Project Engineer - Quality and Lean… at Wag'n Tails… · Granger

The Project Engineer – Quality and Lean Manufacturing Focus is a key technical leader responsible for ensuring that Wag’n Tails delivers the highest quality mobile grooming and veterinary vehicles in the industry. This role owns the Quality Management System (QMS) and leads quality initiatives across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain. The Project Engineer uses data analysis, structured problem-solving, lean manufacturing techniques and continuous improvement methods to reduce variation, eliminate defects, prevent recurrence, and improve customer satisfaction.

As the quality champion, this individual will drive process improvements, lead corrective and preventive actions, enhance supplier performance, and reduce the Total Cost of Quality (TCQ) while directly supporting production and field issues.

What You'll Do:

Line Flow & Lean Manufacturing

· Analyze and redesign production line flow to reduce WIP, travel distance, and cycle time

· Implement and sustain 5S programs across all production areas

· Develop and maintain standardized work documentation, visual aids, and process controls

· Lead time studies, value stream mapping, and line balancing efforts

· Identify and eliminate bottlenecks, waste, and non-value-added activity

Quality Management System (QMS)

· Build and maintain a scalable QMS that supports Wag'n Tails' growth

· Own incoming material inspections, in-process audits, and final vehicle inspections

· Develop inspection criteria, sampling plans, and testing protocols

· Maintain nonconformance records, corrective actions (CAPA), and audit findings

· Support compliance with applicable standards (ISO 9001, RVIA, electrical codes)

Defect Reduction & Root-Cause Analysis

· Lead structured root-cause investigations using 5 Why, Fishbone, DMAIC, and fault-tree analysis

· Own containment activities on the production floor to prevent defect escapes to customers

· Partner with Customer Care to close the loop on field issues and drive corrective actions

· Build dashboards and metrics to track scrap, rework, and process capability trends

Engineering & Project Support

· Participate in new product development and engineering change reviews (ECNs/ECOs)

· Develop control plans, PFMEAs, and inspection standards for new or updated designs

· Support prototype builds and production validation activities

· Review drawings, wiring diagrams, and specifications for manufacturability and inspection clarity

· Evaluate supplier capability for new components and support corrective action requests (SCARs)

What We're Looking For:

Required

· Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical, or Quality Engineering (or related field)

· 3–7 years of experience in a manufacturing, upfitting, automotive, RV, or specialty vehicle environment

· Demonstrated experience improving line flow, implementing lean practices, and building standard work

· Hands-on experience with 5S, value stream mapping, and continuous improvement projects

· Working knowledge of quality tools: control plans, PFMEA, CAPA, SPC, and audit methods

· Ability to read and interpret drawings, wiring diagrams, and technical specifications

· Strong communication skills — you work across the floor, engineering, and leadership without friction

Preferred

· Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt

· Certified Quality Engineer or Certified Manufacturing Engineer

· Experience with specialty vehicle, mobile unit, or low-volume / high-mix production environments

· Familiarity with ISO 9001.

· Experience with supplier quality management and external audits

Perks and Benefits:

· Comprehensive benefits package including FREE medical coverage for employee (employee paid family plans also available), 401(k) with a company match, and generous PTO

· Employee perks and discounts through provider programs

· Hands-on training from industry experts with backgrounds in automotive, RV, and consumer products

· Join a company with 30+ years of leadership in mobile pet service conversions

Why Wag’n Tails?

We’re not just a vehicle manufacturer—we help people launch their dreams. From pet groomers to veterinarians, our clients rely on us to build mobile units that power their businesses and expand their impact.

At Wag’n Tails, you’ll be part of a passionate, tight-knit team that values innovation, personal attention, and doing things the right way. If you’re ready to grow your career while supporting a mission that truly makes a difference in people’s lives, we’d love to hear from you.

Pay: $80,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person