Materals Scientist

About Hertha Metals, Inc.

At Hertha Metals, our unwavering commitment is to revolutionize the heavy industry by embracing technologies that significantly decrease carbon emissions and uplift humanity. While the global steel sector plays a crucial role in providing secure and resilient infrastructure for society, it is also responsible for 10% of worldwide CO2 emissions. Hertha Metals envisions a future that breaks away from the traditional coal-based iron and steelmaking practices of the past three centuries. Our innovative steel manufacturing process utilizes well-established chemistry to dramatically reduce the environmental impact of steel production, all while offering economic advantages to the industry.

If you aspire to be at the forefront of pioneering efforts at Hertha, this is the perfect moment to join us. While we are still in the early stages (albeit well-funded), you have the unique opportunity to play a vital role in transforming the steel sector and actively contribute to the establishment of Hertha.

Materials Scientist

Hertha Metals is scaling up its revolutionary iron smelting technology. We are seeking a hands-on and experienced professional to help move our technology from the laboratory to Pilot Scale.  As part of the Research Team, you will use your steel making expertise along with your engineering and project management skills to help drive our technology forward. 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 VP of Research and Development. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Assist in the construction, operation, and maintenance of bench-scale and pilot-scale furnaces.

• Collaborate with equipment suppliers and the Hertha team to ensure the pilot-scale furnace is fully instrumented, providing comprehensive process data to inform technology scaling.

• Partner with equipment vendors and installers to gain in-depth knowledge of the operations and maintenance of research and pilot-scale furnaces.

• Develop process flows, recipes, work standards, and quality assurance protocols to ensure consistent throughput and product quality.

• Investigate and analyze failures in steel products to determine root causes and develop solutions to prevent future occurrences.

• Develop and implement quality control procedures to ensure that all steel products meet industry standards and customer specifications.

• Work closely with other departments such as engineering and production

• Maintain detailed records of research findings, test results, and process improvements. Prepare technical reports and presentations for investors.

• Ensure that all materials and processes comply with relevant industry standards and regulations.

• Stay updated with the latest advancements in materials science and steel technology, and apply this knowledge to drive innovation within the company.

• Train and mentor junior scientists and technicians, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Requirements 

• US Citizenship

• Advanced degree (MSC, PhD preferred) in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.

• Experience in energetic materials formulation, particularly for additive manufacturing applications.

• Proven track record in R&D projects, ideally within the Steel Industry.

• Strong practical skills in operating advanced manufacturing equipment.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and top research institutions.

• Experience in setting up and managing high-tech laboratories.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Exceptional communication abilities for both technical reporting and interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Innovative Mindset: Passion for innovation, testing, and troubleshooting, with a penchant for perfection and a drive for continuous improvement.

• Strong hands-on experience with a thoughtful and analytical approach to problem-solving.

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. 

• Safety is the most important part of all jobs within Hertha Metals; therefore, candidate must be able to demonstrate the ability to initiate, lead, and uphold safety policies, practices, procedures,

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