Senior Environmental Engineer: Fluids Management Specialist Lead
Job Description
The Role:
The Fluids Management Specialist is the single-point authority for General Motors’ Global Propulsion System (GPS) Metal Removal Fluids (MRF) strategy and approvals. This role protects employee health, ensures regulatory compliance, and supports manufacturing performance across global propulsion operations.
The position leads the Metal Removal Fluid Strategy Team (MRFST) and provides strategic direction, technical governance, and standardized coolant management practices for metalworking fluids and related chemistries. The specialist authorizes new or changed MRF uses and aligns plants, Chemical Managers, suppliers, and corporate stakeholders.
What You'll Do:
Strategy, Governance, and Compliance
Lead the MRFST and ensure corporate, Manufacturing Engineering, and GPS MRF requirements are met
Develop, maintain, and enforce MRF policies and management guidelines for GPS plants
Ensure plant compliance with approved best practices, biostability requirements, and chemical management standards
Serve as the central authority on MRF, biostability, and coolant management requirements
Drive standardized, biostable coolant strategies across GPS operations
MRF Authorization and PMRv Oversight
Approve or reject all new and expanded-use MRFs before PMRv and Plant CCC submission
Ensure all MRFs on the PMRv list receive formal MRFST approval before plant use
Provide technical oversight to Chemical Managers supporting the PMRv process
Maintain the official list of MRFST- and LS2-approved fluids
Product Review and Biostability
Lead the two-phase MRF review process:
Phase I: MRFST authorization, including chemical feasibility, application review, SDS evaluation, and LS2 approval as needed
Phase II: PMRv coordination, including biostability, health, and environmental review
Enforce the requirement that all new coolant charges and coolant changes are biostable
Oversee biostability testing, including laboratory and in-plant validation, and communicate final determinations
Technical Leadership
Serve as GM’s subject matter expert for metalworking fluids, wash solutions, and related chemical management practices
Evaluate MRF performance, tooling impact, biological risk, and health and safety considerations
Lead or support investigation and resolution of plant MRF issues such as foam, rust, microbial growth, tooling impact, and health concerns
Drive evaluation, piloting, and implementation of new MRF technologies and coolant solutions
LS2 Standards Leadership
Chair the LS2 Lubricants Standards Committee for GM North America
Review, approve, or reject LS2 lubricant submissions in the LS2 portal
Maintain LS2 standards data in SupplyPower
Work with suppliers to obtain ingredient disclosure, base oil certifications, and lab test data
Plant and Cross-Functional Engagement
Serve as the GPS contact for new and revised MRF requests
Lead monthly MRFST meetings with Chemical Managers and cross-functional stakeholders
Conduct plant visits to assess MRF practices, support site needs, and guide long-term coolant strategies
Partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Toxicology, PMRv, suppliers, and plant teams to align strategy and execution
Communicate MRF strategy, risks, decisions, and guidance clearly to plants and leadership
Key Deliverables
Updated annual MRF Management Guidelines
Current MRFST authorization records
Documented biostability determinations and approvals
Maintained LS2 approvals and records in SupplyPower and related systems
Documented monthly MRFST and Chemical Manager reviews with action tracking
Updated MRFST documentation for Chemical Management SORs and governance documents
Your Skills & Abilities:
Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials/Metallurgical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical field
Typically 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, chemical management, metalworking fluids, or related process engineering
Experience with industrial coolant/MRF systems or lubrication systems
Experience with health, safety, and environmental considerations for chemicals in manufacturing
Demonstrated cross-functional technical leadership and decision-making
Proven ability to apply corporate standards and regulatory requirements to technical and business decisions
What Will Give You a Competitive Edge:
Master’s degree in a related technical field
Direct experience with metalworking fluids, wash chemistries, and biostability
Experience with chemical management programs in large manufacturing environments
Familiarity with GM systems and standards such as PMRv, LS2, SupplyPower, and Chemical Management SORs
Experience leading technical teams or standards committees
Experience working with regulatory, EHS, and toxicology professionals
Demonstrated ability to influence across plants, suppliers, and corporate functions without direct authority
GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc).
This role is categorized as remote. This means the selected candidate may be based anywhere in the country of work and is not expected to report to a GM worksite unless directed by their manager.
The selected candidate will be required to travel on a regular basis (25-50%) for this role.
This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.
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