R&D Associate, Low-Carbon Cement

Fortera; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

HSA/FSA options

401k with Roth option

Paid vacation, holidays, and unlimited

Job summary

Fortera, based in Silicon Valley, is building next‑generation cement technology to reduce CO₂ emissions and transform sustainable construction. The Research Associate will support lab research and product development focused on lower-carbon cement and concrete, preparing materials, performing tests, and analyzing results to guide improvements.

As the role grows, candidates may lead defined experimental projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 2+ years of professional/industry laboratory experience in R&D or testing.
• Experience working safely in a laboratory environment with chemicals and equipment.
• Ability to follow experimental procedures and perform testing consistently and repeatably.
• Strong attention to detail and demonstrated scientific problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to document, organize, and communicate experimental findings.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Willingness to learn new testing methods, equipment, and concepts.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cement-based paste, mortar, and concrete mixtures and evaluate their performance.
• Perform standardized mortar and concrete testing per ASTM and other standards.
• Conduct novel product and performance testing to support research and development.
• Assist with experimental design and data collection.
• Analyze and present experimental data and findings in meetings.
• Maintain laboratory supplies, chemicals, and equipment.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Experimental procedures

Data analysis

Documentation

Collaboration

Safety protocols

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or related field

Tools

SEM

XRD

TGA

Job description

Fortera, based in Silicon Valley, is building next‑generation cement technology to reduce CO₂ emissions and transform sustainable construction. The Research Associate will support lab research and product development focused on lower-carbon cement and concrete, preparing materials, performing tests, and analyzing results to guide improvements.

As the role grows, candidates may lead defined experimental projects.