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. 

Metallurgist Intern 

The Metallurgist Intern will support metallurgical analysis, process development, and operational optimization activities critical to Hertha’s ironmaking technology. This is a hands-on, plant-based internship ideal for students interested in high-temperature metallurgy, phase transformations, reduction kinetics, and real-world metal production environments. 

The intern will work closely with R&D, engineering, operations, and quality teams and gain direct exposure to pilot and early commercial plant environments. This position reports directly to the Sr. Research Engineer. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Support metallurgical testing, sampling, and analysis of ores, intermediates, and metallic products 

• Assist with characterization of materials using chemical, microstructural, and physical property analysis 

• Support development and optimization of ironmaking and reduction processes 

• Collect, analyze, and interpret process and materials data to support operational improvements 

• Assist with root cause analysis (RCA) related to metallurgical performance, product quality, or process deviations 

• Support preparation of technical reports, test summaries, and experimental documentation 

• Participate in plant trials, commissioning activities, and continuous improvement initiatives 

• Collaborate with process, mechanical, and operations teams to ensure metallurgical requirements are met 

• Support safety reviews, operating procedures, and best practices related to metallurgical work 

Your experience: 

• Currently pursuing a BS or higher in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, or a closely related discipline 

• Coursework or project experience involving metallurgy, thermodynamics, kinetics, or materials characterization 

• Familiarity with basic metallurgical concepts such as phase diagrams, reduction reactions, and microstructures 

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect data, identify trends, and support data-driven conclusions 

• Ability to clearly communicate technical information, observations, and findings 

• Interest in working in an industrial, plant-based environment 

Additional skills: 

• Exposure to ironmaking, steelmaking, or high-temperature metallurgical processes 

• Familiarity with laboratory techniques such as optical microscopy, SEM/EDS, XRD, or chemical analysis (academic or internship-based) 

• Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Python, MATLAB) 

• Basic understanding of process control concepts and industrial instrumentation 

• Interest in pilot-scale experimentation, commissioning, or operational metallurgy 

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced, experimental environment 

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:  

• Hands-on experience in a cutting-edge industrial startup 

• Direct exposure to pilot and early-commercial plant operations 

• Mentorship from experienced engineers and operators 

• Meaningful technical work with real operational impact 

• Competitive internship compensation (paid internship; duration and hours based on availability) 

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.