Research Associate (Product Development)

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 is transforming one of the world’s largest industries by reinventing how cement is made. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Fortera has developed next-generation cement technology that delivers high performance while reducing CO₂ emissions by up to ~70%. By mineralizing CO₂ and turning it into a productive feedstock, Fortera converts emissions into a valuable building material, creating a more sustainable path for modern construction.

With our commercial ReCarb® plant operating in Redding, California, and a growing global project pipeline, Fortera is moving from first-of-a-kind deployment to scaled commercialization. Our technology is already being used in real-world infrastructure applications, bringing next-generation cement into use today while expanding toward broader adoption.

At Fortera, you’ll work alongside scientists, engineers, operators, and industry experts who are turning cutting-edge materials science into real-world impact. We’re looking for curious thinkers, builders, and problem-solvers who want to help tackle one of the biggest challenges facing our planet.

This is more than a job. It’s an opportunity to help shape the future of sustainable construction.

Build What’s Next.

Visit www.forteraglobal.com to learn more.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Research Associate will support laboratory research and product development efforts focused on lower-carbon cement and concrete products. This role will prepare and evaluate cement-based materials, perform standardized and novel testing, assist with experimental design, and analyze and communicate research findings. As experience is gained, the Research Associate may independently plan and lead defined experimental projects.

This position is part of the Product team within Fortera’s Research and Development department.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare cement-based paste, mortar, and concrete mixtures and evaluate their performance.
• Perform standardized mortar and concrete testing in accordance with ASTM and other applicable testing standards.
• Conduct novel product and performance testing to support research and product development.
• Perform experiments under the guidance of scientists and contribute to experimental planning.
• Accurately collect, organize, analyze, and interpret experimental data.
• Use research findings to support product and process improvements.
• Operate analytical and materials characterization equipment, such as SEM, XRD, and TGA, as needed.
• Document experimental procedures and results and present findings during research meetings.
• Maintain laboratory supplies, consumables, chemicals, equipment, and inventory records.
• Conduct routine safety inspections and support a clean and organized laboratory environment.
• Follow all laboratory safety procedures and lean practices.

MINIMUM 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 laboratory 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 accurately document, organize, and communicate experimental findings.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Willingness to learn new testing methods, equipment, and technical concepts.
• Strong interest in developing a career in research and product development.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with standardized mortar or concrete testing, including ASTM C109, C187, C191, C305, C143, C39, C78, and/or AC529.
• Experience with concrete durability testing.
• Experience operating analytical or materials characterization equipment, such as SEM, XRD, and TGA, and interpreting the resulting data.
• Relevant cement or concrete certifications, such as ACI certification, Cement Physical Tester certification, or field or laboratory concrete testing credentials.
• Experience with concrete field operations, manufacturing, batching, or mix design.
• Experience with lower-carbon cement, alternative cementitious materials, or carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies.
• Experience working in a startup or similarly fast-paced environment.

COMPENSATION:

The compensation package for this role includes a competitive base salary commensurate with experience of $72,000 - $80,000 as well as an annual bonus and pre-IPO incentive stock options.

PERKS AND BENEFITS:

We know that happy employees are productive employees, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• 100% company-funded Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Disability coverages for employees
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
• Tax deferred & Roth 401k
• Paid vacation days (increased with tenure), 12 paid holidays, and unlimited PTO for exempt employees

Fortera is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other status protected by applicable law. Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.