Associate News Editor, Popular Mechanics

About the role

Be Part of What’s Next

Popular Mechanics is looking for an Associate News Editor to help shape daily coverage for one of America’s most trusted science and technology brands. In this hands-on newsroom role, you’ll pitch and report stories, edit writers, track the latest developments across science and technology, and help bring smart, engaging journalism to audiences across digital and social platforms.

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?)

We create media that moves minds, products and ideas. Our portfolio of 30 iconic brands — including Cosmopolitan, Delish, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, Men’s Health and Road & Track — reaches nearly 130 million people each month. Our teams combine trusted journalism and cultural storytelling with technology, data and commerce to create experiences that inform, inspire and entertain audiences across generations and around the globe. And together, we are shaping what’s next.

Key Responsibilities (What You Are Doing)

• 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.

Qualifications (What We’re Looking For)

• 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.
• On-camera experience or an interest in appearing in short-form video is a plus.
• This role is based in Easton, PA and requires working from the office four days per week.

Benefits (What We Offer)

• Work with the Best: Collaborate with top-tier professionals across media, advertising, tech, fashion, lifestyle and publishing, shaping the future of these dynamic industries.
• Grow Your Skills: Unlock your potential with access to innovative training programs, immersive workshops and exclusive industry events.
• Work-Life Harmony: Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid work, empowering you to balance professional success with personal priorities.
• Foster Connection & Belonging: Join our Employee Resource Groups and help create a welcoming workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.
• Wellness First: Prioritize your well-being with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance from Day 1.
• Plan for Your Financial Future: Enjoy competitive financial benefits, including a 401(k) plan with a generous company match.

This is a position covered under the Writers Guild of America, East, Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Compensation

The base salary range below is the Company's good-faith estimate for this position in the posted work location at the time of posting. Final starting salary will be based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to skills, experience, training, certifications, education, location and market considerations.

Base Salary Range:

$62,400—$64,612 USD