Metallurgist Intern

Hertha Metals • Conroe, TX

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Metallurgist Intern will support metallurgical analysis, process development, and operational optimization activities critical to Hertha’s ironmaking technology. This is a hands-on, plant-based internship ideal for students interested in high-temperature metallurgy, phase transformations, reduction kinetics, and real-world metal production environments.
The intern will work closely with R&D, engineering, operations, and quality teams and gain direct exposure to pilot and early commercial plant environments. This position reports directly to the Sr. Research Engineer.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a BS or higher in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, or a closely related discipline
• Coursework or project experience involving metallurgy, thermodynamics, kinetics, or materials characterization
• Familiarity with basic metallurgical concepts such as phase diagrams, reduction reactions, and microstructures
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect data, identify trends, and support data-driven conclusions
• Ability to clearly communicate technical information, observations, and findings
• Interest in working in an industrial, plant-based environment

Nice To Haves

• Exposure to ironmaking, steelmaking, or high-temperature metallurgical processes
• Familiarity with laboratory techniques such as optical microscopy, SEM/EDS, XRD, or chemical analysis (academic or internship-based)
• Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Python, MATLAB)
• Basic understanding of process control concepts and industrial instrumentation
• Interest in pilot-scale experimentation, commissioning, or operational metallurgy
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced, experimental environment

Responsibilities

• Support metallurgical testing, sampling, and analysis of ores, intermediates, and metallic products
• Assist with characterization of materials using chemical, microstructural, and physical property analysis
• Support development and optimization of ironmaking and reduction processes
• Collect, analyze, and interpret process and materials data to support operational improvements
• Assist with root cause analysis (RCA) related to metallurgical performance, product quality, or process deviations
• Support preparation of technical reports, test summaries, and experimental documentation
• Participate in plant trials, commissioning activities, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Collaborate with process, mechanical, and operations teams to ensure metallurgical requirements are met
• Support safety reviews, operating procedures, and best practices related to metallurgical work

Benefits

• Hands-on experience in a cutting-edge industrial startup
• Direct exposure to pilot and early-commercial plant operations
• Mentorship from experienced engineers and operators
• Meaningful technical work with real operational impact
• Competitive internship compensation (paid internship; duration and hours based on availability)

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern