Who Is Cory Hein? Inside The Life, Leadership, and Innovation of Teck Resources’ Mechanical Engineer

Cory Hein is a respected Canadian mechanical engineer and leadership professional recognized for his exceptional contributions to the mining and metals industry. Based in Fernie, British Columbia, he plays a key leadership role at Teck Resources Limited, one of Canada’s largest diversified mining companies.

Hein is known for bridging the gap between engineering expertise and organizational leadership, shaping how modern industrial teams operate. His approach combines technical precision, innovation, and a people-first leadership style that is transforming Canada’s mining sector.

In 2025, his name is increasingly associated with sustainability, automation, and leadership transformation, making him a standout figure in both engineering and management circles.

Profile Bio: Cory Hein

Field	Information
Full Name	Cory Hein
Profession	Mechanical Engineer & Leadership Professional
Known For	Innovation, Sustainability, and Leadership in Canada’s Mining Industry
Current Organization	Teck Resources Limited
Position	Senior Engineering and Leadership Specialist
Industry	Mining, Metals, and Resource Management
Education	B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering – University of British Columbia M.A. in Organizational Leadership – Royal Roads University
Nationality	Canadian
Residence	Fernie, British Columbia, Canada
Areas of Expertise	Engineering Reliability, Maintenance Optimization, Team Leadership, Digital Transformation, Sustainability
Leadership Philosophy	Empowerment, Continuous Learning, Accountability with Empathy
Years of Experience	Over 10 years in Engineering and Leadership Roles
Notable Contributions	Advancing predictive maintenance, promoting safety and sustainability, mentoring young engineers
Languages	English
Core Values	Integrity, Innovation, Collaboration, and Professional Growth

Early Life and Academic Foundations

Education and Upbringing

Cory Hein was born and raised in Fernie, British Columbia, a region with a rich history in mining and natural resources. Growing up in this environment helped shape his appreciation for both the challenges and opportunities of the industry he would later help transform.

Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering

Hein earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of British Columbia (UBC). During his studies, he developed strong technical knowledge in systems design, mechanical reliability, and operations management. His academic foundation gave him a deep understanding of how mechanical systems function in large-scale industrial environments.

Master’s in Organizational Leadership

Seeking to expand beyond technical knowledge, Hein pursued a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Royal Roads University. This program refined his skills in communication, team dynamics, and strategic leadership, enabling him to combine engineering knowledge with modern management practices.

A Blend of Technical and Human Skills

By merging engineering with leadership education, Hein developed a unique professional philosophy. He believes true success in engineering requires both technical problem-solving and empathy-driven leadership — a balance that defines his entire career.

Early Career at Teck Resources Limited

Starting in Project Engineering

Cory Hein began his professional career at Teck Resources Limited, where he started in project engineering and technical maintenance roles. These early positions exposed him to the inner workings of large-scale mining operations and helped him understand the importance of efficiency and safety in industrial environments.

Building Technical Foundations

His early responsibilities included:

• Evaluating equipment performance.

• Implementing maintenance optimization systems.

• Supporting reliability and safety upgrades.

Hein quickly gained a reputation for his analytical skills and his ability to improve mechanical reliability through data-driven engineering solutions.

Advancement to Senior Reliability Engineer

Through dedication and continuous learning, Hein progressed to the role of Senior Reliability Engineer. In this position, he was responsible for maintenance planning, equipment optimization, and performance improvement projects. His work helped reduce downtime, increase reliability, and improve overall production efficiency at Teck.

Transition into Leadership Roles

From Engineer to Leader

Cory Hein’s career naturally evolved from hands-on engineering into leadership and management. His transition demonstrated not only his technical ability but also his strong communication and organizational skills.

Shop Maintenance Foreman

As a Shop Maintenance Foreman, he managed diverse maintenance teams, coordinated repair schedules, and ensured that all safety standards were followed. Under his leadership, teams operated efficiently, and workplace morale remained high.

Developing Leadership Skills

In his leadership journey, Hein focused on:

• Building trust through transparency.

• Encouraging collaboration between engineering and operations.

• Empowering individuals to take initiative in solving problems.

This shift from individual technical work to team leadership set the stage for his later accomplishments as an organizational leader within Teck Resources.

Leadership Philosophy and Style

Cory Hein’s leadership philosophy centers on empowerment, empathy, and continuous improvement. His style blends technical expertise with strong interpersonal awareness, creating a workplace culture built on trust and collaboration.

Empowerment

Hein believes in giving employees autonomy to make decisions and contribute ideas. By empowering his teams, he encourages innovation and accountability.

Accountability with Empathy

He maintains high performance standards while supporting team members through challenges. His leadership approach promotes both responsibility and personal growth.

Continuous Learning

Hein advocates for professional development through mentorship, training, and skills upgrading. He believes learning never stops — especially in fast-changing industries like mining.

Collaboration-Driven Innovation

He emphasizes the power of teamwork in solving complex problems. By fostering open communication and shared decision-making, Hein helps teams find new and efficient solutions.

Traditional vs. Modern Leadership

Innovation and Industry Impact

Cory Hein is at the forefront of technological advancement in mining. His work reflects the integration of engineering precision, digital tools, and sustainability goals.

Data-Driven Maintenance

Hein promotes predictive maintenance systems that use data analytics and digital sensors to forecast equipment failures. This proactive approach minimizes downtime and increases reliability.

Automation and Digital Integration

He has supported the introduction of automation, IoT systems, and AI-powered analytics across Teck’s operations. These tools help improve operational safety, efficiency, and decision-making.

