---
title: 'Instrumentation & Control Systems Engineer at Fortera Corporation'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/instrumentation-control-systems-engineer-fortera-corporation-san-jose-w9v06651mj2b'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-11-07'
---

# Instrumentation & Control Systems Engineer at Fortera Corporation

- **Company:** Fortera Corporation
- **Location:** San Jose, CA
- **Posted:** 2026-11-02
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-07
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/forteracorporation/jobs/4750046005

## 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](http://www.forteraglobal.com) to learn more.

## POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Controls System Engineer will contribute to successful design and operation of control system hardware and software for all Fortera processes including mineral grinding, kiln operation/calcination, mineral dissolution, gas absorption, precipitation, solids dewatering, and drying.

This is a hands-on role requiring a driven engineer who would be versatile enough to bridge the gaps between R&D, internal core process design, and outside engineering firms or equipment suppliers.

The position is best suited for someone with an engineering degree who understands plant operations, can bridge the gap between theory and practice, enjoys the challenges of a fast-paced work environment and will be eager to use emerging technologies to tackle old and new problems.

This individual must be able to deal with the unknown challenges brought on by implementing new technology and manufacturing processes and is comfortable with not knowing all the answers but be able to make decisions and recommendations as we go.

Travel: Up to 15% travel is required.

READY TO BUILD WHAT’S NEXT?

Do you want to turn ambitious ideas into reality as part of a team that designs, buys, builds, tests, and runs its own facilities?

Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where priorities evolve, challenges change, and you are willing to adapt, step into gaps, solve problems, and do what is needed to help the team deliver?

Do you take ownership, contribute to decisions, act with urgency, and stay accountable through to the outcome?

Do you believe in building collective strength through collaboration, sharing knowledge, supporting others, and putting the success of the team ahead of individual boundaries?

Are you motivated to work at the forefront of innovation, push what is possible, bring ideas to life, and use technology, AI, and continuous improvement to deliver better performance and results?

If this sounds like you, we’d like to hear from you.

## KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Detailed Design/Project Execution:

- Contribute to the development of control philosophy, sequence logic, state machine, etc.
- Review the PLC code written by system integrator and third-party vendors.
- Review the HMI objects and faceplates developed by system integrator and test them extensively for bug free operation.
- Pre-deployment testing of the PLC and HMI software.
- Help with preparing project deliverables including control narrative, operation/maintenance manual, etc.
- Collaborate with process, R&D, project, and business development teams to define the I&C requirements for the project.
- Review the design documents including PFDs, P&IDs, Instrumentation list, IO list, logic diagrams, wiring diagrams, electrical schematics, control enclosure layouts, and interlock schematics.
- Review the specifications documents and datasheets. Participate in procurement activities including vendor selection and communication, vendor visits, FATs, SATs, etc.
- Communicate effectively with EPCs, suppliers and external vendors to source automation equipment, components, and systems, ensuring that specifications, timelines, and quality standards are met.
- Manage supplier relationships, conduct technical discussions and resolve any issues that may arise during procurement, testing, and integration stages.

Commissioning and Plant operation Support:

- Setup, calibrate, and troubleshoot industrial sensors and transmitters
- Support general activities of commissioning and troubleshooting for the commercial plant.
- Efficiently troubleshoot complex SCADA and controls issue using relevant tools.
- Support the project team for implementing an effective Management of Change (MoC) procedure specifically tailored to PLC and SCADA software modifications.
- Diagnosing root causes of system issues, distinguishing between mechanical, electrical, and software-related problems
- Categorize, systematize, and address gaps in automated system behavior
- Tune control gains and calibrate systems, documenting the process for future reference
- Identify and address gaps in system performance, ensuring continuous improvement through utilization of advanced control methods (MIMO, MPC, etc.)

## MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

- Minimum B.S. in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering or relevant field.
- 5+ years engineering experience designing, scaling, building, and commissioning commercial control systems.
- Well versed in engineering design utilizing PFDs, P&IDs, and Process Hazard Analyses (PHA).
- Familiarity with one or more of the Industrial control platforms (Beckhoff, Siemens, Allen-Bradley, CODESYS); Allen-Bradley preferred.
- Familiarity with IEC 61131-3 programming languages.
- Familiarity with SCADA software (Ignition, Wonderware, FT View, etc.); Ignition preferred.
- Familiar with industrial communication protocols such as ethernet/IP, OPC, MQQT, Modbus, etc.
- Experience of code development with Python, MATLAB/Simulink, etc.
- Experience of interacting with external engineering firms, contractors, and equipment suppliers.
- Experience with process control schemes and implementation.
- Background in control systems theory.

