Cory Hein: A Journey of Engineering Excellence and Leadership in Canada’s Mining Sector

Cory Hein is a remarkable figure in Canada’s mining and metals sector, known for his exceptional blend of technical expertise and leadership skills. With a strong foundation in mechanical engineering and advanced education in leadership, Cory has built an impressive career at Teck Resources Limited, one of Canada’s leading mining companies. His professional journey demonstrates the power of continuous learning, adaptability, and a commitment to operational excellence.
This article explores Cory Hein’s educational background, career progression, professional contributions, and the qualities that make him a standout leader in the engineering and mining industries.
Educational Background
Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering
Cory Hein began his academic journey at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where he pursued a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Mechanical Engineering from 2004 to 2008.
At UBC, Cory gained a strong foundation in engineering principles, problem-solving, and critical thinking. These skills became the cornerstone of his professional career, enabling him to tackle complex technical challenges in industrial and mining operations.
Master of Arts in Leadership
Recognizing the importance of leadership in driving organizational success, Cory furthered his education by earning a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University. This advanced degree allowed him to develop strong skills in team management, strategic planning, and organizational development — qualities that have been essential in his leadership roles at Teck Resources.
Career Journey at Teck Resources
1. Project Engineer (2008 – 2010)
Cory’s career at Teck Resources Limited began in May 2008 as a Project Engineer. In this role, he was responsible for managing engineering projects from start to finish.
Key responsibilities included:
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Coordinating project teams.
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Ensuring timely completion of deliverables.
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Maintaining quality and safety standards.
This early role laid the groundwork for his future success, helping him understand the operational dynamics of large-scale mining operations.
2. Senior Reliability Engineer (2010 – 2015)
In January 2010, Cory advanced to the role of Senior Reliability Engineer. This position allowed him to specialize in enhancing equipment performance and minimizing operational downtime.
Key achievements included:
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Implementing advanced maintenance strategies.
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Improving equipment reliability and lifespan.
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Reducing operational costs through proactive solutions.
This role showcased Cory’s ability to merge technical expertise with innovative problem-solving, resulting in measurable operational improvements.
3. Shop Maintenance Foreman (2015 – 2016)
By March 2015, Cory transitioned to a leadership-focused role as Shop Maintenance Foreman. In this position, he supervised maintenance teams and coordinated day-to-day servicing operations.
His leadership ensured:
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A safe working environment for all staff.
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Efficient maintenance workflows.
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High operational standards in equipment servicing.
This role highlighted his ability to lead teams effectively while maintaining technical excellence.
4. Mechanical Engineer (2016 – Present)
Since June 2016, Cory has been serving as a Mechanical Engineer at Teck Resources, based in Fernie, British Columbia. In this high-level role, he combines his technical knowledge and leadership acumen to support operational efficiency and strategic initiatives within the company.
His current responsibilities include:
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Providing expert mechanical engineering support.
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Driving operational optimization projects.
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Supporting safety and reliability initiatives across operations.
Key Contributions and Achievements
Engineering and Leadership Integration
One of the defining features of Cory Hein’s career is his ability to integrate technical expertise with leadership skills. This unique combination has allowed him to contribute to both the strategic and operational aspects of mining operations.
Operational Efficiency
Through his roles, especially as a Senior Reliability Engineer, Cory played a critical role in improving equipment uptime, safety standards, and cost efficiency. These contributions have had a significant impact on Teck’s operational success.
Mentorship and Team Development
Cory is also known for fostering growth in the teams he leads. By mentoring younger engineers and encouraging continuous learning, he contributes to building a strong pipeline of skilled professionals within the industry.
Professional Strengths
Technical Expertise
Cory’s deep understanding of mechanical systems and engineering principles makes him a valuable asset in solving complex operational problems.
Strategic Leadership
His background in leadership allows him to align technical decisions with organizational goals, ensuring that projects deliver maximum value.
Reliability Optimization
Specializing in equipment reliability, Cory has developed strategies that enhance efficiency, safety, and productivity — crucial elements in the mining sector.
Adaptability
His career growth illustrates a strong ability to adapt to new roles and challenges, making him a versatile professional capable of thriving in dynamic environments.
Lessons from Cory Hein’s Career
1. Continuous Learning is Key
By pursuing advanced education alongside his professional roles, Cory demonstrates the importance of lifelong learning in achieving career growth.
2. Blend Technical Skills with Leadership
Success in industries like mining requires not just technical expertise but also strong leadership. Cory’s journey exemplifies how combining these two skill sets leads to greater impact.
3. Focus on Operational Excellence
Cory’s work in reliability engineering and maintenance optimization highlights the value of focusing on efficiency, safety, and performance to drive organizational success.
Impact on Canada’s Mining Sector
Cory Hein’s contributions extend beyond Teck Resources. His expertise and leadership have influenced operational practices in the mining sector, helping to set standards for safety, efficiency, and innovation.
His ability to integrate cutting-edge engineering solutions with practical leadership has made him a respected figure in the industry, inspiring both colleagues and aspiring engineers.
Snapshot Summary
Aspect | Details |
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Education | B.A.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering (UBC), M.A. in Leadership (Royal Roads University) |
Key Roles | Project Engineer → Senior Reliability Engineer → Shop Maintenance Foreman → Mechanical Engineer |
Location | Fernie, British Columbia, Canada |
Core Strengths | Technical expertise, reliability engineering, leadership, operational strategy |
Conclusion
Cory Hein exemplifies what it means to be a modern engineering professional. His ability to combine deep mechanical expertise with strategic leadership has allowed him to make significant contributions to the success of Teck Resources and Canada’s mining sector as a whole.
From his early days as a project engineer to his current role as a mechanical engineer, Cory’s journey reflects dedication, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring engineers and leaders, proving that with the right blend of skills and determination, it’s possible to drive both personal and organizational success.