Junior Automotive Engineer

WHO WE ARE

Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to a fair and just marketplace for all. CR is known for our rigorous testing and trusted ratings on thousands of products and services.  We report extensively on consumer trends and challenges, and survey millions of people in the U.S. each year. We leverage our evidence-based approach to advocate for consumer rights, working with policymakers and companies to find solutions for safer products and fair practices.   

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

At CR we know there’s more to testing cars than measuring how the rubber meets the road, after all we’ve been testing and reporting on the subject for over 85-years. We’re on the cutting edge of auto technology-buying and testing over 50+ new cars a year--including EV’s, plug-in hybrids and of course, gas cars-- driving each car 2,000 break-in miles, even before we take a look under the hood. 

As a Junior  Automotive Engineer at our 327-acre Auto Test Center, you will report to the Director, Auto Test Development.  You’ll work closely with our Auto Testers, Data Intelligence, Content, Video, and Communications department to test, capture and record digital vehicle-related content  that contributes to how we evaluate over 50 vehicles per year. 

If you have a particular understanding and interest in emerging technologies including hybrid, fully electric, and software-defined vehicles, and an eye for detail that will help you monitor the vehicle test fleet for software updates and changes and assist in updating our auto database, we’re looking forward to meeting with you.

This is an onsite position at our Colchester, CT Auto Test Center.  This position is not eligible for sponsorship or relocation assistance.

How You'll Make An Impact

The extensive testing and exhaustive feedback that CR’s auto testers share is critical.  This is the information that consumers rely on before they decide which vehicle to purchase. Auto manufacturers are listening as well, using findings from our data, testing and research to influence the safety, performance, and usability features included in the cars and trucks they build. Your passion for cars with advanced knowledge and insights into the automotive industry and emerging technology will play a huge part in how we test, capture, and record this influential data.  On a daily basis, you may: 

• Assist the  Director, Auto Test Development in working with test engineers, and Content to ensure up to date and correct data regarding running changes, software changes, specifications, and crash test results in the CR database.
• Regularly review videos and road test reports associated with test cars on the CR website to ensure they remain relevant; identifies and flags content that requires updates due to vehicle refreshes or software changes. 
• Monitor the physical test car fleet for Over-the-Air (OTA) updates; tracks version changes and evaluate how software updates impact existing test results or vehicle behavior.)
• Evaluate vehicles, contribute insights and write concise testing reports.
• Flag current events and developments in the automotive industry and brings them to a group discussion to facilitate content development.
• Support members of the Cars Content team by providing market data, automotive retail trends and insights to be integrated into content. 
• Fact checks automotive data and content for accuracy.
• Assist in buying new test vehicles and tracking how each test vehicle is delivered.
• Check and review copy for Consumer Reports Online (CRO), video reviews, Consumer Reports Magazine (CRM), and other automotive products.
• Support the Autos product team with knowledge of the automotive retail front.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

ABOUT YOU

You’ll Be Highly Rated If:

• You have an educational degree. Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Physics, Applied Science or equivalent. 
• You have the experience. Up to two years of experience in the automotive industry in a related vehicle-testing capacity or equivalent background.
• You are a strong communicator. Must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• You are proficient in Microsoft Office (including mastery of Excel spreadsheets and PowerPoint) and Google Docs. Data analysis and presentation skills are a plus.
• You possess very strong organizational skills, attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work within deadlines.
• You have and maintain a valid driver’s license. You must be able to spend time outdoors during testing and/or driving.

You'll Be One of Our Top Picks If:

• You understand deadlines.  You have strong time management skills and can plan and organize your time effectively.
• You are comfortable presenting and can professionally represent CR , i.e.during podcasting.

FAIR PAY AND 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 $77,271.02 - $78,695.98  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.  We have three locations: Yonkers, NY, Washington, DC and Colchester, CT. We are registered to do business in and can only hire from the following states and federal district: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Vermont, Virginia and Washington, DC.

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.