Associate News Editor, Popular Mechanics
About The Position
Popular Mechanics is seeking an Associate News Editor to help shape daily coverage for the science and technology brand. In this hands-on newsroom role, the editor pitches and reports stories, edits writers, tracks developments across science and technology, and helps deliver journalism across digital and social platforms. The role is based in Easton, Pennsylvania, and requires working from the office four days per week. The position includes developing timely story ideas; reporting and writing news articles, explainers, and short features; editing staff and freelance work; assigning stories and managing deadlines; interviewing experts; preparing headlines and display copy; publishing through a content management system; collaborating with audience, social, video, and production teams; using analytics to guide coverage; and contributing to short-form video and emerging editorial formats. The base salary range is $62,400–$64,612. The role is not eligible for bonus or commission compensation and is covered by the Writers Guild of America, East, Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Requirements
- At least 2 years of professional experience in journalism, editing, writing, digital media, or a related editorial field.
- Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to explain complex subjects clearly, accurately, and engagingly.
- Deep curiosity about science, technology, engineering, space, history, defense, archaeology, and related topics, with a desire to continually learn.
- Experience working to daily deadlines in a fast-paced digital newsroom or publishing environment.
- Strong reporting instincts and the ability to identify, research, and develop compelling story ideas.
- Experience working with writers, editors, experts, and other sources in a collaborative editorial environment.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines while maintaining strong attention to detail and editorial judgment.
- Familiarity with content management systems and audience analytics tools such as Parse.ly, Google Analytics, or similar platforms.
- Strong organization, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Work from the Easton, PA office four days per week.
Nice To Haves
- On-camera experience or an interest in appearing in short-form video.
Responsibilities
- Pitch and develop timely story ideas for Popular Mechanics' daily news and short-form features.
- Report and write news articles, explainers, and short features across science, technology, engineering, space, history, and related topics.
- Edit staff and freelance stories for accuracy, clarity, structure, pace, and editorial style.
- Assign stories to freelance writers, communicate expectations, and keep assignments moving toward deadline.
- Monitor news, research, expert sources, government reports, and other reliable sources to identify important and engaging developments.
- Interview scientists, researchers, engineers, historians, and other experts to strengthen reporting and provide authoritative perspectives.
- Write and refine headlines, display copy, and other story elements that clearly communicate the value of each piece.
- Upload, format, and publish stories using the content management system while ensuring accuracy and presentation quality.
- Collaborate with audience, social, video, and production teams to prepare stories for distribution across platforms.
- Review performance using analytics tools and apply audience insights to inform future coverage.
- Contribute to Popular Mechanics' short-form video storytelling and other emerging editorial formats.
Benefits
- Access to training programs, workshops, and industry events.
- Hybrid-work flexibility.
- Employee Resource Groups.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance from Day 1.
- 401(k) plan with a company match.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
