Automotive Manufacturing Journalist, Robotics

Crain Communications

Journalist covering critical shifts in automotive manufacturing and robotics for Automotive News. Engaging with industry leaders on technology, supply chains, and industrial strategy.

Posted 7/15/2026full-timeDetroit • Arizona, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $60,000 - $90,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in producing high-impact journalism focused on manufacturing innovation and technology, with a strong ability to translate complex topics into actionable insights for automotive decision-makers. Proficient in multi-platform journalism, including text, video, audio, and live formats, while maintaining a robust network of industry sources.

Highest-signal resume keywords

High-Impact Business JournalismAutomotive Industry CoverageComplex Technical Topic ExplanationMulti-Platform JournalismSource Development

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Hard Skills

JournalismReportingInterviewingWritingData AnalysisFinancial Disclosure FamiliarityRegulatory Document UnderstandingBreaking News ProductionAnalytical ThinkingStorytelling Formats Experimentation

Soft Skills

Strong News JudgmentEngaging CommunicationCollaborationAdaptabilityAudience Engagement

Industry Keywords

Manufacturing InnovationIndustrial TransformationSupply Chain DevelopmentsEmerging TechnologiesAutomationRoboticsDigital TwinsAdditive ManufacturingGeopolitical ShiftsAutomotive Manufacturing

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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.

Requirements

What you’ll need

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.

Benefits

Comp & perks

competitive benefits, including retirement plan savings contributions and bonus opportunities based on individual and company performance