Project Engineer

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.

The Project Engineer will support the planning, design, and execution of Hertha Chalyx, our next plant: a 10,000-ton-per-year facility targeted for 2027 that will serve as a demonstration facility for steel and a commercial-scale facility for high-purity iron. This role requires a hands-on engineer who is comfortable driving project deliverables from early planning through construction and start-up, and who collaborates closely with process, mechanical, electrical, and controls engineers, operations, vendors, and contractors during scale-up. This position reports directly to the Director of Plant Engineering.

• Support front-end planning and project definition for Hertha Chalyx, including scope development, basis of design, and project execution plans
• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, cost estimates, and resource plans, and track progress against key milestones
• Coordinate engineering deliverables across process, mechanical, civil/structural, electrical, and controls disciplines, including P&IDs, equipment lists, plot plans, layouts, and specifications
• Prepare technical specifications, requests for quotation, and bid evaluations for equipment, materials, and contractors
• Manage relationships with EPC firms, equipment suppliers, and fabricators, including reviewing vendor drawings, submittals, and change orders
• Support site selection, permitting, and regulatory activities, including air permits, building permits, and utility interconnections
• Apply lessons learned from the Conroe pilot plant to the design, layout, operability, and maintainability of the new facility
• Participate in safety reviews, HAZOPs, constructability reviews, and design reviews
• Maintain project documentation, including management of change, RFIs, action item logs, and risk registers
• Support construction oversight, mechanical completion, commissioning, and start-up activities as the project moves into execution
• Prepare status reports and present progress, risks, and recommendations to leadership

• BS or higher in Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, or Electrical Engineering
• 3–8 years of project engineering experience in an industrial, manufacturing, energy, metals, or chemical environment. Experience in steelmaking operations is desirable.
• Experience on new plant or major capital projects, from front-end planning through construction and start-up
• Ability to make well-balanced judgments by weighing functionality, reliability, initial investment, and ongoing expenses
• Understanding of complex interactions between feedstocks and upstream and downstream processes is highly desirable
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and implement sustainable improvements
• Ability to clearly communicate and present status, actions, recommendations, and other technical information at all levels
• Capacity to build strong relationships with and positively influence equipment vendors, EPC contractors, and regulatory agencies

• Familiarity with stage-gate project delivery (FEL/FEED), cost estimating, and project controls
• Proficiency with scheduling and project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6)
• Ability to read and review P&IDs, general arrangement drawings, plot plans, and electrical one-line diagrams
• Familiarity with applicable codes and standards for industrial facilities (e.g., ASME, NFPA 86, OSHA)
• Familiarity with environmental and air permitting processes
• Experience with high-temperature furnaces, gas handling, or bulk material handling systems is a plus
• EIT or PE license and/or PMP certification is a plus
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing priorities and thrive in a fast-paced, experimental environment
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Willingness to travel to vendor shops, contractor offices, and the Hertha Chalyx site, and to work on-site during construction, commissioning, and start-up, including off-hours support as required

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.

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.

Hertha Metals’ headquarters are in Conroe, TX, just outside of Houston. This role will require travel to the Hertha Chalyx site in Conroe.

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.

• 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.