ISO Lead Auditor - Industrial & Machinery Sector (Austria)

Job Description: ISO Lead Auditor - Industrial & Machinery Sector (Austria)

Position Overview

We are seeking experienced freelance ISO Lead Auditors for the Austrian market specializing in industrial manufacturing and machinery sectors. You will conduct multi-scope audits across quality, environmental, and occupational health & safety management systems for industrial enterprises.

Key Requirements

Professional Qualifications

• ISO/IEC 17021 Lead Auditor Certification (or equivalent recognized accreditation body)
• Scope 17 accreditation: Industrial processes and manufacturing
• Scope 18 accreditation: Machines and mechanical equipment (preferred) or demonstrated expertise
• Multi-scope audit experience across:
• ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management Systems)
• ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management Systems)
• ISO 45001:2023 (Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems)

Languages

• German: Fluent (C1/C2 level) - Essential for Austrian client interactions and technical documentation
• English: Fluent (B2+ minimum) - For international clients and documentation

Experience

• Minimum 6+ years as Lead Auditor in industrial/manufacturing sectors
• Proven track record auditing:
• Industrial manufacturing facilities (automotive, mechanical engineering, metal processing, chemical production)
• Machinery manufacturers and equipment suppliers
• Heavy equipment production and assembly operations
• Supply chain and procurement in industrial contexts
• Maintenance and commissioning operations
• Experience with initial, surveillance, and recertification audits
• Knowledge of Austrian/EU industrial regulations and machinery directives (preferred)

Scope of Work

Audit Activities

• Conduct on-site audits at industrial facilities and manufacturing plants across Austria
• Perform production floor assessments and machinery inspection
• Perform desktop reviews of management system documentation and technical specifications
• Interview key personnel (production managers, quality engineers, HSE officers, maintenance leads, procurement managers)
• Assess compliance with ISO standards, EU Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC), and Austrian legal requirements
• Evaluate process controls, calibration, and maintenance procedures
• Document findings, non-conformities, and observations
• Prepare audit reports in German and English

Industrial-Specific Knowledge Required

• Deep understanding of:
• Manufacturing processes (machining, welding, assembly, finishing, testing)
• Quality control systems (SPC, CMM, testing procedures, traceability)
• Machinery safety (guards, emergency stops, lockout/tagout, risk assessment per ISO 12100)
• Environmental management in industrial settings (emissions, waste, water treatment, energy efficiency)
• Occupational safety in manufacturing (ergonomics, noise, chemical exposure, PPE)
• Maintenance management and preventive maintenance programs
• Supply chain quality and supplier management
• Commissioning procedures for new equipment/production lines
• Procurement specifications and vendor qualification

Engagement Terms

Employment Type

• Freelance/Self-employed (B2B arrangement)
• Flexible scheduling based on audit calendar

Logistics

• Audits conducted across all of Austria and bordering countries.