Automotive Manufacturing & Robotics Journalist

Automotive News is seeking an ambitious, forward-looking journalist to cover one of the most consequential shifts in the global automotive industry: the transformation of how vehicles are designed, sourced, built and delivered. This role sits at the intersection of manufacturing, robotics, artificial intelligence, supply chains and industrial strategy. The successful candidate will help industry leaders understand how emerging technologies, geopolitical forces, workforce changes and new production models are reshaping the automotive value chain. Rather than covering a traditional beat, this journalist will own a set of critical questions facing the industry: How will AI change engineering, sourcing and manufacturing? What will the factory of the future look like? How are automakers and suppliers building more resilient supply chains? Which technologies are truly transformative and which are overhyped? How will labor, productivity, costs and competitiveness evolve? Which companies are best positioned to win in this new industrial era? This journalist will break news, develop deep sourcing, deliver analysis and identify emerging trends before they become mainstream. They will produce journalism across platforms and formats, collaborating closely with our video, social, audio, data and events teams. The ideal candidate combines strong reporting instincts with intellectual curiosity, understands how professional audiences consume information across channels, and is comfortable serving as a visible representative of the Automotive News brand. Location Remote or onsite work is available in the following U.S. states: AZ, CA, CO, IL, MD, MA, MI, MN, NV, NY, NC, OH, OR, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, and Washington, DC. Candidates may work CT or ET hours. Key Responsibilities Own coverage of manufacturing innovation and industrial transformation Break exclusive news on manufacturing strategy, factory investments, supply chain developments and emerging technologies. Cover how AI is transforming engineering, design, purchasing, logistics and production operations. Report on advances in robotics, automation, autonomous systems and next-generation manufacturing technologies. Examine how digital twins, simulation, additive manufacturing, software-defined production systems and advanced analytics are changing vehicle development and production economics. Track the evolution of supply chain strategies, sourcing decisions, reshoring efforts and critical materials procurement. Analyze how geopolitical shifts, trade policy and industrial policy affect manufacturing footprints and investment decisions. Explain the implications of automation and technology adoption for labor, skills, productivity and competitiveness. Identify emerging startups, technologies and business models influencing the future of automotive manufacturing. Deliver differentiated journalism Produce exclusive news, enterprise reporting, investigations, profiles and explanatory journalism. Translate complex technical and industrial topics into clear, actionable insights for automotive decision-makers. Help readers understand not just what happened, but why it matters and what comes next. Develop a strong network of sources across automakers, suppliers, technology companies, startups, universities, investors, consultants and policymakers. Create multi-platform journalism Collaborate with video, audio, social media and data teams to extend reporting across platforms. Contribute to newsletters, podcasts, video programs, data products and live journalism experiences. Work with colleagues in North America, Europe and Asia to identify global trends and produce coordinated coverage. Serve as an on-camera or on-stage representative of Automotive News when appropriate. Events & Industry Engagement Moderate panels, interviews and discussions at Automotive News events. Represent Automotive News at industry conferences, manufacturing facilities and technology showcases. Build relationships with executives, engineers, innovators, investors and policymakers shaping the future of mobility and manufacturing. Required Skills & Qualifications Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications or related field, or equivalent experience. Seven or more years of journalism experience. Demonstrated success producing high-impact business journalism and breaking exclusive news. Experience covering automotive, manufacturing, technology, transportation, industrials, business or related sectors. Exceptional reporting, interviewing and writing skills. Ability to explain complex technical topics in clear, engaging language. Strong news judgment and analytical thinking. Ability to connect technological developments to business strategy and competitive advantage. Experience developing executive-level sources. Comfort working across text, video, audio, social and live journalism formats. Familiarity with data analysis, financial disclosures and regulatory documents. Willingness to travel domestically and internationally. Interest in experimenting with new storytelling formats and audience engagement approaches. What Success Looks Like This journalist establishes Automotive News as the industry's essential source for understanding the future of manufacturing, supply chains and industrial technology. They consistently break news, identify emerging trends before competitors and develop deep sourcing across automakers, suppliers, technology companies, startups, researchers and investors. Their journalism helps readers understand how manufacturing is evolving in an era of AI and automation, how supply chains are being redesigned for resilience, how technology is changing engineering and production, which innovations will reshape the industry, and how industrial strategy will influence the next generation of automotive leaders. Pay Transparency Disclosure The estimated salary range for this position is $60,000 to $90,000. The final salary offering will take into account experience, accomplishments and location. In addition to base salary, Crain offers competitive benefits, including retirement plan savings contributions and bonus opportunities based on individual and company performance. Equal Opportunity Employer Crain Communications is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. We do not discriminate against employees or applicants because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristics. Employees who have access to compensation information of other employees as part of their essential job functions cannot disclose that information to individuals who do not have such access, unless required by law or internal policy. For more details, refer to our company policies and relevant federal regulations. #J-18808-Ljbffr Crain Communications