I’m gonna let you in on a secret: The car journalism industry is pretty damn small. After a few years, you’ll meet the majority of the people in the club, whether through manufacturer-sponsored trips, reveal events, car shows, or working directly alongside them. Because the car-testing industry is so small, it’s pretty rare to see job listings looking for people with such a niche skillset.
Seeing any car-testing job pop up online is a special occasion. But seeing one this cool is especially rare. Consumer Reports is looking for an engineer to help test out cars at its Connecticut headquarters. And unlike most auto testing jobs, which usually have people sitting at a desk 95 percent of the time, this one sounds mostly hands-on.
Consumer Reports is a silent juggernaut in the consumer product space. Unlike most car-focused magazines and websites, CR operates as a non-profit organization and stays in business thanks to its members, who pay a yearly $39 fee. For that fee, members gain access to CR’s huge 85-year-old library of product tests, which it conducts in-house. And unlike virtually every other outlet, CR buys all of the cars it tests, ensuring fairness and integrity.
It’s not just cars that Consumer Reports buys. It also tests car insurance, bike racks, and other car-related stuff people spend money on. And automotive is only a fraction of its business. CR also tests stuff like TVs, mattresses, microwaves, curling irons, home security systems, pillows, toilets, bidets, dishwashers, and even crypto wallets. If it’s in the home, CR probably has an opinion on it.
Source: Consumer Reports / YouTube
Consumer Reports says it tests over 50 new models a year. In this case, “test” doesn’t just mean a week-long loan and a few hundred miles. The firm puts some serious seat time in on every car it buys and puts each through a litany of different trials to gather lots of data. From CR’s website:
[The] tests include acceleration, braking, emergency handling, and fuel economy, among others. We also evaluate usability, fit and finish, noise, ride, and safety systems. For electric vehicles, we consider factors such as speed and ease of charging, and range.
The job, then, is a bit different than your average automotive journalist. Not only would you be performing these tests, but you’ll also be refining them to better serve CR’s members. Plus, it sounds like you might even have to do some media work on the company’s behalf. From the job listing:
On a daily basis, you may:
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Coordinate and participate in the hands-on testing and reporting of findings for over 50 vehicles each year.
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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.
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Be a CR expert at industry events, in press interviews, on our podcast, and in front of clients.
The coolest part about working for Consumer Reports—at least, looking from the outside—is the company’s 327-acre private testing center in Colchester, Connecticut. It includes a full-size road course and a skidpad, allowing testers to push the limits of CR’s always-rotating fleet, and perform simulated emergency handling and braking maneuvers. While this role is technically a hybrid position, the listing says you’ll have to be on-site at the center up to four days a week, which makes sense. You can’t test cars from a desk at home.
If you want the job, Consumer Reports needs to see some credentials. While you don’t technically need an engineering degree, it’d probably be pretty helpful. from the listing:
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.
You’ll Be Highly Rated If:
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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).
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You have User Experience background. You have experience with User Testing, Vehicle User Interface Design or similar.
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You are a strong and confident communicator. Your experience includes communicating findings via written and oral reports.
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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.
The pay is pretty good, too; Consumer Reports lists a salary range of $100,000 to $105,000. You’ll also be working with some of the coolest people in the industry. We at The Autopian have met a bunch of the people running CR’s automotive division, and have even had the pleasure of working alongside a few of them in the past. Here’s publisher Matt Hardigree, visiting the track 10 years ago:
Working with cars is certainly a dream job (ask me how I know), but this position doesn’t seem like the type where you can kick back. You’ll probably be out on the track testing cars most days, which might get tiring if you’re doing it in 95-degree heat or a 15-degree blizzard. And it’s not like you’ll be driving sports cars all day—Consumer Reports tests every type of passenger car, including some of the most unexciting crossovers you can think of.
Still, any sort of job in this industry is way better than doing something “normal.” I can only think of three others that are likely better (race car driver, fighter jet pilot, astronaut). If you can’t be any of those, this gig ain’t bad. Getting it will likely be tough, as anyone who loves cars and thinks they’re qualified will send their resume in. Instead of going through several rounds of interviews, might I suggest a televised fight to the death between the top five candidates? Available only to paying Consumer Reports members, of course.
