Senior Japanese Localization Linguist (C1 English)

About OpenTrain

OpenTrain is the #1 platform for building careers in AI training and data labeling. We connect skilled contributors with meaningful, paid work that directly shapes how modern AI systems behave.

Creating an OpenTrain account is free — contributors gain access to projects, a skills profile, and opportunities to grow in this fast-moving industry.

Why AI training work matters

AI training (also called data labeling or annotation) is the human side of building artificial intelligence. People prepare, review, and evaluate the examples that machine learning models learn from — annotating text, rating responses, checking translations, and ensuring outputs are accurate and culturally appropriate.

This work is largely remote and flexible, making it ideal for professionals who want to apply their linguistic expertise part time or as a primary contractor role while contributing to cutting-edge AI development.

• 100% remote work you can do from anywhere
• Flexible, contractor-based hours to fit your schedule
• Direct impact on how AI models handle language and culture

The role

We are hiring a Senior Japanese Localization Linguist to review and generate AI training content, evaluate model outputs for reasoning quality and clarity, and provide authoritative localization feedback. This is a fully remote, hourly contractor role with pay between $24 and $31 USD per hour (typical $28/hr).

You will apply professional localization frameworks to assess severity, category, and root causes of errors, and you will produce clear written rationales supporting quality decisions.

• Role type: Contractor (remote)
• Pay: $24–$31 USD per hour (hourlyRate reference $28/hr)
• Data type: Text labeling and evaluation (text generation, evaluation ratings)

What you'll do

As a senior linguist you will be responsible for high-quality review, evaluation, and content generation used to train and test AI language models. Tasks require both expert judgement and structured, repeatable annotation following provided guidelines.

• Review and generate Japanese training content for AI systems
• Evaluate AI responses for reasoning, problem-solving, accuracy, and clarity
• Test models for factual accuracy and potential bias; escalate systemic issues
• Fact-check localized content (units, names, dates, references)
• Apply MQM/LQA frameworks: assign severity, category, and perform root-cause analysis
• Write clear, consistent written rationales and QA notes for decisions
• Use CAT tools, translation memories, termbases, and QA workflows when required

Requirements

You must meet the following core qualifications to be considered for this senior-level role.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Japanese Translation, Linguistics, Localization, Communications, or a related field
• Native or near-native Japanese proficiency with strong command of Japanese locale conventions
• Minimum C1 English proficiency in reading and writing (able to produce clear English rationales)
• 5+ years of professional localization or translation experience
• Experience applying MQM or LQA frameworks, including severity, category, and root-cause analysis
• Proficiency with CAT tools, translation memory, termbases, and QA workflows
• Demonstrated ability to review content for tone, register, inclusivity, terminology consistency, and cultural nuance
• Strong fact-checking skills for localized content (units, names, dates, references)
• Able to follow structured guidelines and produce clear, consistent written rationales for quality decisions

Preferred experience

The following qualifications are not mandatory but will strengthen your application and help you hit the ground running.

• Previous experience with AI data training, annotation, or evaluation
• Experience working on localization projects for digital products, apps, or AI-driven content
• Familiarity with model evaluation tasks such as response ranking, hallucination detection, or bias testing

How it works & how to apply

This is a contractor position managed by OpenTrain AI. Projects are fully remote and typically let you choose hours that fit your schedule. Exact workload and scheduling are set per project during onboarding.

To apply, create an OpenTrain account (free), complete your profile highlighting localization experience and CAT tools you use, and submit your resume and examples of relevant work or case notes if available. Successful candidates will complete a short qualification task to demonstrate MQM/LQA application and written rationale skills.

• Work is contracted through OpenTrain AI and paid hourly
• Onboarding includes a qualification task and guideline review
• Keep your resume and examples of localization work ready for the application