Tesla Reporter

The Wall Street Journal is seeking a reporter to cover the companies transforming the automotive industry, including Tesla, autonomous and electric vehicle startups, and Elon Musk’s network of companies. This beat intersects high-stakes corporate strategy, capital deployment, geopolitical supply chain dynamics, and cutting-edge technology as the industry shifts toward electrification and autonomy.

About the role

We are looking for a reporter with deep experience covering these companies who can deliver impactful scoops, crack insular corporate cultures, build high-value sources, and dissect complex capital structures. This role requires identifying cultural and economic moments that explain how EVs and autonomous networks could reshape modern society.

Responsibilities

• Deliver impactful scoops on Tesla, Rivian, Waymo, and rising EV/AV startups, detailing strategic pivots, production challenges, and executive-level thinking.
• Develop deep networks of sources across C-suites, boardrooms, factory floors, software labs, and regulatory agencies.
• Produce richly reported enterprise features and deeply analytical stories on the tech and corporate titans competing in autonomy and electrification.
• Find fresh, proprietary angles on widely reported breaking news to distinguish the Journal’s coverage.
• Collaborate with data, visual, investigative, and video teams on complex multi-platform projects.
• Work closely with reporters and editors covering the global auto industry, particularly Elon Musk’s companies (e.g., SpaceX, Neuralink).
• Occasionally pitch stories outside your core beat.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of professional journalism experience covering major corporate beats, ideally in automotive, technology, or industrial manufacturing.
• A proven track record of breaking high-profile corporate news and finding original angles on widely watched stories.
• The ability to balance quick-turn breaking news with deeply reported enterprise work.
• Persistence and sophistication in sourcing, FOIA requests, and document mining to uncover high-stakes stories.
• A collaborative spirit and willingness to work across global bureaus on stories with macroeconomic implications.
• Excellent communication and organization skills for liaising with editors and colleagues across time zones.

Location

This role will be based in San Francisco, Detroit, or New York City.

Pay

Base pay range: $140,000 – $175,000. Compensation may vary based on experience, skills, location, and other factors. Bonus-eligible roles include targets determined by market benchmarks and individual contributions.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package covering health, retirement, wellbeing, and more, along with optional benefits to meet diverse employee needs.