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Top photo: Consumer Reports / YouTube
That is a bizarrely narrow salary range!
I’ve read (and subscribed to them later in life) them for more than 50 years now.
A magazine written for nerds, by nerds. I’m pretty confident they have saved me more money than I have paid. And many of the times I have taken my own opinion over theirs has cost me.
Funniest line I ever read in one of their car reviews was when they were talking about the downforce of a spoiler on the trunk lid of some Mustang being so effective that it closed it at a standstill. A rare moment of snark at CR.
The YouTube videos were fun. I really had no idea that they ever drove cars that hard. And wow… you still have a job after digging up that Matt Hardigree clip? (Good work, ftw!)
The job is to sell magazines and not necessarily report objective testing. CR’s Suzuki Samurai smear comes to mind, but their were others escaping my mind.
If mainstream auto writers don’t provide glowing reviews, they’re black balled by auto companies. At least CR’s is different in that regard.
Blah blah blah. Lots of people died because of relatively low speed flip overs in the Samurai.
Please provide a source for this statement. It has been proven CR faked the rollovers in their testing.
Faked is a pretty strong word here. From this article: https://www.motorbiscuit.com/the-90s-scandal-consumer-reports-hopes-you-forgot-about/
It seems that they modified the test procedure, from the article: “It wasn’t until Technical Director David Pittle deliberately changed the course, steering more sharply, that the Samurai tipped onto two wheels. But, even after test drivers used the modified test course, tipping over was difficult. The LA Times reported CR had to do similar sharper maneuvers to tip the Isuzu Trooper.”
That’s a long way from faked the rollovers. The vehicle could still be rolled over just through steering! Think about that. Not hitting a curb, just steering hard left, then hard right. That’s a problem.
Here’s the actual footage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PgOgm9rd8k
Aa a former owner, who was young and dumb; this is not a real world test. You know how hard it is to go that fast in a Samuari?
Also it’s NOT rolling over, it’s on two wheels. And I would definitely NOT call this a low speed maneuver, given the vehicle in question.
You mean at 7:24 where it went up on 2 wheels with an entry speed of 46.5 mph. Was it that hard to go 46.5 mph in a Samurai? I agree that Consumer Reports worked pretty hard to get it to lift two wheels but I would also point out that they paid nothing in the lawsuit and that the concern wasn’t faked…in that the vehicle could lift two wheels with an aggressive lane change maneuver at 46.5 mph! Nowadays, stability control would save the vehicle but back then, this was a problem.
Two points, I was refuting this statement:
The video shows this is NOT a low speed maneuver, and also it did not flip over, even when intentionally trying to induce that. Which is why I asked for proof of this inflammatory statement, and rebutted with my own.
To your question
Look man, I lost in a drag race to a Chevette. 46.5 is dangerously close to the top speed in a Samurai of this vintage. I could get it 55 on one stretch of open highway that also happened to have a downhill on it. It was not fun to do so. Drive any vehicle at it’s limits and it’ll be a bad time, I won’t argue that for 1988 this is probably an unacceptable limit; but the whole claim of “they roll over!” is false, proven by their own testing.
Good lord, I had no idea they were that slow.
No, it hasn’t. Please provide a source for this statement.
AAHA! The every useful ask someone for proof who has asked you for proof. Got it. Have a great day!
AHA, typical hater that demands proof for a fact, while providing no proof for the alleged refuting fact. There’s a thing called google. Have at it.
Your statement, I do not need to do homework to support it.
Right, because you know it’s true.
No you!
It’s unique because it’s an engineering testing position, rather than the usual journalism role. So the focus is probably more on data collection and analysis rather than writing a good story.
It’ll be interesting for those who are very proficient with the technical side of things, which is not everybody to be honest.
CR Thunderdome; 2 engineers enter, one engineer leaves.
Forgot to include “Must love Subarus!” in the job description.
And Toyotas, Mazdas and not to mention Corvettes and 911s.
The perfect job for my son, who is studying mechanical engineering with an automotive focus, has been to Team O’Neil rally school and loves to drive everything. Only problem is that it’s 3.5 years too early. He’s a freshman.
