IATF 16949 Auditor

Ms Companies, LLC; Saint Marys (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

MS Companies is seeking a senior IATF 16949 Auditor for on-site client engagements across automotive manufacturers. You will perform internal, supplier, and process audits with deep knowledge of IATF 16949 requirements on the shop floor.

As an independent contractor, you will lead audit activities, identify nonconformances, write findings, and support corrective actions while traveling as required to client facilities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of hands-on automotive quality management experience with direct auditing responsibility.
• Certified IATF 16949 Internal Auditor or Lead Auditor.
• Deep working knowledge of IATF 16949:2016, ISO 9001:2015, and related interpretations.
• Experience auditing shop floor processes and writing concise findings.
• Willingness to travel to client or supplier facilities.

Responsibilities

• Conducting IATF 16949 internal audits, process audits, and product audits at client facilities.
• Evaluate QMS effectiveness against IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and CSRs.
• Identify nonconformances, write clear audit findings, verify corrective action effectiveness.
• Support audit readiness and third-party certification activities.
• Perform gap analyses and develop closure plans for compliance.

Skills

IATF 16949 auditor

Audit experience

Problem solving

Travel readiness

Shop floor auditing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related

Six Sigma/ CQE certification (preferred)

Tools

APQP/PPAP/FMEA/MSA/SPC

IATF 16949 knowledge

VDA standards familiarity

Job description

MS Companies is bridging the gap between the manufacturing industry and the rapidly growing tech field. As a data-driven technology company we provide our customers with workforce solutions to increase efficiencies, while also serving as a gateway to the gig economy. An ISO-9001:2015 certified company, MS Companies is one of the fastest-growing privately held firms in the U.S. today, partnering with hundreds of leading manufacturers throughout North America, specifically those within the automotive, food manufacturing, oil and gas industries.

MS Companies provides our clients a comprehensive suite of manufacturing advisory services supported by a network of skilled, experienced independent contractors specializing in operational excellence and continuous improvement. Our methodology embodies a hands‑on, collaborative approach to expedite robust problem-solving. We partner with our clients to improve manufacturing efficiency, improve quality, and reduce costs while improving our clients' core competencies.

Job Description

As an independent contractor, you will serve as a hands‑on IATF 16949 Auditor supporting our automotive clients with internal, supplier, and process audits. This is a technical specialist role requiring deep expertise in automotive quality management systems, audit execution, and the practical application of IATF 16949 requirements on the shop floor.

Responsibilities

• Conducting IATF 16949 internal audits, process audits (VDA 6.3 or equivalent), and product audits at client and supplier manufacturing facilities
• Evaluating QMS effectiveness against IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and customer‑specific requirements (CSRs)
• Identifying nonconformances, writing clear and actionable audit findings, and verifying corrective action effectiveness
• Supporting clients in audit readiness and preparation for third‑party certification and surveillance audits
• Performing gap analyses against IATF 16949 requirements and developing prioritized closure plans
• Auditing core automotive quality tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC) for proper implementation
• Advising on QMS design, process integration, and systemic improvements to sustain conformance
• Supporting supplier development efforts through second‑party auditing and capability assessments

Requirements

• Minimum 10 years of hands‑on automotive quality management experience with direct auditing responsibility
• Certified IATF 16949 Internal Auditor or Lead Auditor (IATF, AIAG, Exemplar Global, or equivalent recognized body)
• Deep working knowledge of IATF 16949:2016, ISO 9001:2015, and associated sanctioned interpretations (SIs)
• Demonstrated proficiency in automotive core tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA per AIAG‑VDA, MSA, SPC)
• Experience auditing manufacturing processes on the shop floor
• Ability to write concise, evidence‑based audit findings tied to specific clause requirements
• Strong structured problem‑solving skills (8D, 5‑Why, fishbone, or equivalent)
• Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently on‑site at client or supplier facilities
• Willingness to travel as required by project assignment

Preferred Experience

• OEM or Tier 1 retiree with career‑depth quality systems and auditing experience
• VDA 6.3 Process Auditor certification
• Experience as a third‑party certification body auditor (e.g., IATF witness auditor, CB auditor)
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, or related discipline
• Six Sigma Black Belt, Master Black Belt, or ASQ CQE / CQA certification
• Familiarity with customer‑specific requirements across multiple OEMs (GM, Ford, Stellantis, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai‑Kia)
• Experience supporting organizations through major/minor nonconformance resolution and special status recovery (e.g., Q1 revocation, new business hold)
• Working knowledge of VDA standards beyond 6.3 (e.g., VDA 6.5 Product Audit, VDA 2 PPA)

Pay Range

Commensurate with experience and market location.

MS Companies is one of the fastest growing companies in the nation as recognized by the Inc. 5000 list. We are strategically located in 14 states and abroad to support the efforts and needs of our global retailers and manufacturers. MS Companies is an ISO certified company that utilizes state‑of‑the‑art technology and training to support the booming manufacturing industry while providing the best quality experience for both our customers and associates.

MS Companies is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.