Chinese Translator – Chemical Engineering

About the Role

We are seeking a Mandarin Chinese–English Technical Translator & Interpreter to support engineering and project teams in communicating with Chinese equipment manufacturers, engineering companies, suppliers, and technical representatives. The role involves accurate two-way translation and interpretation of engineering, technical, commercial, and project-related information.

This is not a general translation role. The candidate must understand engineering terminology, equipment specifications, technical drawings, datasheets, fabrication details, supplier quotations, manuals, and technical discussions to communicate engineering intent accurately in both languages.

Key Responsibilities

1. Technical Document Translation

• Translate technical and engineering documents between Chinese and English.
• Translate engineering drawings, annotations, specifications, datasheets, and vendor documents.
• Translate PFDs, P&IDs, mechanical, fabrication, GA, and assembly drawings.
• Translate BOMs, MTOs, ITPs, FAT/SAT documents, inspection reports, and test reports.
• Translate operation and maintenance manuals, installation and commissioning procedures, vendor quotations, technical offers, 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.

Technical Areas

• Process Engineering and Chemical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering and Process Equipment
• Pressure Vessels, Heat Exchangers, Reactors, Pumps, Piping, and Valves
• Instrumentation, Automation, Electrical Systems, and Utilities
• Fabrication, Welding, and Materials of Construction
• SS304, SS316, Hastelloy, PTFE, PFA, and other engineering materials
• GMP and Pharmaceutical Equipment (preferred)
• Equipment FAT/SAT, Installation, Commissioning, Quality, and Inspection Documentation

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in Engineering, Technical Translation, Chinese Language, Linguistics, or a related field.
• Fluency in written and spoken Mandarin Chinese and English.
• Proven Chinese ↔ English technical translation and interpretation experience.
• 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.

Nice to Have

• Mechanical, Chemical, or Process Engineering background.
• Experience with Chinese equipment manufacturers and international engineering teams.
• 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.