More like 8-10 years too early. They are looking for someone with 5 years of experience. Most companies are surprising sticklers on this. When I had 3 years of experience I was turned down from a few engineering roles that wanted 4+.
So how does someone even get an entry level engineering job then? I foolishly thought that when it said “preferred” it was not required if the applicant had sufficient related skills. Sounds like he’s going to be really disappointed when he graduates. Glad college is so expensive these days. It sets kids up for indentured servitude to any corporation they apply at. You get just enough pay to cover loans, your health insurance and some left over to eat unhealthy food to keep you sick.
This job listing isn’t for an entry level position. There are plenty of entry level positions available in engineering.
Saying there are plenty of entry level positions available in engineering sets people up for unrealistic expectations. Entry level and early career engineering jobs are pretty competitive, and for those who don’t do internships or co-ops in college the job search can drag on, and they will likely have to compromise on industry, location, and role type. Even with those things more compromise is required than most students seem to expect.
Fair point. Especially for someone who wants to go automotive. I had those ambitions as a highschooler but quickly learned in college, that I should go one of the infinite other directions you can take a Mechanical Engineering degree.
You get an entry level job in engineering by doing internships/co-ops while in college. It’s possible to get one without doing that but will take longer and more likely to have to compromise on industry, location, pay etc.
Student loans are absolutely a racket, and I also agree(as an engineer) that we are underpaid for our level of technical skill and responsibility. Unfortunately engineers have not gamed the system the way most other professionals have to guarantee high income, and have also not protected our professional title to prevent everyone in the tech industries co-opting our titles.
A very honest word of advice though. If significant student loans have to be taken for your son to go to this college, then it is too expensive for your family. It doesn’t feel like it for an 18 year old taking $5k here and there, but you are very right that unless he takes very modest student loans they will be a burden for years. Go to community college and then transfer into a program that you can afford. I wish I had transferred to my state school after my freshman year when my parents stopped being able to pay my private university tuition, even with a 50% scholarship. Now with the new republican punishment payment plan I will be paying twice as much money as I had planned.
The school he picked has 2 co-ops built into the degree program, so you can leave with a good start and direction. We’re going to do our best to make sure there are no loans to pay. Who needs a retirement plan anyway right? I always figured I’d work until I dropped, and if his future’s better because of it, I’m happy. Bummer you have loans to deal with. It took my wife 20 years to pay hers off. Just in time for our boys to go off to school. If you feel you are underpaid for your skills and responsibilities, you should work as a bicycle mechanic! Talk about low pay and no benefits. The last shop I worked at, the owner refused to turn on the heat in winter until 12pm. He had a small space heater under his desk in his office though. I think nearly every worker could probably be paid double and the corporate overlords would still make profits. It’s an Oligarchy now, and I just work in it as little as possible. Then I go tinker with my turbo Miata and all is fine for a while.
Maybe it’s different in the real engineering space, but in software engineering I always tell people to ignore the requirements if it’s a job they’re interested in. First, the worst they can say is “no”, second, most job requirements exclude essentially every human on Earth except one who already holds that exact job. They basically throw every skill or experience that _might_ be useful into the listing. Nobody actually meets all of the “requirements”.
I will actually read this article later, but…
Dude, you have been over-producing, and I hope it’s not affecting your mental health. In your role, I don’t think you have to outproduce people in your group. But I don’t pretend to understand the The Autopian microcosm.
Maybe it’s just the adrenalin of a new job. But wow. You’ve posted a lot of (enjoyable) stuff in your short few days. Please don’t burnout.
I mean, I’d love to work for The Autopian as well. But I am 68 years old and tired of deadline pressure.
I am not tired of precision but really annoyed by what my phone and computer try to fix for me, when I use an unexpected word or idiom. And now I try to proofread it before hitting SEND.
Holy cow.
My current job title is literally Test Equipment Engineer. I currently determine how to test something, and design and build a test and a machine to perform the test. I have to document the process, challenges, and lessons learned.
This would be amazing… But I just don’t know if I can move to the coast. I’m a Midwest boy through and through.
A lot could depend on what part of CT. If it’s the part that’s more New England that’s not as huge a culture leap from at least the upper Midwest as you might think. If it’s on the Metro-North and in the NYC media market that’s something different.
