Lab Technician

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. 

Lab Technician 

As a Lab Technician at Hertha Metals, you will be responsible for operating and maintaining all analytical instruments in our laboratory to support material testing and development. Reporting directly to the Sr. Research Engineer, you will conduct precise metallurgical analyses, including composition testing, microstructural evaluation, etc. Your work will be critical in ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and quality of our results, directly contributing to the advancement of our innovative steel manufacturing processes. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented technician with a strong background in laboratory instrumentation and a passion for innovation and precision analysis.  

Location: Onsite in Conroe, TX (Greater Houston Area) 

Reports To: Senior Research Engineer

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Perform chemical analysis of steel and slag samples, including composition testing and microstructural evaluations 

• Operate and maintain lab analytical equipment and furnaces 

• Document and analyze test results, providing reports and insights to the engineering and production teams 

• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and environmental standards in all lab activities 

• Assist in failure analysis and troubleshooting of material defects 

• Maintain an organized and efficient laboratory environment, including proper handling and disposal of materials 

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS 

• High School Diploma or GED 

• Experience in a laboratory setting, preferably in the steel, metals, or manufacturing industry 

• Familiarity with metallurgical testing methods, including spectroscopy, microscopy, and mechanical testing 

• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail 

• Proficiency in data recording, reporting, and analysis software 

• Ability to work in a fast-paced startup environment, adapting to new challenges and innovations 

Preferred Skills & Industry Knowledge 

• Experience with steel production, alloy development, or quality control in metals manufacturing 

• Knowledge of ISO, ASTM, or other metallurgical testing standards 

• Hands-on experience with optical and electron microscopy, x-ray fluorescence analysis, LECO analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Optical Emission Spectroscopy, tensile testing, and corrosion analysis. 

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: 

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

• Aim High – We achieve what others consider impossible. 

What we offer: 

• 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: We help you prepare for retirement by offering a 401k plan for those that have been employed with our company for over 12 months.  

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.