Localization Engineer

About the role

You will own the end-to-end localization strategy for our global footprint, defining the technical roadmap that keeps Snowflake at the forefront of industry translation capabilities. You will partner closely with product and engineering teams to translate complex feature requirements into robust, scalable localization solutions. In this role, you will act as the technical authority on AI-assisted translation, leveraging your curiosity to experiment with emerging large language model capabilities. You will foster a high-trust environment where AI is treated as a collaborator, enabling you to accelerate impact and redefine how work gets done across the enterprise. You will lead cross-functional initiatives that demand both deep technical expertise and a low-ego approach to problem-solving in fast-moving scenarios. Ultimately, your work will ensure that Snowflake delivers a seamless, localized experience to users worldwide, supporting the company's mission to power the era of the agentic enterprise.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Innovate the end-to-end localization strategy and architect complex technical projects from conception through deployment to drive continuous process optimization.
• Design, construct, and sustain a full-stack AI translation platform, encompassing scalable web applications, resilient backend services, and efficient data pipelines.
• Integrate large language models into core localization workflows to automate processes, maximize content reuse, and enable intelligent quality assurance.
• Establish and maintain comprehensive quality assurance frameworks while providing ongoing technical support to guarantee the robustness, reliability, and observability of localization pipelines.
• Orchestrate vendor relationships and manage budget planning to uphold high translation quality standards across all localized content.
• Analyze intricate localization challenges and engineer solution-based approaches that deliver best-in-class outcomes for Snowflake customers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to translate business objectives into technical requirements, ensuring alignment and timely execution.
• Implement scalable architectures that support rapid growth while maintaining performance, security, and compliance standards.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers by sharing expertise in emerging technologies, fostering a culture of learning and experimentation.
• Drive initiatives that enhance global user experiences through data-driven insights and continuous improvement of localization tools.

Requirements

• Hold a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related technical field, or possess equivalent practical experience that demonstrates the required competencies.
• Exhibit strong fundamental computer science skills, including a deep knowledge of algorithms and data structures that underpin efficient system design.
• Bring a minimum of 5 years of professional software development experience, with demonstrated proficiency in one or more of the following programming languages: Python, Java, JavaScript, C++, Go.
• Show a proven track record of designing and architecting scalable, high-availability web applications and backend services that meet enterprise demands.
• Have hands-on familiarity with AI-assisted coding workflows, leveraging tools such as Cursor or Claude Code to enhance productivity and innovation.
• Possess effective interpersonal and communication skills, complemented by substantial project management experience to successfully drive complex cross-functional technical initiatives.
• Demonstrate conversational fluency in both English and Japanese to engage in daily cross-functional communication and collaborate effectively with global teams.

Nice to have

• Bring hands-on experience in building LLM workflows, including prompt and context engineering, or multi-agent frameworks, with experience in LLM-based translation being a significant advantage.
• Show a solid understanding of SQL, relational databases, and experience constructing efficient data processing pipelines to support localization operations.
• Have familiarity with localization standards such as XLIFF, Translation Management Systems (TMS), and automated Quality Assurance (LQA) processes to ensure best practices.
• Have direct experience engaging with end-users to gather actionable feedback and iterate on product features to drive user-centric improvements.

Practical notes

This role is based in Tokyo, Japan, and requires physical presence in the office due to the nature of the work and team collaboration requirements. The position is full-time, and candidates must be available to work within the Tokyo time zone. Relocation support may be considered for eligible candidates as discussed during the hiring process. Travel requirements are minimal, with occasional domestic travel within Japan potentially required for stakeholder meetings or industry events. No visa sponsorship is currently available for this role, so candidates must possess the right to work in Japan under an appropriate visa status. The position does not have a specified deadline for application submission, but early application is encouraged given the dynamic needs of the growing team.