Position Summary:

The Plant Process/HSE (Health, Safety, and Environmental) Engineer reports directly to the Plant Manager. This position serves a dual purpose: providing technical manufacturing and process engineering support to the Operations team and supporting the entire facility by ensuring compliance with HSE legal requirements and Cooper Standard policies and procedures.

Primary Responsibilities:

Process Engineering & Operations Support

• Study, analyze, and implement improvements to manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, quality, safety, and cost performance.
• Implement engineering change requests (ECRs).
• Serve as an operational liaison for non‑compliance issues and participate in 8‑D problem‑solving teams.
• Support the preventive maintenance program.
• Reduce manufacturing costs through continuous process improvement initiatives.
• Conduct time studies and apply industrial engineering techniques.
• Redesign plant layout to support changes in business needs.
• Support ergonomic evaluations and improvements.
• Provide technical support and guidance to the manufacturing floor and daily operations.
• Facilities & Capital Projects
• Coordinate facility upgrades through licensed external contractors.
• Interface with outside equipment and service suppliers.
• Review and approve plant capital projects for HSE considerations.
• Prepare budgets and justifications for HSE‑related capital investments.
• Recommend and manage the HSE operating budget.

Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) Leadership

• Provide technical expertise and ownership to drive continuous improvement in occupational health, safety, and environmental matters.
• Serve as the technical authority for HSE legal requirements and recommend best practices, tools, processes, and initiatives to plant leadership.
• Recommend safety and environmental KPIs and evaluate trends to support data‑driven decision‑making.
• Advise frontline teams on HSE matters and provide tools and training to enable ownership of workplace safety.
• Partner with operations to ensure Job Hazard and Risk Assessments (JHRAs) are completed for routine and non‑routine work and that identified risks are effectively managed.
• Lead applications, amendments, and compliance activities for environmental permits, licenses, and authorizations, including coordination of follow‑up actions and recordkeeping.
• Serve as the primary interface with regulatory authorities, both verbally and in writing.
• Develop and maintain plant HSE procedures, standards, and guidelines, ensuring roles and responsibilities are clearly understood and adhered to.
• Maintain HSE management systems and documentation (safety & health, environmental, energy management).
• Ensure required HSE data (incident reports, environmental metrics, etc.) is accurately and timely entered into corporate systems.
• Lead and support cross‑functional incident investigations and develop plant‑wide competency in investigation methodologies.
• Lead the effective “read‑across” of incidents occurring at other locations.
• Act as the local champion for regional or global HSE initiatives.
• Serve as a role model for safe personal practices and demonstrate a commitment to workplace safety.

Quality, Compliance & General Responsibilities

• Adhere to all corporate and plant rules, regulations, and policies.
• Support teamwork and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support quality system requirements and assist in achieving and maintaining QS‑9000 / IATF‑16949 certification.
• Support environmental management system compliance and assist in achieving and maintaining ISO 14001 certification.
• Perform other duties as required to support plant objectives.

 Education and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, or a related field
• Five (5) plus years of process engineering and HSE experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing techniques, preferably in automotive or automotive‑related manufacturing.
• Working knowledge of machine principles, including hydraulics, pneumatics, mechanical systems, and electrical controls.
• Ability to read and interpret customer product drawings.
• Knowledge of industrial engineering techniques, including time studies and cellular manufacturing.
• Knowledge of national and local HSE laws and regulations, HSE systems, metrics, KPIs, and statistical tools.
• First Aid, CPR, and AED certification required (company‑sponsored during onboarding if not currently certified).
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively at all organizational levels.
• Ability to influence others without direct authority.
• Demonstrated ability to drive and sustain a strong plant safety and performance culture.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Fluent in English, both written and verbal.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment and deliver sustainable results.
• Willingness and ability to travel as required.

Work Environment/Work Conditions:

• Professional office and manufacturing plant environment.
• Required use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when on the manufacturing floor; including safety shoes and safety glasses.
• Travel to manufacturing facilities or customer locations as required.
• Use of manufacturing and facility equipment requires proper training to prevent injury.

Cooper Standard is proud of its diverse workforce and committed to providing equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, age, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are dedicated to creating an environment at work that not only values diversity but also encourages inclusion and a sense of belonging. We firmly believe that a diverse workplace fosters an environment where our employees can flourish and provide superior service to our customers.

Because we recognize and value the range of ways in which people acquire experiences, whether via personal, professional, education, or volunteerism, we invite interested applicants to evaluate the key duties and requirements and apply for any opportunities that fit your experience and qualifications.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as certain state and/or local laws. If you believe you require such assistance to complete our online application or to participate in an interview, you (or someone on your behalf) may request assistance by emailing recruitment@cooperstandard.com with a description of the accommodation you seek. Application materials submitted to this email address will not be considered.