IT Jobs for US Nationals in Japan

Good evening from the USA.

There is most likely other threads that have discussed this topic but I'm new to this forum so apologies in advance. I will be in Yokosuka area next year under SOFA as a spouse and I'm interested in the IT job opportunities for military spouses. What has been the job search experience in the IT arena for US military spouses. Not constrained to only GS positions as they are rare but what about the contracting companies supporting US DoD in Japan? Note. I have no Japanese language skills. Thank you.

With no Japanese skills, I'd say chances are near zero off base. Depends on what IT skills and experience you offer and whether a rare company that uses mostly English has use for them.

On base, I would suggest asking the base people.

Thanks Glenski for your reply. Realize this will be challenging but good to have a year to prepare in the job search. Will reach out to the base contacts.

Hi CJ,

If I were you I'd get in touch ASAP with HRO to ask about contracting companies. Just do a google search for something like yokosuka HRO DSN and you should be able to get a phone number. You'll want to do it sooner rather than later since the security clearance process can take forever. You'll find that, for the most part, you need to do a lot of legwork I bet. Probably calling the various commands and asking them individually what contracting company to contact and for a POC. You'll be ahead of the game since you're a spouse, because they generally get preference in GS positions, as well as being ahead of the game as a local hire since you'll not put the contracting company on the hook for relocation expenses. You might find it possible to negotiate salary if they would normally pay relocation (I think GS-9 and higher or equivalent, but I'm not really sure).

You won't need any Japanese skills in all likelihood for any DoD contracting jobs or GS positions. They might be helpful, but quite frankly the level of Japanese spoken by Americans on base is, with extremely rare exceptions, dreadfully low.

Thanks Wonko for your reply/feedback. Those are excellent points and I will definitely pursue those avenues of networking. I can take comfort in that I'm currently in the DoD community as an IT contractor, already possess an active high level clearance and multiple IT certifications that is requested by many stateside companies. Hopefully these credentials and experience will be of service to an IT contractor out there in the US DoD Japan world.

Really liking this JREF site. When I get out there, I'll definitely be checking threads on hiking and food.

What kind of IT work are you looking for? Your Japanese level is low, but what is your professional skillset?

@nice gaijin. Thanks for your question. My professional IT skill set I would describe as "typical" and varied (IT helpdesk, network engineer, Project Coordinator). Currently working as a primary IT liason for a large group and matching customer needs to what our IT service provider can fulfill. This involves active use of Sharepoint and other COTS applications. Would like to find a PM position in the IT security field if available. I hold PMP, ITILv2, Sec+, etc.

With an active high level clearance your doors open significantly. I frankly wouldn't know which commands to contact, but I know a variety of them use contractors.

Don't discount GS if you're interested in it, being a local hire spouse of an active duty service member is a huge plus for preferential hiring.

Thanks again for your advice Wonko. Confirms I'm going in the right direction. Will provide feedback as the time gets closer with the search experience in case there are others who are interested in this topic.

CJ2016 said:

Thanks Glenski for your reply. Realize this will be challenging but good to have a year to prepare in the job search.

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Improve your qualifications even more by studying Japanese. A year is almost no time at all, especially if it's not done on a consistent basis. A couple of days a week will get you very little in return. Look near/on the base for further opportunities to study.