Lead Internal Auditor, QMS & Team Coach

Watershed Ventures; Normal (IL); On-site; USD 43,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Paid sick leave

Insurance benefits

401(k) plan

Employee stock purchase program

Job summary

Rivian is seeking a Lead Audit Technician to strengthen the Quality Management System by directing internal audits at two sites and leading four audit technicians. The role requires strong IATF 16949 knowledge, hands-on auditing, and a focus on process discipline and compliance.

You will develop audit plans, coach staff, and drive improvements across audits and corrective actions. Ideal candidates will have 5+ years in quality-related roles within automotive or industrial settings, plus 3+ years

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree, technical training, or equivalent work experience acceptable.
• 5+ years of experience in quality, manufacturing, supplier quality, compliance, or internal auditing within an industrial or automotive environment.
• 3+ years of hands-on auditing experience, including leading audits or coordinating audit activities.
• Strong working knowledge of IATF 16949 and core QMS principles.
• Experience identifying nonconformities, documenting audit evidence, and verifying corrective actions.
• Ability to interpret procedures, standards, control plans, process flows, and related quality documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to challenge respectfully and communicate findings clearly.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple audits, priorities, and follow-up actions.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and Jira.

Responsibilities

• Lead internal audits across the QMS, manufacturing, warehousing, service and support functions.
• Develop audit plans, schedules, checklists, and sampling approaches aligned to risk and IATF 16949 requirements.
• Coordinate audit coverage and daily priorities for a team of four audit technicians.
• Ensure audits are executed consistently, professionally, and in accordance with internal procedures.
• Escalate significant compliance or systemic risks to QMS leadership in a timely manner.
• Perform process, product, layered, and system audits as required.
• Lead opening and closing meetings with auditees and functional leaders.
• Document objective evidence, nonconformities, observations, and opportunities for improvement in audit reports.
• Review audit reports for technical quality, completeness, and consistency.
• Support preparation for external, certification, and customer audits and follow-up actions.
• Provide work direction, coaching, and training to audit technicians.
• Mentor team members on audit planning, interviewing techniques, evidence evaluation, and report writing.
• Drive standardization of audit tools, templates, and reporting practices.
• Support onboarding of new auditors and build bench strength within the team.
• Track corrective actions through closure and verify effectiveness.
• Identify recurring issues and high-risk gaps across audit results.
• Provide audit trend data and insights to support management review and continuous improvement.

Skills

IATF 16949

Audit leadership

Internal auditing

Risk-based thinking

Google Workspace

Jira

Coaching auditors

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree or equivalent

Tools

Jira

Google Workspace

Job description

Rivian is seeking a Lead Audit Technician to strengthen the Quality Management System by directing internal audits at two sites and leading four audit technicians. The role requires strong IATF 16949 knowledge, hands-on auditing, and a focus on process discipline and compliance.

You will develop audit plans, coach staff, and drive improvements across audits and corrective actions. Ideal candidates will have 5+ years in quality-related roles within automotive or industrial settings, plus 3+ years