CFD Modeling Engineer

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 steelmaking. 

Modeling Engineer 

Hertha Metals is well on its way to dramatically change the global steel industry with its revolutionary ironmaking technology. We are seeking an experienced modeling engineer to help develop multi-phase CFD models for our cutting-edge technology. 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 Head of Engineering. 

Key Responsibilities 

To be successful in this role, a candidate must have a deep understanding of how to model complex physical systems, validate the accuracy of the models, help interpret the data developed by the model, and ultimately, help integrate findings into future equipment designs. This position will work closely with the research, engineering and operations teams to gather input for the model, establish boundary conditions and develop data to validate model performance.  

Additional skills: 

• Have experience modeling complex fluid flows phenomena and interactions, including conservation of mass, momentum, and energy. Experience modeling chemical process systems with two or more miscible liquid phases, is a plus. Experience modeling high temperature systems is also a plus.  

• A deep understanding of different meshing strategies to optimize simulation accuracy and efficiency. 

• Be able to draw, import and manipulate CAD models for CFD models. 

• Strong knowledge of partial differential equations solutions 

• Will need to be proficient with ANSYS Fluent 

• Have familiarity with scripting languages for data manipulation 

• Being comfortable with changing priorities 

Your experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, mechanical engineering, chemistry or materials science with 10+ years of relevant modeling experience. PhD preferred. 

• Willingness and ability to work independently to accomplish assigned tasks but ask questions when unsure of next steps. 

• Read, write and communicate observations effectively and present status, action, recommendations, and other technical information  

• Capacity to build strong relationships with and positively influence equipment vendors. 

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 just outside of Houston, Texas   

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:  

• Competitive startup compensation package based on expertise. Compensation is increased based on achieved business development milestones.  

• 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 for employees that have been employed with us for at least a year. 

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.