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Localization Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Localization QA III

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$50 - $55/hr

Localization QA III Location: Cupertino, California or Austin, TX Duration: Contract Job ID: 171335 Job Overview: We are seeking a skilled Localization QA III to join our team in Cupertino ...

MUST BE BUSINESS PROFICIENT AND BILINGUAL IN JAPANESE POSITION SUMMARY The Localization Translator will work on translation and localization of Japanese games and anime titles to North America. The ...

We develop the systems that power localization, international product launches, and high-quality global user experiences across all OpenAI products. About the Role As a Senior Software Engineer on ...

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Localization information

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How much do localization jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for localization in California is $45.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.62 and $50.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Localization, and why are they important?

To thrive in Localization, you need strong linguistic proficiency in at least two languages, cultural fluency, and a background in translation or localization studies. Familiarity with computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools, localization management systems, and industry-standard file formats is typically required. Attention to detail, cross-cultural communication, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for ensuring content resonates with target audiences. These abilities are essential for delivering accurate, culturally appropriate translations that maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the original content across different markets.

What is localization in the context of jobs?

Localization refers to the process of adapting content, products, or services to meet the language, cultural, and regulatory requirements of a specific target market or region. Professionals in localization work on translating text, modifying images, adjusting formats, and ensuring that everything resonates with the local audience. This process goes beyond simple translation, involving cultural adaptation and sometimes technical modifications to ensure the content is fully accessible and relevant to the intended users.

What Are Localization Jobs?

Localization jobs include translation work, anthropological study, graphic design, product and user experience testing, market research, and sales. Although translation and localization are different, translation is a key component of localization efforts, and translators are essential to the process. Cultural and sociological research is also important because product developers need to have a strong understanding of the local audience. Graphic designers play an essential role because they need to localize graphics so that they will be intelligible to distinct audiences. For example, a roadmap designed for Koreans may appear different than the same roadmap for Japanese readers.

What types of collaboration are common for localization professionals within a company?

Localization professionals frequently work closely with product managers, developers, designers, and marketing teams to ensure that content is accurately adapted for different regions. This collaborative approach helps address linguistic, cultural, and technical challenges early in the development process, ensuring a seamless user experience across markets. Effective communication and project management are key, as localization specialists often coordinate with both in-house and external translation vendors to meet tight deadlines and maintain consistency.

What is the difference between Localization vs Translation?

AspectLocalizationTranslation
DefinitionAdapting content to a specific locale, including cultural, linguistic, and functional adjustments.Converting text from one language to another without altering content for cultural context.
Skills & CertificationsLanguage proficiency, cultural knowledge, localization tools (e.g., CAT tools), sometimes certifications in localization.Language proficiency, translation certifications, familiarity with translation software.
Work EnvironmentMultilingual teams, localization projects for software, websites, products.Translation agencies, freelance, document translation for various industries.
Industry UsageCommon in software, gaming, marketing, and product localization.Used across legal, medical, technical, and general document translation.

Localization involves adapting content for a specific locale, considering cultural nuances, while translation focuses solely on converting text from one language to another. Both roles require language skills, but localization demands additional cultural and technical knowledge to ensure content resonates with the target audience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Localization jobs in California? The most popular types of Localization jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Localization jobs in California? For Localization jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Localization jobs? Cities in California with the most Localization job openings:
Infographic showing various Localization job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,925 per year, or $45.6 per hour.
Director, Localization Programs

Director, Localization Programs

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 15 days ago


Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Global Defense (GD) team is responsible for establishing and expanding Anduril's international business - developing and delivering the products and technology that address the unique security challenges faced by America's Allies and partners. The team operates across every major theater, pairing deep regional expertise with a sophisticated command of foreign military sales, trade, and compliance frameworks.
GD team members serve as the bridge between international customers and the broader Anduril enterprise; they translate partner-nation requirements and perspectives back to Anduril's Business Lines, while serving as Anduril's ambassadors and partners abroad. They shape and capture new opportunities by leveraging Anduril's strengths in innovation, modern warfighting, agile foreign sales strategies, and rigorous export compliance. The team's work spans the full lifecycle of international engagement: global strategy and market analysis; international business development and deal navigation; partnerships and representation; trade, export control, and Tech Security & Foreign Disclosure (TSFD); and the global operations, security, and in-country presence required to execute.

ABOUT THE JOB

We are seeking a creative and collaborative Director, Localization Programs to join our rapidly growing team in either Washington, DC or Costa Mesa, CA. In this highly cross-functional role, you will partner closely with Anduril's Business Lines, Mission Operations, Trade & Compliance, Legal, Finance, and Operations to ensure our global localization commitments are credible, fully compliant, and flawlessly delivered. You will bridge the gap between the field and the factory, translating real-world customer demand directly into our product and production strategies. By aligning Anduril's manufacturing footprint, industrial partnerships, and in-country investments with local market realities, you will empower the Global Defense team to exceed allied mission demands and drive massive revenue growth through strategic engagements, product excellence, and a long-term commitment to customer success.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Architect & run Anduril's global localization playbook: design and drive localization, offset, and industrial participation programs and strategies that unlock market access and accelerate expansion across priority countries and regions.
  • Turn requirements into programs: build the in-country partnerships, supply chain commitments, and industrial participation programs that win deals and satisfy government obligations, working hand-in-hand with country/regional teams and business lines.
  • Fuel the pipeline: partner with country teams, business lines, and Corporate Development to identify, shape, and convert large-scale capture opportunities.
  • Quarterback complex captures: bring localization expertise to major pursuits, aligning offers, partners, and commitments to maximize win probability.
  • Build the partner ecosystem: in partnership with Anduril's Supply Chain and Production organizations, source and establish relationships with local primes, suppliers, and industrial partners that make Anduril a credible, durable in-country player.
  • Navigate the rules: translate offset regimes, local content requirements, and industrial participation obligations into actionable, compliant strategies that hold up over the life of a program.
  • Scale the function: establish the frameworks, metrics, and discipline to manage industrial participation commitments across a fast-growing global portfolio. Build the playbook for localization to support all Anduril business lines.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Demonstrated experience negotiating and executing in-country partnerships, teaming arrangements, JVs, or supply chain commitments with foreign governments and industry.
  • A proven track record of successfully structuring and delivering offset and/or industrial participation programs.
  • Robust knowledge of and experience navigating localization frameworks, offset regimes, and industrial cooperation for defense and technology projects internationally.
  • Deep working knowledge of offset regimes, local content requirements, and industrial participation obligations across multiple regions (e.g., Europe, Indo-Pacific, Middle East).
  • Strong commercial and financial acumen; you can model the cost, value, and risk of offset/industrial participation commitments over a program lifecycle.
  • Ability to travel internationally 50-75% of the time.
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's degree, ideally in technology or engineering, required; advanced degree (MBA, international relations, or related) strongly preferred.
  • Experience with integrated complex systems and defense programs involving hardware and software.
  • Experience with government business development, government contract structures, government proposal processes a plus.
  • Experience managing complex technical government projects a plus.
  • Familiarity with enterprise AI and autonomous systems a plus.

What Anduril employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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