Research Associate; Product Development

Research Associate (Product Development)

San Jose, CA

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.

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…