Careers in Translations: Engineering Translation

By: Erik Angelone

Interested in working in the field of engineering translation? An M.A. in Translation from Kent State University will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed for a successful career working in engineering translation.

What Is Engineering Translation?

Engineering translation is the process of translating engineering manuals and documents from one language into another. Some of the various types of documents that are commonly translated include:

AutoCAD
Blueprints and technical drawings
Business proposals (RFPs and RFQs)
Equipment operating manuals
Safety manuals
Engineering specifications
Field studies
Technical reports
Warning labels
Schematics
Technical patents

Within the field of engineering, there are various types of career paths to pursue and each one utilizes translation differently. Some of the most common types of engineering that use translation services include:

Mechanical engineering
Civil engineering
Electrical engineering
Chemical engineering
Industrial engineering
Petroleum engineering

Expectations for Working in Engineering Translation

Due to the technical nature of engineering documents, it is crucial that someone working in engineering translation is detailed-oriented and has a background in the engineering field. Most commonly, those working in engineering translation tend to have a degree in engineering, as well as a translation degree. This ensures that they have a complete understanding of the terminology and can therefore properly translate the document.

Without a complete understanding of the terminology in the source document, translators could easily make mistakes that may result in additional expenses, legal liabilities, canceled projects, unsafe working conditions, and more.

Overall, it’s pertinent that someone working in engineering translation is an expert in the subject matter of the source document. With multiple fields in engineering, there are multiple types of engineering translation. Some of these key areas include:

Mechanical engineering translation
Electrical engineering translation
Civil engineering translation

To learn more about working within each of these fields in engineering translation, keep reading.

Mechanical Engineering Translation

Mechanical engineering is the branch of engineering responsible for designing and manufacturing machines and products. Engineers who specialize in mechanical engineering work in nearly every area of technology, including aerospace, automotive, computing, robotics, biotechnology, and more.

Those working in mechanical engineering translation will most commonly be translating the following types of documents:

Product operating instructions
Labels
Brochures
Manuals
Test reports

Each of these documents will contain specialty terminology that someone working in mechanical engineering translation will need to understand in order to properly translate the text.

Electrical Engineering Translation

Electrical engineers work with electrical components, systems, devices, and any other electric-powered technology. Electrical engineers are credited for the following inventions:

Telegraph
Radio
Lightbulb
Television
Induction motor
And much more

Electrical engineering is currently one of the fastest-growing business sectors in the world, making electrical engineering translation crucial. Some of the most common languages for electrical engineering translation include Russian, Mandarin, Spanish, French, German, and Arabic.

Civil Engineering Translation

Civil engineering is the branch of engineering focused on the design, construction, and maintenance of public sites. As construction in big cities around the world grows, more and more civil engineers require translation services to help them communicate and connect with international construction partners.

When working in civil engineering translation, you could be asked to translate a variety of technical, administrative, and marketing documents. These documents enable the civil engineering company to connect with associates, vendors, consumers, and local partners that speak a different language.

Benefits of Earning Your Engineering Translation Degree at Kent State University

There are various benefits to enrolling in Kent State's M.A. in Translation program. Unlike other universities with similar programs, Kent State gives you the option to earn your engineering translation degree either online or in-person. Additionally, you also have the option to earn your translation degree on a full-time or part-time basis, enabling you to continue working full-time if you choose.

The Master of Arts in Translation degree is also offered in six language concentrations, including some of the most commonly spoken and printed languages in the world. These six language concentrations to choose from include:

Throughout the program, students receive personalized guidance from our experienced and knowledgeable faculty. Additionally, courses within the program cover a wide range of topics within the field of translation. Some of these topics include:

Theory of translation and interpreting
Terminology
Computer applications in translation
Professional editing
Project management
Intercultural communication in the language industry

Graduation rates for the M.A. in Translation program surpass 90% and graduates have a plethora of career opportunities to choose from upon completing their degree. In addition to working in the engineering field, graduates with an M.A. in Translation can also work in the following fields:

Furthermore, the translation programs at Kent State University are recognized by the American Translators Association. The American Translators Association (ATA) is a nationally renowned assembly of industry professionals that works to promote professional development in the translation field.

In particular, the ATA recently awarded Kent State the Alexander Gode Medal, the most prestigious award offered by the group. This award is given to universities that have demonstrated that their faculty, students, and alumni have accomplished outstanding things in the fields of translation and interpretation.

Check Out Our Blog to Learn More!

To learn more about the M.A. in Translation program, the Department of Modern & Classical Language Studies, and our faculty, check out our blog! Some of our latest blog posts include:

Start Earning Your Engineering Translation Degree Today!

To learn more about Kent State’s M.A. in Translation or what it’s like working in engineering translation, contact us today! And if you’re ready to start the application process, fill out the short form on our admissions page. We are excited to have you as a student!