QHSE Co-op- 1 year Program

Job Title: Quality, Health Safety and Environmental Co-op

Location: Houston, TX

Duration: 1 Year (2026 – 2027)

Department: Manufacturing / Operations

Reports To:  Plant Manager

Position Summary

The QHSE Co‑Op will support the integration of Quality and Safety as a core value of Excellence in a manufacturing facility producing metal gaskets and rubber molded wall penetration elements. This role is designed as a hands‑on developmental assignment, providing exposure to AS9100, ISO 45001, and OSHA compliance, while contributing meaningful, audit‑ready deliverables.

Garlock Houston has a solid quality foundation with dedicated QA and QC resources. The QHSE Co‑Op will focus on building and strengthening safety programs, aligning them with established quality systems, and helping translate system requirements into practical, shop‑floor‑ready procedures.

Learning Objectives & Program Outcomes

By the end of the 1‑year co‑op, the individual will have:

• Practical experience developing OSHA‑compliant safety procedures
• Direct participation in ISO 45001 system implementation
• Exposure to AS9100 requirements and audit expectations
• Hands‑on involvement with root cause analysis, corrective actions, and risk assessment
• Experience working cross‑functionally with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Leadership
• A strong understanding of how safety and quality systems reinforce operational excellence

Key Responsibilities (Under Supervision)

1) OSHA & Safety Program Development

1. Assist in developing and updating written OSHA safety programs, such as:
2. Hazard Communication (HazCom / GHS)
3. Lockout/Tagout (program documentation and machine‑specific procedures)
4. PPE hazard assessments and selection
5. Machine guarding assessments and gap logs
6. Incident and near‑miss reporting procedures
7. Help organize Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and chemical inventories.
8. Support safety inspections, job safety analyses (JSA/JHA), and corrective action tracking.

2) ISO 45001 Support

1. Support the build‑out and documentation of ISO 45001 elements, including:
   1. Hazard identification and risk assessment registers
   2. Operational controls and standard work
   3. Worker participation and communication records
   4. Training and awareness documentation
   5. Help ensure documentation is structured, controlled, and audit‑ready.

3) Integration with Quality (AS9100 & AS13100 Alignment)

1. Partner with QA/QC to:
   1. Align safety events and near misses with corrective action processes.
   2. Participate in root cause analysis using structured problem‑solving methods.
   3. Ensure safety‑related controls are reflected in work instructions and training.
   4. Learn how AS9100 requirements interface with operations, training, and risk management.
   5. Supports QHSE systems with emphasis on AS13100A Human Factors by identifying error‑contributing conditions, improving procedure clarity, supporting root cause analysis, and promoting a just culture focused on systemic improvement rather than individual fault.[MG1] 

4) Training & Employee Engagement

1. Assist with safety onboarding materials for new hires.
2. Help coordinate and document toolbox talks, safety meetings, and refresher training.
3. Support workforce engagement initiatives (near‑miss reporting, Safety Action Teams, safety culture activities).

5) Audits, Metrics & Reporting

1. Support internal audits (EHS and integrated systems).
2. Track and report basic safety metrics, such as training completion, inspections completed, incidents, and corrective action status.
3. Assist with management review inputs related to safety performance and improvement actions.

Required Qualifications

• Actively pursuing a degree in Safety, Engineering, EHS, or related field (final year or graduate)
• Strong interest in manufacturing safety, quality systems, and operational excellence
• Ability to write clear procedures and organize technical documentation
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Willingness to spend time on the manufacturing floor in PPE
• Strong communication skills and willingness to ask questions and learn

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous internship, co‑op, or manufacturing experience
• Introductory coursework in OSHA, industrial safety, or quality systems
• Familiarity with basic problem‑solving tools (5‑Why, Fishbone, PDCA)
• Interest in long‑term career path in EHS, Quality, or Operations Leadership

Mentorship & Support

• Direct mentoring by the Plant Manager and Quality/EHS leadership
• Structured exposure to audits, leadership reviews, and cross‑functional decision‑making
• Regular feedback sessions and learning checkpoints
• Opportunity to build a portfolio of real safety and quality deliverables

Why This Co‑Op Matters

This co‑op is not observational—it is impact‑driven. The individual will help establish foundational safety systems while learning how strong quality and safety execution enables performance, compliance, and culture in a regulated manufacturing environment.

This role is ideal for a candidate who wants meaningful responsibility and long‑term career development—not just a resume line.