IATF Auditor

Compensation: Competitive | Commensurate with Experience and Project Location

About MS Companies

MS Companies is bridging the gap between advanced manufacturing and technology by delivering innovative workforce and operational solutions to leading manufacturers across North America. As an ISO 9001:2015 certified organization, we partner with global automotive, food manufacturing, oil & gas, and industrial clients to improve quality, productivity, and operational performance.

Our Manufacturing Advisory Services division provides experienced technical consultants who specialize in operational excellence, quality systems, supplier development, and continuous improvement. Through a hands-on, collaborative approach, we help manufacturers solve complex challenges, strengthen quality systems, and improve overall business performance.

Position Overview

MS Companies is seeking experienced IATF 16949 Auditors to join our Manufacturing Advisory Services team as independent contractors. This is an excellent opportunity for highly experienced automotive quality professionals who enjoy consulting, auditing, and helping manufacturers achieve and maintain world-class quality systems.

In this role, you will support OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers by conducting internal, process, product, and supplier audits while evaluating compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and customer-specific requirements (CSRs). You will also provide practical recommendations that improve manufacturing processes, strengthen quality management systems, and prepare organizations for certification and customer audits.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct IATF 16949 internal, process, supplier, and product audits at client and supplier manufacturing facilities.
• Perform process audits using VDA 6.3 or equivalent methodologies.
• Evaluate Quality Management Systems against IATF 16949:2016, ISO 9001:2015, and customer-specific requirements (CSRs).
• Identify nonconformities and prepare clear, objective, evidence-based audit reports.
• Verify corrective actions and ensure effective implementation of root cause solutions.
• Support organizations preparing for third-party certification, surveillance, and customer audits.
• Perform comprehensive gap assessments and develop prioritized action plans for compliance.
• Audit implementation of automotive Core Tools, including:
• APQP
• PPAP
• AIAG-VDA FMEA
• MSA
• SPC
• Provide guidance on Quality Management System improvements and process integration.
• Support supplier development initiatives through second-party audits and capability assessments.
• Collaborate with client leadership teams to drive continuous improvement and sustainable compliance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of automotive quality management experience with direct auditing responsibilities.
• Certified IATF 16949 Internal Auditor or Lead Auditor (AIAG, Exemplar Global, IATF, or equivalent).
• Extensive knowledge of:
• IATF 16949:2016
• ISO 9001:2015
• Customer-Specific Requirements (CSRs)
• Strong working knowledge of automotive Core Tools:
• APQP
• PPAP
• AIAG-VDA FMEA
• MSA
• SPC
• Experience conducting manufacturing process audits on the production floor.
• Ability to prepare concise, evidence-based audit findings tied directly to applicable standard requirements.
• Strong problem-solving skills utilizing methodologies such as 8D, 5 Why, and Fishbone.
• Excellent communication and consulting skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Willingness to travel to client locations throughout North America as project assignments require.

Preferred Qualifications

• Former OEM or Tier 1 Quality Manager, Quality Systems Manager, or Senior Quality Engineer.
• VDA 6.3 Process Auditor Certification.
• Experience serving as a third-party Certification Body Auditor.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline.
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), Six Sigma Black Belt, or Master Black Belt certification.
• Experience supporting multiple OEM customer requirements, including:
• General Motors
• Ford
• Toyota
• Honda
• Experience leading organizations through major/minor nonconformance resolution, supplier recovery, or special status remediation.
• Working knowledge of additional VDA standards, including VDA 2 and VDA 6.5.

Why Join MS Companies?

• Work with leading automotive manufacturers throughout North America.
• Flexible, project-based consulting opportunities.
• Competitive compensation based on experience and assignment.
• Collaborate with industry-leading quality and manufacturing professionals.
• Opportunity to make a measurable impact on manufacturing performance, quality systems, and operational excellence.