---
title: 'Research Associate (Product Development) at Fortera Corporation'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/research-associate-product-development-fortera-corporation-san-jose-b6a68kz6bhjv'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-12'
---

# Research Associate (Product Development) at Fortera Corporation

- **Company:** Fortera Corporation
- **Location:** San Jose, CA
- **Posted:** 2026-09-11
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-12
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/forteracorporation/jobs/4733479005

## 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 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.

## 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/)

## Other roles at Fortera Corporation

- [Technical Business Development Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/technical-business-development-manager-fortera-corporation-san-jose-8b3fana5cgh5) — San Jose, CA
- [Industrial Maintenance Technician](https://feeny.ai/job/industrial-maintenance-technician-fortera-corporation-redding-nh79v8pybcqr) — Redding, CA