Going back to my second co-op job while in school as an ME, I was hired by a QA department to investigate and devise tests for their product. Had to qualify their process machinery, go through the related ASTM tests to find one that was closest to testing their product and could be adapted to being carried out on their existing equipment, identify the relevant variables, do a design of experiments plan, buy additional test equipment (I was one of the early people to do wireless datalogging, going live to a (I think) Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet!), and finally sent the data off to people in my math department for the multivariable analysis.
Dang, knew I shulda been an engeenir…
“Still, any sort of job in this industry is way better than doing something “normal.” ”
Allow me to disagree on your premise. Beware of passion jobs, it’s not for everyone.
For a short period of time, I was a car mechanic for classic Alfas, Ferraris, Mercs and Jags. It seemed like a dream job until it just became a job. I love wrenching on my fleet, I hate being forced to work on someone else’s car to pay the bills.
In the same spirit, I love driving but being forced to test every modern CUV whether I want to or not sounds like a recipe to start hating cars in general.
Yeah, I had a dream job for about 5 years, and it was only fun for maybe half of that. When things started to go off the rails with the project, I took it too personally and it really wrecked my work-life separation. I eventually got pulled into a different project (quite unwillingly) that I didn’t care about at all, but I actually ended up being much happier working on that than the one I liked. I’m not as focused as I used to be, but they’re still happy with my work and I’m much, much happier overall.
I mean, one of the biggest perks is working with *me.* (Not directly per se as I mostly work with writing the articles, but at the same office and with the same cars. I could quote you as an expert from our team!!)
The bathrooms are nice, too! They even leave spray out! As a frequent urinator and defecator, I appreciate that the extra effort.
(Seriously, this is a fun team doing interesting work at a fun location. Do apply.)
*appreciate the extra effort
(I guess I got excited about toilets while posting from one.)
Speaking of, the toilet tests are kinda fascinating, right down to the polite euphemism “latex cylinders:” https://youtu.be/UIy7fIs7pN4?si=pTXluAuvWrFl-mG_
Fascinating toilet test. But seriously, how frequently are we talking about? Because you might want to see someone.
I mean, I’m pretty regular, but I’m also probably a little paranoid about remembering peepee time after some kidney woe earlier this year. Kinda need to pee? I’m gonna pee. I will peepee seventy times in a day if I can avoid going to the ER with another kidney infection.
Are you putting in referrals? To be honest the pay is pretty lukewarm, but otherwise the job sounds super interesting!
I can, but I really only feel comfortable doing that for folks I know. I gotta have something to say in the referral, y’know?
There’s nothing worse than referring someone to a role, and it turning out after they are hired that they are a total jerk or lunatic or criminal. Slightly less bad is if you actually know and like them, refer them and then they bomb the interview after you talked them up. But I guess bad in a different way because you still kinda look bad and you feel bad for your friend.
The only time I will refer someone who I’ve barely met is if they come highly referred by someone I trust. Like if another engineer is hiring an entry level position and a former professor of mine recommends someone and I refer them.
Oh yeah. That’s a certified Bad Time (TM)
Aren’t you at least the second Jalopnik alumni to work there?
I know Ryan Felton ended up over here a while ago and I periodically do a double-take at his byline. “Wait, I’m not at Jalopnik anymore!”
It sounds like they’re looking for David Tracy. Should’ve listed the job 3 or 4 years ago, then.
No rust involved, no sale.
Do they test garbage disposals in showers w/ shower spaghetti? Ha ha
Kramer: “Yeah. And here’s to David Puddy for helping me install a much needed
and much appreciated garbage disposal in my bathtub.”
[all four make another toast]
Peggy: “You have a garbage disposal in your bathtub?”
Kramer: “Oh, yeah, and I use it all the time. Yeah, I made this whole meal in
there.”
Elaine: “This food was in the shower with you?”
Kramer: “Mm-hmm. I prepared it as I bathed.”
[Peggy, Elaine, and Puddy all gag and wretch]
Puddy: “Oh, germs. Germs. Germs!”
I know someone who works for Consumer Reports. Though he tests appliances, not cars. It’s a GREAT company to work for if you can get in. Very good working environment, good pay and benefits.