## COMPENSATION:

The compensation package for this role includes a competitive base salary commensurate with experience of $190,000 - $120,000. 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.

## About Fortera Corporation

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Fortera is a climate technology company that produces low‑carbon cement by mineralizing CO₂ emissions, offering a scalable, bolt‑on solution to decarbonize the construction industry.
- **Entity Type**: Private (venture‑backed; funding stage not publicly disclosed)
- **Headquarters**: San Jose, California, USA
- **Founded**: 2007
- **Founders**: Ryan Gilliam, PhD (CEO & Co‑Founder) and Mike Weiss, PhD (CSO & Co‑Founder)

## Core Business
- **Primary industries**: Cement manufacturing, industrial decarbonization, clean technology
- **Target customers**: Cement producers, construction companies, infrastructure developers (B2B, enterprise)
- **Mission**: Reinventing how cement is made to reduce CO₂ emissions and create a more sustainable path for modern construction

## Products & Services
- **ReCarb Plant**: A turnkey, bolt‑on system that captures CO₂ from existing cement kilns and converts it into a feedstock for low‑carbon cement production. Currently operating at commercial scale in Redding, California.
- **ReAct Cement**: A low‑carbon cement binder that can replace 100% of Portland cement. In 2025 it became the first low‑carbon cement to meet all six ASTM C1157 performance categories, offering high CO₂ avoidance, rapid curing, and superior whiteness.
- **ReAct Blend**: A performance‑enhancing supplement that can be blended into standard ASTM C150, C595, or C1157 cements, improving particle packing, strength gain, and reactivity with alumina.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation / Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed (private company)
- **Key Metric**: First low‑carbon cement to meet all six ASTM C1157 categories (2025); commercial ReCarb plant in operation; 400,000‑ton full‑scale plant partnership signed in 2023.
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Microsoft (partnership announced 2025), Graymont (partnership announced 2025)
- **Growth Signals**: Moving from first‑of‑a‑kind deployment to scaled commercialization; growing global project pipeline; real‑world infrastructure applications already underway.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Proprietary technology**: Mineralizes CO₂ into vaterite that transforms to calcite, achieving up to 70% CO₂ reduction while maintaining cement performance.
- **ASTM certification**: ReAct Cement is the first low‑carbon cement to simultaneously meet all six ASTM C1157 categories, enabling direct replacement of Portland cement without reformulation.
- **Bolt‑on integration**: The ReCarb plant can be retrofitted onto existing cement kilns, lowering deployment barriers for producers.

## Strategic Focus
- **Scale commercial deployment**: Replicate the ReCarb plant model globally, with multiple projects underway.
- **Strengthen partnerships**: Work with cement producers (e.g., Graymont) and technology leaders (e.g., Microsoft) to drive adoption and carbon‑credit markets.
- **Expand product line**: Continue R&D on cementitious materials and reaction pathways to further reduce CO₂ footprint.

## Why Work Here
- **Mission‑driven culture**: “Be on the ground floor of a carbon‑to‑value movement that will impact millions.” Core values include Stand Up for Safety, Show Respect, Excel in Execution, Think Customer, Always Be Honest, and Win with Optimism.
- **Benefits**: Premium health, dental, vision; 401(k); stock options; life insurance; generous time off; on‑site fitness center, game room, EV charging stations, and family room; snacks & drinks; mentor program; career development tools.
- **Work environment**: Fast‑paced, cross‑functional team of scientists, engineers, and industry experts. Roles are primarily on‑site in San Jose, with opportunities in R&D labs, plant operations, and project development.
- **Growth opportunity**: Employees help shape the future of sustainable construction, working on cutting‑edge materials science and industrial‑scale deployment. Open roles include Scientist, Chemical Engineering Intern, Laboratory Technician, Content Creator Intern, and Project Engineering Intern.

## Sources
1. [forteraglobal.com - About Us](https://forteraglobal.com/about-us/)
2. [forteraglobal.com - Homepage / CEO Message](https://forteraglobal.com/)
3. [job-boards.greenhouse.io - Fortera Corporation Jobs](http://job-boards.greenhouse.io/forteracorporation)
4. [forteraglobal.com - Careers](https://forteraglobal.com/careers/)
5. [forteraglobal.com - Leadership](https://forteraglobal.com/leadership/)

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