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.