Shift Lead- Furnace Operator

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.

Shift Lead – Furnace Operator

Hertha Metals is scaling up its revolutionary iron smelting technology. We are looking for a Shift Lead 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, perseverance, and cross-functional teamwork are required to succeed.  This position reports to the Pilot Plant 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 Shift Lead, you will be a furnace operator in addition to being responsible for operating and maintaining cutting-edge equipment, showcasing your problem-solving skills, and working collaboratively in a multicultural team. If you thrive in technically challenging environments, are a proactive individual with leadership skills, and have '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:

• Lead a crew of furnace operations personnel, including one additional furnace operator and a control room operator, to hit measurable milestones and execute experimental plans.

• Train and mentor new employees on furnace and equipment operations, safe operating procedures, process and quality documentation, analytical tools, and safety policies.

• Lead furnace tapping operations multiple times during the shift.

• Develop, document, and maintain operating procedures for the pilot furnace.

• Safeguard the reliability and functionality of various equipment in the field, including bulk material handling equipment, exhaust systems, water cooled systems, refractories, pneumatics, and mobile equipment.

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

• Collaborate with technicians, manager, and/or the engineering team to implement corrective actions and improvements.

• Promptly troubleshoot, report, and solve operational issues with the operations manager and/or engineer. 

• Operate various mobile equipment, overhead cranes.

• Monitor and manage bulk material inventories levels

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

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

• Aid and comply with any other duties requested by the Operations Manager

Requirements:

• Strong and unapologetic safety mentality 

• 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.

• The Furnace Lead must have a minimum of 2 years working in smelting/melting environment and be knowledgeable of the process.

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

• Basic computer, reading, and writing skills.

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

Certifications & Licenses: 

• Forklift driving license preferred, but not 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 must, 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.