QHSE Co-op- 1 year Program

Garlock Family of Companies; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 20,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Garlock Houston is seeking a Quality, Health Safety and Environmental Co‑Op to join the Manufacturing/Operations team in Houston, TX for a 1‑year period (2026–2027). The role focuses on building OSHA‑compliant safety programs, supporting ISO 45001 implementation, and aligning safety with AS9100 considerations through practical, shop-floor procedures.

You will collaborate with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Leadership, contributing to risk assessments, incident tracking, and disciplined

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.

Responsibilities

• OSHA & Safety Program Development
• Assist in developing and updating written OSHA safety programs, such as HazCom, Lockout/Tagout, PPE hazard assessments, machine guarding, incident reporting, SDS organization.
• Support safety inspections, JSA/JHA, and corrective action tracking.
• ISO 45001 Support: hazard identification, risk assessment, controls, training documentation.
• Integration with Quality: align safety events with corrective actions and root-cause analysis.
• Training & Employee Engagement: onboarding, toolbox talks, safety meetings, engagement activities.
• Audits, Metrics & Reporting: track training, inspections, incidents, corrective actions; support management reviews.

Skills

Strong communication

Microsoft Office

Write clear procedures

On-floor PPE

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Actively pursuing a degree in Safety, Engineering, EHS, or related field

Introductory coursework in OSHA, industrial safety, or quality systems

Tools

5-Why

Fishbone

PDCA

Job description

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

• 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)

• OSHA & Safety Program Development
• Assist in developing and updating written OSHA safety programs, such as:
• Hazard Communication (HazCom / GHS)
• Lockout/Tagout (program documentation and machine‑specific procedures)
• PPE hazard assessments and selection
• Machine guarding assessments and gap logs
• Incident and near‑miss reporting procedures
• Help organize Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and chemical inventories.
• Support safety inspections, job safety analyses (JSA/JHA), and corrective action tracking.
• ISO 45001 Support
• Support the build‑out and documentation of ISO 45001 elements, including:
• Hazard identification and risk assessment registers
• Operational controls and standard work
• Worker participation and communication records
• Training and awareness documentation
• Help ensure documentation is structured, controlled, and audit‑ready.
• Integration with Quality (AS9100 & AS13100 Alignment)
• Partner with QA/QC to:
• Align safety events and near misses with corrective action processes.
• Participate in root cause analysis using structured problem‑solving methods.
• Ensure safety‑related controls are reflected in work instructions and training.
• Learn how AS9100 requirements interface with operations, training, and risk management.
• 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]
• Training & Employee Engagement
• Assist with safety onboarding materials for new hires.
• Help coordinate and document toolbox talks, safety meetings, and refresher training.
• Support workforce engagement initiatives (near‑miss reporting, Safety Action Teams, safety culture activities).
• Audits, Metrics & Reporting
• Support internal audits (EHS and integrated systems).
• Track and report basic safety metrics, such as training completion, inspections completed, incidents, and corrective action status.
• 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.

Company Overview

Garlock is a subsidiary of Enpro, a leading industrial technology company focused on critical applications across many end‑markets, including semiconductor, industrial process, commercial vehicle, sustainable power generation, aerospace, food and pharma, photonics and life sciences.

EEO & Diversity Statement

At Enpro, we believe that diversity drives innovation and inclusion fosters growth. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Our employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military service, or any other status protected by applicable law. If you require accommodation due to a disability at any time during the recruitment and/or assessment process, please contact Human Resources, and we will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate your request.

Compensation & Benefits

Enpro carefully considers a wide range of compensation factors including the background, education, training, and experience required, as well as geographic considerations such as cost of labor, and applicable local and state laws. These considerations can cause offered compensation to vary. Actual offers will be based on the individual candidate. Bonus, gainshare, and/or equity may be eligible for this position. Enpro offers a range of benefits including, but not limited to medical, dental, vision, life, 401(k) matching, and other supplemental insurance options.

#Garlock