I have an honours degree in Physics from the University of Zaragoza, and a MSc in Applied Optics, which I undertook in the United Kingdom. That’s six years of studying algebra, calculus, mathematical methods, statistics, mechanics, thermodynamics, organic and non-organic chemistry, quantum physics, electronics, and lasers and optical components, among other materials.
I carried out my professional project in the laboratories of Agfa-Gevaert, in Germany, where I designed and characterised a tunable spectrum light source. I did my master’s project at British Telecom, in England, where I designed and programmed a method for characterising optical polymers using LabVIEW. After this, I worked for four years in the laboratories of Hewlett-Packard (now Keysight Technologies), initially characterising optical components and later overseeing manufacturing costs and the quality and supply of a range of diode lasers.
I am a scientific translator certified (with a Distinction) by the Chartered Institute of Linguists in the UK. The following are examples of my work as a professional scientific translator and interpreter:
Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol (United Nations)
Since 2019, I have been translating reports on the projects carried out by the signatory countries of the Montreal Protocol to reduce emissions of ozone-depleting substances. Here is a sample of one of my translations for the Multilateral Fund (these are public documents and are therefore not confidential).
University-level book on linear algebra
I spent almost 12 months translating the book Linear Algebra: Theory, Intuition, Code, by Mike X Cohen (more information). The book includes training on advanced algebra concepts and provides the MATLAB and Python code for programming them. It also relates these concepts to real-life applications such as machine learning, AI and data science. The original book is rigorous, but with a relaxed and engaging tone, which I faithfully reproduced in the translation. It is available to buy on Amazon, where you can also read an excerpt from the book.
International Baccalaureate
Since 2021, I have been translating texts for the International Baccalaureate in relation to their Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Design Technology and Environmental Systems and Society subjects.
Reports on nuclear energy for the research organisation EPRI
Translation of highly technical reports on nuclear energy published by the US research organisation EPRI, including ‘Feasibility of Using Potassium Hydroxide for Primary Coolant pHT Control in Pressurized Water Reactors’, ‘Partial Full System Chemical Decontamination for Atucha Unit 1: Evaluation of AREVA Feasibility Study’ and ‘Optimization of Reactor Coolant Pumps Operation During Shutdown’.
Book on telescopes and news articles for the Space Telescope Science Institute website
book on the history and technical developments of telescopes. I was also entrusted with the translation of their website news articles on astrophysics and Hubble and James Webb (NASA) telescopes. See a sample here.
English-Spanish interpretation during peer reviews in nuclear power plants
I interpreted at the Spanish nuclear power plants Ascó and Vandellós during two peer reviews carried out by the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO), aimed at improving safety at the plants. Various meetings were held each day, over a period of eight hours, in relation to electrical equipment, mechanics, logistics, radiation protection, contingency plans, personnel training, etc.
Technical translation: manufacturing and engineering
Following my early years in research and development, I worked as a device engineer for Hewlett-Packard (lasers for telecommunications applications), where I oversaw the design, manufacturing costs and quality of different laser products. Later, I was in charge of operations at Monocrom, where I systematised the manufacturing processes and quality control of an assembly line for laser devices.
I have also held engineering and quality control positions in various companies in the automobile and medical devices sectors. This led me to undertake a course in chemical safety, lasting a few months, which included visits to Spanish chemical plants.
From this experience I not only gained substantial knowledge about automation and machinery, but also learned about ERPs, how to draft procedures, conduct peer reviews, etc.
I am a technical translator certified by the Chartered Institute of Linguists (with a Merit). Here are some examples of my work as a freelance technical translator and interpreter:
User manuals and technical documentation for equipment
Translations included technical specifications for an oceanographic research vessel, an operations and maintenance manual for a ballast water treatment system and a user manual for visual inspection software for container caps.
Online course on accident prevention in power plants, aimed at operators and supervisors
This was a highly technical course on assessing existing risks in a power plant, how to prevent risks, and what to do if risks occur. The course content included text, video with voice and subtitles, and questions for assessing learning outcomes. My work involved translating the text and then reviewing the entire translated course.
Review of two guides on chemical treatment in thermal power plants
I reviewed the translation of two EPRI guides with instructions on how to treat chemicals in thermal power plants (each guide contained around 500 pages). They included highly technical content on chemistry and chemical and mechanical engineering.
Websites of companies in different technical sectors
I translated the websites of companies in different technical sectors (logistics and warehouses, chemical engineering, electronic components, purchase and sale of metals and software applications). The challenge with translating technical websites lies in the difficulty of using the correct terminology for the sector, while also making sure it sounds natural. Here is a sample of my translation of the website for Metaloop.
Brochure on water-lubricated bearing systems for the maritime industry
DDuring my career I have translated numerous brochures (marine sector, telescopes, coordinate measuring machines, printing equipment) and advertising and instructional videos (Dyson electrical appliances, Domino printers, among others).
Press releases related to printing, soldering and measuring equipment
I regularly translate press releases related to printing, soldering, cutting and measuring equipment (Domino, ESAB, Renishaw). Here you can see one of my translations of a press release about an inspection system, and another on how to leverage e-commerce opportunities and transform supply chains.
Interpreter during machinery training sessions for operators and engineers
I interpret during training sessions given by machine manufacturers at their clients’ premises. I feel comfortable with these projects, given that I previously worked as an engineer in similar plants.
Technical translation: technology
Throughout my career I have worked with different types of technology, such as oscilloscope and voltmeters, and have acquired experience in using computer systems, including SAP modules and ERPs, and document management, accounting and traceability systems.
This section includes examples of translations related to technology in general, IT and telecommunications:
Social media campaigns, marketing texts and videos for Cisco System
Over a period of two years I translated and transcreated Cisco Systems’ marketing campaigns, which were in different formats and aimed at different audiences (engineers and management personnel). These were highly technical texts on telecommunications that needed to sound natural and convey quality.
Press releases on optoelectronic components
I have been translating press releases on optoelectronic components (Linear Technology, Mouser, Anritsu) for several years.
Instructional videos on medical equipment for Customed
I have translated 16 instructional videos related to the company’s medical devices, including how to perform an electrocardiogram over a long period of time using a Holter monitor and how to correctly place electrodes for a stress test.
Technical information about a hygienic conductivity measuring system for the food sector
I have translated numerous specifications, manuals and brochures for different technical products, as well as instructions for plate heat exchangers, a microscope user manual, and data sheets for additives used in the coatings, inks and plastics industries.
Data sheets describing the services and non-destructive tests offered by the certification body Applus+
Over a period of three years I translated highly technical data sheets describing the services offered by the inspection, certification and testing company Applus+ (helium leak mass spectrometer testing, ultrasonic thickness measurements, etc.). I also translated their annual reports and corporate social responsibility reports.
These are just a few examples of my work, it is not an exhaustive list. If you wish to know whether I have experience in your particular field, you can email me at d.llorente@spanishtechnicaltranslations.com.