What Jobs are available for Automotive Careers in the United States?

Job Description

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.

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 an Automotive Engineer at our 327-acre Auto Test Center, you will report to the Associate Director, Auto Test Development. You'll work closely with Auto testers, Usability Testers and journalists across the organization to test, capture and record the data that contributes to how we evaluate over 50 vehicles per year.

If you have experience in emerging technology in the auto industry and genuinely care about keeping consumers safer on the road, this is an ideal position for you. Check out here how CR applies a usability lens to our auto testing.

Under our CRFlex program, this is a hybrid position. The successful candidate should anticipate being onsite up to 4 days per week. This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

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 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:

• Coordinate and participate in the hands-on testing and reporting of findings for over 50 vehicles each year.
• Assist in developing and documenting test criteria, ensuring test protocols and procedures are followed, developing methodologies to meet testing objectives, writing and reviewing technical reports, and providing feedback on various aspects of the vehicle.
• Be a CR expert at industry events, in press interviews, on our podcast, and in front of clients.

You'll Be Highly Rated If:

• You have earned a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Applied Science, or related field and at least 5-years experience in a related vehicle-testing capacity in the automotive industry (may be substituted for equivalent combination of work experience and/or education).
• You have User Experience background. You have experience with User Testing, Vehicle User Interface Design or similar.
• You are a strong and confident communicator . Your experience includes communicating findings via written and oral reports.
• You are comfortable and proficient with both Microsoft and Google Suite . You have used Excel to capture data, PowerPoint for presentations and Google Docs for communication sharing.
• You must have and maintain a valid driver's license.

You'll Be One of Our Top Picks If:

• You have a Masters Degree.
• You have multimedia interaction experience. You don't have to be an expert but you should be comfortable in interviews, as a spokesperson and on video or podcast platforms.
• You're up to date on everything auto. That includes compiling and writing industry technical reports.
• You're organized. That includes attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work within deadlines.
• You can take the lead when it comes to coordinating staff around time-sensitive projects.
• You are occasionally available to respond as needed to auto-related current events, sometimes outside of normal business hours.

#LI-Onsite

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 $100K-$105K. 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 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.

• Leading a team of engineers in the conceptualization, design, and validation of advanced powertrain components and systems.
• Developing technical specifications and performance targets for new powertrain programs.
• Overseeing the execution of simulation, modeling, and physical testing to validate designs and identify areas for improvement.
• Collaborating with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.
• Troubleshooting complex technical issues and developing innovative solutions.
• Staying current with automotive industry trends, regulatory requirements, and emerging technologies in powertrain development.
• Presenting project status, technical findings, and recommendations to senior management and stakeholders.
• Mentoring and developing junior engineering talent within the powertrain division.

Company Description

AAA Auto Club Enterprises is a group of AAA clubs that serve more than 17 million members across 21 states. With over a century of experience, AAA Auto Club Enterprises employs over 14,000 people and collaborates with thousands of independent businesses to provide benefits and services to members. Our 300 branches and 23 call centers handle millions of visits and calls annually, supplemented by digital platforms like and the AAA Mobile app, which see over 54 million uses yearly. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and engaging workplace where employees can grow and thrive.

Role Description

This is a full-time on-site role for an Automotive Research Professional based in Los Angeles, CA. The Automotive Research Professional will be responsible for conducting in-depth research on automotive trends, technologies, and industry developments. Daily tasks include analyzing data, preparing reports, and presenting findings to internal stakeholders. Additionally, the role involves collaborating with various departments to support product development and strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

• Strong research and analytical skills
• Proficiency in data analysis and report preparation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in the automotive industry is a plus
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously

• Design, develop, and integrate automotive electrical and electronic systems.
• Define system requirements and specifications for new vehicle features.
• Develop system architectures and high-level designs.
• Collaborate with hardware and software development teams to ensure seamless integration.
• Develop and execute system-level testing and validation plans.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex system-level issues.
• Ensure compliance with automotive standards (e.g., ISO 26262, AUTOSAR).
• Analyze system performance data and identify areas for improvement.
• Support the production release process for new systems.
• Stay current with emerging automotive technologies and trends.

• Proven experience in automotive systems engineering or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of vehicle electrical/electronic architectures and communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Automotive Ethernet).
• Experience with functional safety (ISO 26262) principles and processes.
• Familiarity with embedded software development and control systems.
• Proficiency in systems engineering tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, DOORS).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.