Lead Audit Technician

Rivian is seeking a Lead Audit Technician to support and strengthen the effectiveness of the Quality Management System through execution and leadership of the internal audit program. This role will serve as the lead auditor for two manufacturing sites and will provide day-to-day direction to a team of four audit technicians. The Lead Audit Technician will be responsible for planning audits, assigning work, coaching auditors, reviewing audit results, and ensuring timely follow-up of findings and corrective actions.

This role requires a strong working knowledge of IATF 16949, internal auditing methods, manufacturing processes, and risk-based thinking. The ideal candidate is a highly organized and hands-on audit professional who can drive consistency in audit execution, identify gaps objectively, and help the organization improve process discipline, compliance, and operational performance.

• Internal Audit Program Leadership
• Lead assigned internal audits across the QMS, manufacturing, warehousing, service, and support functions as applicable.
• Develop audit plans, schedules, checklists, and sampling approaches aligned to process risk, performance, 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.

• Audit Execution and Reporting
• 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 clear and accurate audit reports.
• Review audit reports prepared by audit technicians for technical quality, completeness, and consistency.
• Support preparation for external audits, certification audits, customer audits, and follow-up activities tied to audit outcomes.

• Team Leadership and Auditor Development
• Provide work direction, coaching, and training to audit technicians to improve auditing skills, consistency, and confidence.
• 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 help build bench strength within the internal audit team.

• Corrective Action and QMS Improvement
• Partner with process owners to ensure audit findings are clearly understood and appropriately addressed.
• Track corrective actions through closure and verify implementation 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 to support management review and continuous improvement.
• Recommend improvements to audit processes, audit frequency, and risk prioritization based on audit results and business needs.

Required Skills & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree, technical training, or equivalent work experience is 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.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Internal auditor, lead auditor, or certified quality auditor training.
• Experience in automotive or electric vehicle manufacturing.
• Experience leading small teams, coordinating field work, or coaching less experienced auditors.
• Familiarity with problem-solving methodologies such as 5 Why, fishbone, and corrective action verification.
• Experience supporting IATF 16949 certification or customer audits.