Sustainable Engineering

Hein’s work aligns with global sustainability goals. He supports projects aimed at reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and minimizing environmental impact. His leadership ensures that innovation and responsibility go hand in hand.

Impact on Canada’s Mining Competitiveness

Through his efforts, Teck Resources has achieved measurable improvements in performance and sustainability. Hein’s approach represents the modern direction of Canadian mining — efficient, safe, and environmentally conscious.

Mentorship and Talent Development

Mentorship is one of Cory Hein’s defining characteristics. He is passionate about guiding young engineers and preparing them for leadership roles.

Mentorship Programs

Hein leads mentorship initiatives within Teck, connecting experienced engineers with new graduates. These programs encourage knowledge-sharing, innovation, and professional growth.

Building More Leaders

His philosophy is simple: “The best leaders create more leaders.” He empowers others to take responsibility and learn from real-world challenges.

STEM Outreach

Beyond the workplace, Hein participates in STEM education outreach, inspiring young students to pursue careers in engineering, science, and technology. His community involvement helps strengthen Canada’s future talent pipeline.

Awards, Recognition, and Industry Influence

Professional Recognition

Over the years, Cory Hein has earned recognition for engineering excellence, leadership innovation, and sustainability contributions. Industry associations and colleagues often highlight his ability to unite technology and teamwork.

Conference Speaker and Thought Leader

Hein frequently participates in engineering and leadership conferences, including the Mining Leadership Summit, where he has been invited to share insights on adaptive leadership and digital transformation.

Influence on the Mining Community

Hein’s thought leadership extends beyond his company. His writings, presentations, and mentorship initiatives influence how Canadian industries approach leadership, innovation, and safety.

Community Engagement and Social Responsibility

Cory Hein is deeply connected to his community in Fernie, British Columbia. He believes that engineering leadership extends beyond business success.

Environmental Responsibility

He supports community projects focused on environmental preservation, sustainable resource management, and clean technology.

STEM and Youth Programs

He volunteers time and resources to help local youth develop interest in engineering and technical careers, ensuring the next generation is prepared for future challenges.

Partnerships and Collaboration

Hein advocates for transparent communication with local and Indigenous communities, promoting ethical practices and long-term sustainability in resource operations.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

Navigating Industrial Challenges

Like any professional leader, Cory Hein has faced challenges — from mechanical failures and production delays to managing diverse teams and adapting to new technologies.

Staying Calm Under Pressure

He has developed a reputation for staying composed during crises, enabling teams to focus and perform under tight deadlines.

Balancing Short-Term and Long-Term Goals

Hein believes in solving immediate problems while never losing sight of long-term strategic objectives.

Transparent Communication

One of his strongest leadership lessons is the importance of clear, honest communication, which builds trust and teamwork across departments.

The Future of Engineering Leadership

Adapting to a Changing Industry

The mining sector is undergoing rapid change due to digital transformation, sustainability demands, and workforce evolution. Hein’s leadership model provides a roadmap for navigating this change.

Potential Future Directions

• Taking on broader strategic leadership roles.

• Expanding mentorship and professional development programs.

• Influencing policy and standards in sustainable mining.

Alignment with Global Trends

His approach mirrors global trends in engineering innovation, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) accountability, and digital integration, positioning him as a thought leader for the next generation.

Why Cory Hein Matters

Cory Hein’s career shows how engineering and leadership can work together to create positive, lasting change. His ability to combine technical excellence, innovation, and human understanding makes him a model for the future of industrial leadership.

Key Takeaways

• Blends mechanical engineering with strong leadership.

• Champions sustainability, safety, and innovation.

• Inspires the next generation through mentorship.

• Represents the evolving face of Canada’s mining industry.

Hein’s influence continues to grow as he helps shape a modern, responsible, and forward-thinking mining sector.

Conclusion

Cory Hein’s story is one of engineering excellence and human leadership. Through his work at Teck Resources Limited, he demonstrates how innovation, teamwork, and sustainability can coexist in a demanding industrial world.

His journey from a young engineer in British Columbia to a respected leader in Canada’s mining sector is a powerful example of how determination and continuous learning can create meaningful change.

As the mining industry evolves, Cory Hein stands as a beacon of progress — proof that the future of engineering leadership is both technically advanced and deeply human-centered.

FAQs About Cory Hein

1. Who is Cory Hein?

Cory Hein is a Canadian mechanical engineer and leadership professional known for his innovative work at Teck Resources Limited. Based in Fernie, British Columbia, he is recognized for combining engineering expertise with modern leadership to drive sustainability, safety, and operational excellence in Canada’s mining industry.

2. What is Cory Hein known for?

Cory Hein is best known for redefining engineering leadership in the mining sector through data-driven innovation, predictive maintenance, and people-focused management. He champions sustainable mining practices and mentorship programs that empower future engineers.

3. Where did Cory Hein study?

Cory Hein earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of British Columbia and later completed a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership at Royal Roads University, combining technical knowledge with leadership and communication skills.

4. What company does Cory Hein work for?

Cory Hein works with Teck Resources Limited, one of Canada’s largest diversified mining companies. At Teck, he plays a key role in advancing engineering innovation, automation, and sustainability across operations.

5. Why is Cory Hein important to Canada’s mining industry?

Cory Hein is important to Canada’s mining industry because he bridges technology, sustainability, and leadership. His approach to innovation and mentorship helps modernize mining operations while building a more skilled, safety-conscious, and future-ready workforce.