, and technical requirements.
• Help engineers understand Chinese engineering documents.
• Maintain consistent technical terminology across drawings, specifications, and project documents.

5. Procurement & Commercial Support

• Translate supplier quotations, commercial offers, technical proposals, and related correspondence.
• Support technical offer comparisons and communication concerning equipment, piping, instrumentation, mechanical and electrical components, utilities, fabrication, delivery, and installation.

6. Site & Manufacturing Support

• Provide on-site interpretation during fabrication, inspection, testing, installation, and commissioning when required.
• Support communication with Chinese technicians and engineers, including verbal instructions and troubleshooting discussions.

7. Translation Quality & Documentation

• Ensure translations are accurate, complete, and consistent.
• Maintain project-specific Chinese–English technical glossaries.
• Cross-check translations against source documents, flag ambiguous or inconsistent information, and maintain document version control.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in Engineering, Technical Translation, Chinese Language, Linguistics, or a related field.
• Fluency in spoken and written Mandarin Chinese and English.
• Proven experience in Chinese–English technical translation and interpretation.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in engineering, manufacturing, EPC, industrial equipment, pharmaceutical, chemical, machinery, or a similar environment.
• Strong understanding of engineering terminology and technical documentation.
• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong communication, attention to detail, and cross-cultural collaboration skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive technical and commercial information.

Nice to Have

• Background in Mechanical, Chemical, or Process Engineering.
• Experience working with Chinese equipment manufacturers.
• Experience in EPC/EPCM or industrial projects.
• Exposure to pharmaceutical, chemical, process, or manufacturing equipment.
• Experience translating P&IDs, equipment drawings, datasheets, and technical specifications.
• Experience supporting FAT, SAT, commissioning, or site installation.
• Familiarity with Chinese engineering standards and terminology. Experience working with international engineering teams.