Language Services Associate The Language Services Associate supports the delivery of translation, interpretation, linguist qualification, terminology management, and language quality services for government and commercial clients. This role combines project management, linguistics expertise, quality assurance, vendor coordination, and technical proficiency in translation software to ensure the successful delivery of multilingual communication services. Working closely with the Language Services Lead, the Associate manages language service projects from initiation through delivery, supports the qualification and oversight of translators and interpreters, maintains terminology resources, and contributes to the continuous improvement of language workflows, tools, and processes. Key Responsibilities Translation and Localization Project Management - Coordinate translation and localization projects from receipt of customer requests through final delivery.
- Set up projects, define language pairs and subject matter requirements, and establish project schedules and milestones.
- Prepare project estimates, including word counts, effort assessments, pricing inputs, and delivery timelines.
- Coordinate with internal and freelance linguists and obtain vendor quotations when required.
- Review machine translation and automated workflow outputs to identify quality concerns, terminology issues, formatting problems, and incomplete content.
- Assign projects to translators and editors, provide project instructions, and monitor progress to ensure on-time delivery.
- Perform quality assurance reviews and validate completed translations before customer delivery.
- Prepare and finalize translated documents, presentations, spreadsheets, PDFs, and other deliverables while maintaining source formatting and layout.
Terminology Management and Quality Assurance - Maintain terminology databases, glossaries, and linguistic reference materials.
- Ensure consistent terminology usage across projects and client portfolios.
- Document terminology decisions and maintain supporting linguistic records.
- Develop, update, and refine language-specific guidance, style resources, and quality standards.
- Analyze translation outputs and editor feedback to identify opportunities for process improvement.
- Support the ongoing enhancement of translation workflows and quality-control procedures.
Linguist Testing, Certification, and Vendor Management - Design, administer, and evaluate language qualification assessments for translators and interpreters.
- Prepare testing materials and evaluation documentation.
- Maintain accurate records of test results, certifications, waivers, and qualifications.
- Manage translator and interpreter rosters across multiple languages and specialties.
- Source, evaluate, and onboard freelance linguists and language service providers.
- Maintain vendor records, rates, compliance documentation, and performance information.
Interpretation Services Coordination - Coordinate interpretation assignments and language support engagements.
- Identify qualified interpreters based on language requirements, subject matter expertise, and certification status.
- Schedule assignments and provide briefing materials as needed.
- Maintain assignment records, utilization data, and supporting documentation.
Systems, Process Improvement, and Documentation - Test workflow tools and software enhancements to ensure reliability and usability.
- Identify system issues and document findings for technical teams.
- Participate in defining business requirements and recommending workflow improvements.
- Maintain user guides, process documentation, training materials, and operating procedures.
- Support data management activities and maintain accurate project records and reporting.
- Work on the software directly: Python scripts, the language rules and prompts, corrections to the databases (always with the application closed and a backup taken), test harnesses.
Required Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Translation, Linguistics, Languages, International Studies, or a related field; equivalent professional experience may be considered.
- Minimum of five years of professional experience in translation, interpretation, localization, or language services.
- Native or near-native proficiency in English and professional proficiency in at least one additional language.
- Experience reviewing, editing, or quality-checking machine translation output.
- Strong understanding of linguistic quality standards, terminology management, and multilingual content workflows.
- Experience working with translation projects involving multiple stakeholders and deadlines.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
- Eligibility to meet customer-specific background check, suitability, or clearance requirements, as applicable.
Preferred Qualifications - Experience developing, administering, or evaluating language proficiency assessments.
- Familiarity with AI-assisted translation technologies and large language model platforms.
- Knowledge of government, defense, legal, medical, technical, or scientific translation environments.
- Experience with desktop publishing and document formatting tools such as Adobe InDesign or Illustrator.
- Working knowledge of Python, SQL, scripting, or other technical tools used to support language operations.
- Experience managing freelance linguist networks and vendor relationships.
- ATA certification, court interpreter certification, conference interpreter credentials, or equivalent professional certifications.
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