Lead Quality Audit Technician

Rivian; Normal (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Health, dental, vision insurance

Job summary

Rivian is seeking a Lead Audit Technician to strengthen the Quality Management System through leadership of the internal audit program. This role leads two manufacturing sites and directs four audit technicians, planning audits and coaching staff toward consistent, compliant execution.

You will drive risk-based thinking, identify gaps, and improve process discipline and operational performance within IATF 16949 frameworks. Strong organization and hands-on auditing are essential.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead internal audits across QMS, manufacturing, warehousing, service and support functions as applicable.
• 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 per 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/customer audits and follow-up activities.
• Provide work direction, coaching, and training to audit technicians to improve auditing skills.
• Mentor team members on audit planning, interviewing techniques, evidence evaluation, and report writing.
• Drive standardization of audit tools, templates, and reporting practices.
• Assist onboarding of new auditors and build bench strength within the internal audit team.
• Track corrective actions through closure and verify effectiveness when required.
• Identify recurring issues, systemic themes, and high-risk gaps across audit results.
• Provide audit trend data, status updates, and insights to QMS leadership.

Skills

Auditing leadership

Written and verbal communication

Organizational skills

Process documentation

Google Workspace proficiency

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree / technical training

Tools

Google Workspace

Jira

Job description

Rivian is seeking a Lead Audit Technician to strengthen the Quality Management System through leadership of the internal audit program. This role leads two manufacturing sites and directs four audit technicians, planning audits and coaching staff toward consistent, compliant execution.

You will drive risk-based thinking, identify gaps, and improve process discipline and operational performance within IATF 16949 frameworks. Strong organization and hands-on auditing are essential.