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Translation Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

.NET Developer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$47 - $62.25/hr

These engineers will help build middleware translation layers to extract, transform, and transmit POS data from a new retail POS system into enterprise applications.Key Responsibilities * Design ...

Mainframe Developer

Davenport, IA · On-site

$46.50 - $59.75/hr

As our client continues to integrate their Mainframe system into our infrastructure, they require a skilled Mainframe Developer to assist in the analysis and translation of existing legacy COBOL, JCL ...

Mainframe Developer

Davenport, IA

$46.50 - $59.75/hr

... analysis and translation of existing legacy COBOL, JCL, and PL/1 code. The successful Mainframe Developer will play a critical role in deciphering the functionality of the existing codebase ...

... translator, written materials, modified equipment/devices, ADA access, etc. This does not include ... civil engineering or a related field, and experience equal to five years of full-time work in ...

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Showing results 1-20

Translation Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$36.6K

$95.6K

$129.2K

How much do translation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for translation engineer in Iowa is $95,572.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,900.00 and $109,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Translation Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Translation Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, programming (such as Python or Java), and familiarity with localization workflows, typically backed by a relevant degree or experience. Expertise in translation management systems (TMS), CAT tools, and version control systems, as well as knowledge of internationalization standards, is highly valued. Strong problem-solving, communication, and cross-cultural collaboration skills help you manage complex projects and coordinate with linguists and developers. These competencies ensure efficient, accurate, and scalable localization processes for global products.

Which language translator is highly paid?

Highly paid language translators are often those who specialize in rare or in-demand languages such as Japanese, Chinese, Arabic, or Russian. Translators with advanced skills, certifications, and experience working with technical or legal content tend to earn higher salaries, especially when working as freelance professionals or for multinational companies.

How do Translation Engineers typically collaborate with localization teams and software developers?

Translation Engineers play a crucial role in bridging the gap between technical teams and localization specialists. They often work closely with software developers to ensure that products are internationalization-ready, extracting translatable strings and integrating localization tools into the development workflow. Collaboration with localization teams involves providing technical support for translation platforms, resolving file format issues, and maintaining translation memory systems. This cross-functional teamwork ensures that global releases are smooth and that language quality is maintained across all platforms.

What is the highest paying translator job?

The highest paying translator jobs are often in specialized fields such as legal, medical, or technical translation, especially for rare or in-demand languages. Senior translators with extensive experience, certifications, and proficiency in CAT tools can command higher salaries, sometimes exceeding six figures annually in certain markets or organizations.

What is a translation engineer?

A translation engineer is a professional who develops and maintains language processing tools, such as translation software and machine learning models. They often work with natural language processing (NLP) technologies, coding, and data management to improve translation accuracy and efficiency.

What is the difference between Translation Engineer vs Localization Specialist?

AspectTranslation EngineerLocalization Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Linguistics, or related field; knowledge of translation toolsBachelor's in Translation, Linguistics, or related; experience with cultural adaptation
Work EnvironmentTechnical teams, software development, translation tool managementMultilingual teams, cultural adaptation, content localization
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, translation agencies, software firmsGlobal corporations, media, publishing, localization agencies

While both roles involve language and translation, a Translation Engineer focuses on developing and maintaining translation tools and systems, whereas a Localization Specialist handles adapting content for specific markets and cultures. They often collaborate but serve different functions within the localization process.

What are Translation Engineers?

Translation Engineers are professionals who specialize in managing the technical aspects of translating digital content. They prepare files for translation, ensure compatibility with translation memory tools, and troubleshoot issues related to localization workflows. Their role often involves working closely with translators, project managers, and software developers to ensure that translated materials are delivered accurately and efficiently. Translation Engineers also help automate processes and maintain quality standards in multilingual projects.

Is AI replacing translator jobs?

AI technology is increasingly used to assist translation engineers by providing automated translation tools and improving efficiency. However, human translators are still essential for tasks requiring cultural understanding, nuance, and quality control, making AI a complement rather than a complete replacement in the translation industry.
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What cities in Iowa are hiring for Translation Engineer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Translation Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Translation Engineer job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,572 per year, or $45.9 per hour.
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Translational AI Center (TrAC)

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Translational AI Center (TrAC)

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Iowa State University rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

305th of 560 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Title:Postdoctoral Research Associate, Translational AI Center (TrAC)Appointment Type:Post Doc/TraineeJob Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Translational AI Center (TrAC) at Iowa State University seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance uncertainty quantification for large language models and agentic AI systems. The successful candidate will develop large-scale, trustworthy agentic AI frameworks for agricultural security applications, with an emphasis on detecting, understanding, and responding to biological threats. The position will involve close collaboration with interdisciplinary teams spanning artificial intelligence, engineering, agriculture, plant and animal sciences, and cybersecurity.

The scholar will also contribute to TrAC's education and workforce development mission by developing and delivering AI workshops, tutorials, and microcredential programs. Expected activities include publishing high-impact research, mentoring graduate students, contributing to research proposals, and supporting the development of externally funded, multi-institutional projects.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a closely related field by the start date of employment.
  • Demonstrated research experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, or a related area.
  • Demonstrated research experience with large language models, generative AI, agentic AI, or related foundation model technologies.
  • Strong programming skills in Python and experience with modern machine learning frameworks.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Research experience in uncertainty quantification, model calibration, confidence estimation, hallucination detection, or reliability assessment for large language models and agentic AI systems.
  • Experience designing and developing multi-agent systems, tool-using AI agents, retrieval-augmented generation systems, or autonomous reasoning and planning workflows.
  • Experience applying artificial intelligence to agricultural systems, biosecurity, biological threat detection, plant health, animal health, or other scientific domains.
  • Experience developing and delivering AI workshops, tutorials, short courses, professional development programs, or microcredentials.
  • Experience mentoring graduate or undergraduate students in research settings.
  • Experience contributing to federal research proposals, sponsored research applications, and collaborative project reports.
  • Familiarity with scalable computing environments, cloud platforms, high-performance computing, distributed AI systems, or large-scale data pipelines.
  • Evidence of open-source software development, reproducible research practices, and successful interdisciplinary collaboration.
  • Demonstrated record of scholarly productivity, including publications in reputable peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings.

Department/Program & College Description:

The Translational AI Center (TrAC) at Iowa State University is a multidisciplinary research and education center dedicated to developing artificial intelligence solutions for real-world challenges. TrAC brings together faculty, researchers, and students from across Iowa State University's colleges to advance innovative AI technologies and accelerate their translation into impactful applications across agriculture, engineering, manufacturing, cybersecurity, and other sectors. The center fosters collaborative, interdisciplinary research while emphasizing trustworthy, scalable, and socially responsible AI solutions.

Department Unit/Website:
Translational AI Center - TrAC

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

  • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
  • Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
  • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
  • Life insurance and long-term disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Various voluntary benefits and discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellbeing program
  • Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Proposed Start Date:September 1, 2026Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:Full timePay Grade:Post DocsOriginal Posting Date:July 20, 2026Posting Close Date:July 27, 2026Job Requisition Number:R19630

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.


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