Jr. Automotive Safety Engineer, Short Term

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

Safety has been a hallmark of CR’s work for decades. We evaluate approximately 50 cars and 30 car seats each year at our 327-acre Auto Test Center--the exhaustive feedback we share plays a critical role in keeping both drivers and passengers safe on the road. Our extensive testing also influences the safety and usability features that auto manufacturers include in the cars and trucks they build. 

Reporting to the Associate Director, Auto Safety, you’ll work closely with our team of Auto Testers, Data Intelligence, Content, Video and our Communications Department to test, capture and record the data that contributes to our evaluations and help us make the most of these findings.

If you have experience in safety technology in the auto industry and genuinely care about keeping consumers safer on the road, this is an ideal position for you. 

This position requires you work onsite daily at our Auto Test Center in Colchester, CT.  This is a short-term role that is expected to start on June 1 and end on or about August 31st. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

How You'll Make An Impact

Your passion for automotive safety, particularly occupant protection, child passenger safety, and vulnerable road users, will play a critical role in how we present safety information to consumers for new and used cars. Updating our cars database on an ongoing basis is just as important as testing vehicles and cars seats.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Together with Internal stakeholders, ensure that up to date and correct data regarding safety features and crash test results  in the CR database for new and used cars.
• Hands-on evaluations of vehicle safety technologies and installation and features of child restraints, contributing insights and writing concise testing reports.
• Flagging current events and developments in the automotive safety industry and bringing them to a group discussion to facilitate content development.
• Fact checking automotive safety and child restraint data and content for accuracy.
• Support child restraint testing team with sample inventory, data checking, ratings analysis. 
• Can set up test equipment and be involved in testing.

ABOUT YOU

You'll Be Highly Rated If:

• You have the background. Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Physics, Applied Science, or equivalent experience. 
• You have experience in the auto industry.  Up to  two years of experience in the automotive industry with a focus in automotive safety is required. 
• You’re a strong communicator. Your ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing is critical.  
• You are proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace. Must have mastery of Excel and PowerPoint.  
• You have strong organizational skills. You have the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work within deadlines all with great attention to detail.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to perform track tests and in-vehicle evaluations of safety technologies and equipment and install child seats, and lift 50 lbs.

You'll Be our Top Pick If:

• You have the certification.  You have earned a current Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) certification.
• Data analysis and presentation skills are a plus.

Consumer Reports is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions or lactation), gender identity and expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service or veteran status, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, disability, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.  Consumer Reports will provide you with any reasonable assistance or accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process.