Sustainable Construction Materials Intern

Fortera Corporation is seeking a Sustainable Construction Materials Intern in San Jose, CA. The intern will develop CaCO3-based materials to replace Portland cement, conduct experiments, and assess material properties using various characterization techniques. Candidates should have a background in Civil Engineering or Materials Science and experience with cement-based materials. This is an onsite position aimed at contributing to sustainable construction technology.
Want to disrupt one of the largest industries in the world? Fortera is a Materials Technology Company headquartered in Silicon Valley focused on paving the way to zero CO2 cement. The technology is inspired by nature and directly converts CO2 into a replacement for ordinary cement, turning a problem into a product. With over 100,000 hours of R&D, 10+ years of real-world product demonstration, and Fortera's first small commercial plant operational, Fortera is growing the team to commercialize globally. Be on the ground floor of a carbon-to-value movement that will impact millions for generations to come. We are looking for passionate thinkers, doers, and problem-solvers who share our vision that big challenges are big opportunities for change. Visit www.forteraglobal.com for more information.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Sustainable Construction Materials Intern will be responsible for the development and assessment of CaCO3-based materials as partial replacement of Portland cement.

The Sustainable Construction Materials Intern will lead efforts to develop and formulate novel CaCO3-based materials to optimize the fresh, hardened and durability properties of concrete while minimizing its carbon footprint. The role will include performing standard tests related to anhydrous binders, paste, mortar, and concrete. This individual will also learn the fundamentals of materials science by using characterization techniques such as XRD, XRF, SEM, Calorimetry, PSD, etc. to assess the physicochemical properties of the reaction products.

This is an onsite position based at our San Jose office.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Conduct literature review and synthesize information
• Design, plan and conduct experiments under the guidance of a staff scientist
• Assist with daily preparation, testing, data collection and analysis of cement-based materials
• Conduct independent research projects
• Consolidate and present research results
• Maintain and update an inventory of consumables and chemicals in the laboratory
• Conduct safety inspections
• Comply with all safety and lean practices within the lab
• Spearhead a summer intern project and give a final presentation to the company

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• 3+ years of study in Civil Engineering, Materials Science or a related field at the start of the internship
• Strong STEM educational background
• Hands-on experience with the production and testing of cement paste, mortar and concrete
• Experience with materials characterization
• Interest in sustainable construction materials, concrete technology, materials science and analytical chemistry
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• A positive mindset and a dose of patience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Experience in cement-based materials, concrete technology, CO2 capture, or green tech
• Prior internship experience with startups
• Familiarity with analytical techniques including: XRD, XRF, PSD, SEM, BET, calorimetry, etc.
• Interest in research and development

COMPENSATION:

The hourly range for this internship is $25.00 - $30.00.

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.