Self Employed Refractory Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About Hertha Metals, Inc.:
Hertha Metals Inc. is a stealthy, venture-backed startup dedicated to revitalizing domestic steel production through cutting-edge technology. As a driving force behind the next era of American industry, Hertha Metals is pioneering innovative, cost-competitive processes that strengthen the resilience of steel manufacturing while reducing reliance on outdated, offshored supply chains.
Steel is the foundation of modern infrastructure, yet traditional production methods rely on a 300-year-old process that has left the industry vulnerable to economic shifts and global dependencies. Hertha Metals is reimagining steelmaking with breakthrough technology that enhances efficiency, boosts domestic manufacturing, and fortifies industrial self-sufficiency. By leveraging proven chemistry in a novel way, our process delivers a stronger, more secure steel supply chain while positioning the industry for long-term economic and technological leadership.
Utility Worker
As a Utility Worker at Hertha Metals, you will support daily operations within our Pilot Plant by assisting with material preparation, equipment operation, and general facility upkeep. Reporting directly to the Pilot Plant Manager, you will play a key role in ensuring smooth, safe, and efficient production activities. Your work will contribute directly to the success of our innovative steel manufacturing processes by maintaining operational readiness and supporting various production and testing efforts.
This role is ideal for a hands-on, detail-oriented team member with strong mechanical aptitude and a commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement in a dynamic, industrial environment.
Location: Onsite in Conroe, TX (Greater Houston Area)
Reports To: Pilot Plant Manager
Pay: $15-17/ hr
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate and inspect forklifts and overhead cranes to support material movement.

• Use hand tools, power tools, and cutting torches to assist in daily operations and equipment prep.

• Support refractory operations by prepping, pouring, cutting, and assembling materials as needed.

• Load raw materials manually and mechanically into batch hoppers and skip hoists.

• Assist in the preparation and maintenance of tapping pots and other critical production components.

• Perform basic maintenance, housekeeping, and organization of the Pilot Plant's interior and exterior work areas.

• Conduct basic sampling procedures, such as XRF sampling after sounding.

• Read and interpret tape measures, micrometers, and pressure gauges to support operational tasks.

• Assist with light mechanical, fabrication, and basic electrical work as needed.

• Follow all safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized, and compliant work environment.

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

• Basic mechanical, fabrication, and light electrical skills preferred.

• Ability to accurately read tape measures, micrometers, and pressure gauges.

• Comfortable operating forklifts, overhead cranes, and basic industrial equipment (training provided if necessary).

• Strong commitment to safety, teamwork, and continuous learning.

• Ability to work in physically demanding conditions, including lifting up to [insert weight] pounds and standing for extended periods.

• Previous experience in manufacturing, construction, or industrial environments is a plus, but not required.

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:

• 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.
About Hertha Metals, Inc.:
Hertha Metals Inc. is a stealthy, venture-backed startup dedicated to revitalizing domestic steel production through cutting-edge technology. As a driving force behind the next era of American industry, Hertha Metals is pioneering innovative, cost-competitive processes that strengthen the resilience of steel manufacturing while reducing reliance on outdated, offshored supply chains.
Steel is the foundation of modern infrastructure, yet traditional production methods rely on a 300-year-old process that has left the industry vulnerable to economic shifts and global dependencies. Hertha Metals is reimagining steelmaking with breakthrough technology that enhances efficiency, boosts domestic manufacturing, and fortifies industrial self-sufficiency. By leveraging proven chemistry in a novel way, our process delivers a stronger, more secure steel supply chain while positioning the industry for long-term economic and technological leadership.
Production Worker
As a Production Worker at Hertha Metals, you will support daily operations within our Pilot Plant by assisting with material preparation, equipment operation, and general facility upkeep. Reporting directly to the Pilot Plant Manager, you will play a key role in ensuring smooth, safe, and efficient production activities. Your work will contribute directly to the success of our innovative steel manufacturing processes by maintaining operational readiness and supporting various production and testing efforts.
This role is ideal for a hands-on, detail-oriented team member with strong mechanical aptitude and a commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement in a dynamic, industrial environment.
Location: Onsite in Conroe, TX (Greater Houston Area)
Reports To: Pilot Plant Manager
Pay: $15-17/ hr
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate and inspect forklifts and overhead cranes to support material movement.

• Use hand tools, power tools, and cutting torches to assist in daily operations and equipment prep.

• Support refractory operations by prepping, pouring, cutting, and assembling materials as needed.

• Load raw materials manually and mechanically into batch hoppers and skip hoists.

• Assist in the preparation and maintenance of tapping pots and other critical production components.

• Perform basic maintenance, housekeeping, and organization of the Pilot Plant's interior and exterior work areas.

• Conduct basic sampling procedures, such as XRF sampling after sounding.

• Read and interpret tape measures, micrometers, and pressure gauges to support operational tasks.

• Assist with light mechanical, fabrication, and basic electrical work as needed.

• Follow all safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized, and compliant work environment.

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

• Basic mechanical, fabrication, and light electrical skills preferred.

• Ability to accurately read tape measures, micrometers, and pressure gauges.

• Comfortable operating forklifts, overhead cranes, and basic industrial equipment (training provided if necessary).

• Strong commitment to safety, teamwork, and continuous learning.

• Ability to work in physically demanding conditions, including lifting up to [insert weight] pounds and standing for extended periods.

• Previous experience in manufacturing, construction, or industrial environments is a plus, but not required.

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:

• 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.