Furnace Operator

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. 

Furnace Operator

Hertha Metals is scaling up its revolutionary iron smelting technology. We are looking for a Furnace operator to support iron and steelmaking operations during pilot plant trials and participate in the industrial production of green steel. You must enjoy working in a fast-paced startup environment where creativity, speed, initiative and cross-functional teamwork are required to succeed.  This position reports to the Pilot Operations Manager

Key Responsibilities

We're seeking individuals who thrive in a fast-paced environment, possess a strong work ethic, and are driven by results. As a Furnace Operator, you'll be responsible for operating and maintaining cutting-edge equipment, showcasing your problem-solving skills, and working collaboratively in a multicultural team. If you're a loyal, respectful, and proactive individual with a passion for science, basic computer knowledge, and mechanical aptitude, this is the opportunity for you. Additional responsibilities for this role include:

• Safeguard the reliability and functionality of various equipment in the field, including feeders, transformers, rectifiers, exhausters, water cooler piping, furnace shell, valves, relief devices, metal, and slag launders.

• Ensure precise feeding of ore/concentrate, flux, and reductant into the furnace, while meticulously recording manual data for process control and monitoring. This includes temperature measurement and adjustment, loading vessels, and manually filling hoppers or bins with ore, flux, and reductant.

• Promptly identify and report any malfunctions or observed faults in the field to the plant supervisor and control room technician. Collaborate with mechanical or instrumentation electrician technicians, as well as the supervisor and junior engineer, to implement corrective measures.

• Accurately record metal and slag tapping temperatures, start and end times of tapping, flow rates of metal and slag, tap numbers, weights of tapped metal and slag, and the usage of accessories and tools during tapping. Additionally, record cooling water flow rates and outlet temperatures of each rotameter.

• Troubleshoot operational issues and promptly report them to the smelter metallurgical technician for decision-making on corrective actions.

• Operate material handling and transportation equipment, such as cranes and conveyors, to facilitate smooth operations.

• Conduct minor repairs on equipment and perform routine maintenance tasks. Identify and address minor defects in equipment as necessary.

• Monitor equipment integrity to ensure optimal functionality and achievement of production goals.

• Assist mechanical technicians during regular maintenance activities on furnaces or other production equipment to ensure efficient operation.

• Monitor sensors used for controlling carbon monoxide and air pollution emissions from the furnace, including scrubbers that remove sulfur dioxide from emissions.

Requirements:

• A high school diploma or equivalent is a minimum requirement for metal furnace operators.

• A two-year associate degree in a technical field, such as industrial maintenance or process technology will be preferred.

•  2 years experience working in smelting environment preferred.

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

• Knowledge of smelting process.

• Basic computer, reading, and writing skills.

• Must have great communication skills.

• Must possess mechanical skills to understand how to operate and maintain equipment.

Certifications & Licenses:

• Forklift driving license preferred, but not required.

• Material transportation and handling licenses required.

• Hazardous and gas handling training certificates required.

  Location : on-site at facility in Conroe, Texas 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:

  • Committed - having a level of enthusiasm to do what it takes to get the job done; we are decisive and aggressively focused on our tasks, all while maintaining professional and social ethics. 

  • Efficient – we don’t have purposeless meetings that drag on 

  • Ambitious - Proving that what others say is impossible, is in fact possible

  • Inclusive - Valuing each team member’s own perspectives and set of unique experiences that they bring to the table – everyone's voices are heard.

  • Curious - Being curious, productive and innovative. 

  • Passionate - Working hard not because we have to, but because we are committed to our mission and enjoy our work.

  What we offer:

  • Competitive compensation package based on expertise. Compensation is increased on yearly basis in proportion to the amount of effort put into Hertha and the results you obtained

  • 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)

  • Flexible working style: as long as you get the job done, we are flexible with remote working on days that you don’t need to be in the lab or at the pilot facilities

  • 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: we have mandatory 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. 

  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 a 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.