Vehicle System Safety Lead Auditor
Location: Nuneaton (Hybrid – 3 days on-site per week)
Rate: Competitive
Contract: 24 months
A government-backed organisation is seeking a Vehicle System Safety Lead Auditor to play a critical role in ensuring the safety and compliance of vehicles fitted with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Automated Driving Systems (ADS). This is a technically focused role requiring deep expertise in safety engineering, vehicle systems, and automotive standards. You’ll lead audits of vehicle manufacturers’ Safety Management Systems (SMS), assessing safety claims and verifying compliance with international regulations such as UNECE R171 and emerging standards for automated driving.
The Role
As the Vehicle System Safety Lead Auditor, you will:
* Lead audits of manufacturers’ Safety Management Systems to ensure compliance with type approval regulations.
* Evaluate and verify safety claims made about vehicles and systems fitted with ADAS and ADS technologies.
* Oversee the technical activities of audit teams, ensuring robust, credible, and high-quality assessments.
* Witness and document vehicle testing, confirming the validity of evidence presented in safety cases.
* Determine compliance outcomes and prepare detailed audit reports.
* Collaborate with client managers and internal engineers to ensure smooth delivery of type approval services.
* Provide technical oversight and mentor colleagues, supporting knowledge growth in vehicle safety and regulation.
* Contribute to developing internal guidelines and standards to ensure consistency in audit and assessment procedures.
You’ll play a key part in ensuring that safety is embedded through the vehicle lifecycle—from development to deployment—supporting the safe introduction of emerging automotive technologies to UK roads.
About You
You are a highly analytical and technically experienced professional with a strong background in vehicle safety systems, auditing, and regulatory compliance. You’re confident leading complex audits, interpreting international standards, and guiding others in applying robust safety methodologies.
Essential experience:
* Proven experience auditing safety management systems against standards such as ISO 26262 (Functional Safety) or ISO 21448 (SOTIF).
* Experience in product development for safety-critical vehicle systems (e.g. braking, steering, ADAS, or ADS).
* Strong understanding of vehicle system safety principles and lifecycle risk management.
* Ability to make sound engineering judgements and lead multidisciplinary teams effectively.
Desirable:
* Degree (Level 6 or higher) in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
* ISO 9001 Lead Auditor qualification or equivalent.
* Experience within type approval, certification, or regulatory environments.
If you are interested in this vacancy, please contact TEC Partners today on 01603 629499.