About Hertha Metals, Inc.:  

Hertha Metals is redefining how the world makes steel. We’ve developed a breakthrough single-step steelmaking process that uses gas reductants to convert iron ore of any grade or form, delivering lower production costs and emissions than blast furnaces—while improving product quality and scalability. Having operated the world’s largest single-step steelmaking pilot plant, we’re now scaling toward commercial deployment. Our mission is to redefine the foundation of modern industry by scaling cleaner, more efficient, and more cost competitive metalmaking systems. At Hertha, engineers, metallurgists, and operators work side by side to transform the future of steel making. 

Mechanical Engineer 

The Mechanical Engineer will support the design, commissioning, operation, and continuous improvement of mechanical systems critical to Hertha’s ironmaking process. This role requires a hands-on engineer who is comfortable working in an industrial, plant-based environment and collaborating closely with operations, maintenance, and cross-functional engineering teams during scale-up. This position reports directly to the Head of Engineering. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Support the design, specification, and installation of mechanical systems including vessels, piping, structural components, rotating equipment, and material handling systems 

• Review and develop mechanical drawings, equipment specifications, and engineering documentation 

• Support equipment installation, commissioning, and start-up activities 

• Provide on-site troubleshooting and engineering support during operations 

• Assist with root cause analysis (RCA) of mechanical failures and implement corrective actions 

• Support development of preventive and predictive maintenance strategies 

• Ensure compliance with applicable mechanical codes, standards, and safety requirements 

• Participate in safety reviews, HAZOPs, and incident investigations 

• Collaborate with process, electrical, and controls engineers to ensure integrated system performance 

• Support mechanical engineering needs for plant expansions and future facilities 

Your experience: 

• BS or higher in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering, 

• 2+ years of relevant experience in 3D CAD design and simulation of industrial equipment.  Experience in steel making operations is desirable. 

• Experience in new plant engineering or plant process engineering with a focus on plant operations/startups 

• Candidate must possess the skill to make well-balanced judgments by considering factors such as functionality, dependability, initial investment, and ongoing expenses 

• The ability to understand complex interactions between feedstocks, upstream and downstream processes is highly desirable. 

• Strong analytical skills with ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions and implement sustainable improvements. 

• Ability to clearly communicate and present status, action, recommendations, and other technical information at all levels.  

• Capacity to build strong relationships with and positively influence equipment vendors. 

Additional skills: 

• Support furnace commissioning, calibration, and maintenance activities. 

• Proficiency with ANSYS Fluent  

• Familiarity with scripting languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for data analysis and automation. 

• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing priorities and thrive in a fast-paced, experimental environment. 

• Knowledge of instrumentation and process control systems (PID loops, PLCs, SCADA 

• Familiarity with materials characterization techniques (XRF, XRD, SEM) 

• 3–8 years of experience in an industrial, manufacturing, energy, metals, or chemical environment. Hands-on experience supporting mechanical systems in operating facilities 

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills 

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment 

• Willingness to work on-site and support plant operations as required 

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES 

Energetic and highly motivated; high level of organization; able to multitask on many projects; detail oriented; able to focus on overall project goals; team oriented. 

LEVEL OF INDEPENDENCE 

Individuals must be able to work independently and also be able to direct long-term tasks through to completion.  Some projects are highly supervised, some are minimally supervised 

Location: Hertha Metals’ headquarters are in Conroe, TX, just outside of Houston. 

Hertha Culture:   

Inspired by the work and character of the late Hertha Ayrton, we are pioneers, innovators, and risk-takers who are mission driven towards changing the world. We are:  

• Mission-Obsessed – We are deeply committed, driven, and passionate about achieving our mission of being the catalyst for decarbonizing metals production.   

• Anti-Bloat – We operate as a lean, efficient agile team to maximize impact.    

• Leave the “I” at home - We face challenges together, knowing that collaboration and unity are the keys to our success.    

• Safety First – Safety is our top priority in everything we do! NO EXCEPTIONS.   

• Aim High – We achieve what others consider impossible.    

What we offer:  

• Competitive startup compensation package based on expertise. Compensation is increased based on achieved business development milestones.  

• Stock: ownership in a funded company that is innovating in a trillion-dollar industry  

• Paid + unpaid parental leave after 1 year at the company (12 weeks paid, with flexible working style to transition after parental leave such as part-time remote working)  

• Growth: our team is comprised of people with a growth mindset, and we want to help you achieve your future career goals accordingly  

• Time off: This is a fast-paced startup company working in one of the most exciting sectors and the last thing we want is our valuable team members to burn out.   

• 401k plan for employees that have been employed with us for at least a year.  

Hertha Metals is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We firmly prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. In fact, we uniquely hold our shareholders and board members to higher standards than the majority of companies. All employment decisions at Hertha Metals are based on the expertise that the position calls for, without regard to race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or age.