Test Program Leader

WHO WE ARE

Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to a fair and just marketplace for consumers. Our team is made up of truth tellers, change agents, and consumer advocates who investigate and build coalitions to fight for fairness and justice in the marketplace for consumers. We leverage our evidence-based approach to demand safer products, a healthier environment, and equitable services for everyone. 

Our mission starts with you. We offer medical benefits that start on your first day as a CR employee that include behavioral health coverage, family planning and a generous 401K match. Learn more about how CR advocates on behalf of our employees.

OVERVIEW

CR’s Advisory Services program leverages the expertise of our consumer product testers by providing feedback and recommendations to manufacturers on products they hope to introduce to the marketplace. This helps drive immediate product improvements which is a win for consumers. 

The Test Program Leader will test a wide array of home improvement and electronics at CR’s consumer product and service testing center.  Reporting to the Director, Lab Operations, this role leads and oversees all aspects of testing in our labs--including reporting on findings and maintaining a steady workflow. 

If you want to hone your product testing skills, stay at the forefront of industry trends and innovations plus make valuable changes for consumers, this is the position for you,.

This position requires you to work onsite at our facility in Yonkers, New York..This position is not eligible for Sponsorship (TN, L1, etc.)

HOW YOU'LL MAKE AN IMPACT

You will oversee testing projects and provide feedback that will help provide a safer, more fair, and healthier marketplace for consumers.  You will develop clear and concise test protocols and methodologies to meet testing objectives and ensure that testing protocols and procedures are followed to meet testing objectives.  Your focus will be on achieving high quality results and leading continuous improvement initiatives.  On a regular basis, you will:

• Plan, coordinate and oversee test projects of considerable scope.
• Develop new testing protocols and ensure proper documentation.
• Ensure that test data meets established standards for accuracy, repeatability, reproducibility and dependability.
• Research new test procedures, and evaluate and recommend improvements to existing test procedures.
• Ensure that ratings are delivered accurately and within established deadlines.
• Interact with manufacturers, retailers, and internal stakeholders as necessary in order to communicate very technical information in a concise and understandable format.
• Design and help to build test equipment and develop methods to accomplish goals defined by test protocols as required.
• Coach/mentor junior staff in creating robust documentation.
• Utilize established and learn new databases, data acquisition, and data analysis tools/software.
• Review pre-published content for technical accuracy.
• Collaborate with a variety of internal CR stakeholders, such as Photo, Content, Advocacy, Comms, CR Video, Survey, Statistics, CRDI, CRR, and others.
• Troubleshoot and coordinate lab equipment maintenance and ensure calibration is being completed.
• Perform other related duties and special projects as requested.

ABOUT YOU

You’ll Be Highly Rated If:

• You have the degree.  You have earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, Electrical, Electronics, Chemical) or have equivalent work experience. 
• You have the experience. 7+ years of experience in product testing or 3+ years in a manufacturing field.
• You are data-driven.   Your experience the ability to work within databases, generate reports and analyze and interpret data.
• You know your way around a spreadsheet.  You have advanced proficiency with Google Sheet or Microsoft Excel. 

You’ll Be One of Our Top Picks If:

• You have an advanced degree in engineering or a relevant scientific discipline
• Your prior work experience was in research & development, testing or operations area
• Knowledge of / experience in Lean Six Sigma or similar continuous improvement environments is a plus

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FAIR PAY & A JUST WORKPLACE

At Consumer Reports, we are committed to fair, transparent pay and we strive to provide competitive, market-informed compensation. The target salary range for this position is $135K-$155K. This posted range is reflective of the NY/CA market. It is anticipated that most qualified candidates will fall near the middle of this range. Compensation for the successful candidate will be informed by the candidate’s particular combination of knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience.

Consumer Reports proudly seeks to build a richly diverse workforce by hiring people with a diversity of thoughts, identities, perspectives, and experiences that help advance the difference we make for consumers, and by ensuring individuals experience equity and inclusion in their work lives.