Is he a washing machine enthusiast?
I dunno, but I am sure he can tell you what the most reliable one to buy is.
It seems like alot of YouTubers have essentially become automotive journalists and gotten press creds. It seems like it you want to actually talk about the cars that’s the way to go. If you want talk about nonsense and niche issues like hard plastic and cup holder that don’t hold a Mormon mom’s overly large cup then cr job maybe is a good fit.
That market is saturated now. Name journalists who have pivoted to video and one or two others who got in at the ground floor are the only ones doing viable numbers. And there is little to no editorial oversight. Alot of it is clickbait nonsense and outright sensationliast fabrication, just to get the views.
Here in the UK it’s very hard to get press access unless you’ve been or are at one of the magazines. It’s basically impossible for me, one or two helpful OEMs aside.
That is a true loss, as you bring a unique insight to the design process. You understand WHY and HOW decisons were made, even if not agreeing with them. At an auto reveal you are invaluable.
I can see it being easier in the US. I’m not sure how they are doing it but I know several have mentioned joining something maybe the automotive press association? The amount of them that went to the two leaf events seemed eye watering. I wouldn’t doubt the next round will be people with some kind of TikTok visibility.
I’m in the UK Guild of Motoring Writers which gives me professional accreditation but it’s not really worth anything. There’s no point me joining a US organisation because I wouldn’t go to events there unless an OEM was going to pick up the tab.
Have you found the Chinese OEMs more accommodating? From what I’ve seen they seem to invite just about anyone with a following and interest.
No not at all. They pick and choose their outlets and influencer and seem to expect editorial control, according to video JayEmm did a while back.
Ah, yes that explains all the influencers that seemingly have only been in a car before they normally have at their events. In most of Asia if a company is paying you in away way they expect only favorable words. I guess their old ways stick when they enter new markets.
Press launches (not that I go on any) are comped by the OEM. which is the way it’s been forever and that’s fine. The Chinese seem to be offering cash for favourbable content, which is whole different story.
Some people just don’t have business sense. Although I can see you reviewing motorcycles I don’t know why
Blah blah blah. Clearly someone who doesn’t actually read the articles.
Used to subscribe and read them but they were always predictable. Yes I know Toyota and Lexus will probably hold up the best I don’t need to pay to read that. Do you work for them or something?
No, but I’ve read it for years and I can tell when I’ve met someone who doesn’t actually read it and is just a hater. Some people just hate facts.
Good luck with that. People have different opinions. I can’t stand Doug Demuro but I understand people like him. I’ve always liked motor week but understand other might not. Oulets and personalities I like, others might not. Not for not trying. I read it years ago saw the patterns and discrepancies not just in the cars but other things. I read some articles maybe 5 years ago when helping an old man who is dedicated cr reader look for a car. He got an ok car putting their “facts” before anything else but he certainly could have gotten a car better suited to his needs for less money with out their opinion that so many of their readers think are facts.
Love the job hate CT.
Honestly that’s not to far above entry level engineering money, especially in Connecticut
That probably IS entry level engineering money in CT.
CT all the NYC attitude none of the benefits
While Colchester doesn’t approach the cost of living on CT’s Gold Coast in Fairfield county, property costs and property taxes for any desirable location in the state are going to pinch. I moved to the state long enough ago that I could say “at least there’s no state income tax”, but that eventually ended.
The state has easy access to NYC and anywhere in New England and has two good road courses and two really nice casinos.
As much as I used to consider CT just a speed trap between Boston and NYC, I’ve come around (somewhat). Also, all Boston area roads have become so congested that there’s no chance for a car with CT plates to just be camped in the passing lane at 7mph below the speed limit.
I can probably just train an AI to count the cupholders from press photos.
And?
Why? Why did I get a history degree???!!!
Because that was what interested you. Same reason I quit college to play guitar in bands. Turned out, there was no money in it (for me, anyway – couldn’t get interested in pop), but it was what I cared about.
I don’t think the kind of testing my driving skills are honed towards are what CR wants. And I have no interest in writing about the perils of inadequate cup holder sizes.
True I used to subscribe to CR never got anything of value
You have to read the articles to get anything of value.
What’s this fixation on cup holders the CR haters have?