Failure Analysis Scientist (Corning, NY, US, 14831)

Requisition Number: 75363

The company built on breakthroughs.

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Corning is one of the world's leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what's possible.

How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations - not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company, and the world, forward.

At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more.

Come break through with us.

Corning's businesses are ever-evolving to best serve our customers, industries, and consumers. Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical communications, display, automotive, and solar markets. We are changing the world with:

• Trusted products that accelerate drug discovery, development, and delivery to save lives
• Damage-resistant cover glass to enhance the devices that keep us connected
• Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at the speed of light
• Precision glass for advanced displays to deliver richer experiences
• Auto glass and ceramics to drive cleaner, safer, and smarter transportation
• Solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low-cost solar energy solutions

Role Purpose

Corning is hiring a Failure Analysis Scientist in Corning, NY. This is a full-time onsite role focused on investigating why glass and other brittle materials break. You will spend significant time in the lab using microscopes, handling samples, documenting evidence, and working with manufacturing, R&D, quality, and product teams across Corning. The role is based in a lab and office environment and may include occasional travel to other Corning locations or manufacturing sites.

Few people start their careers planning to become a fractographer. At Corning, that is the name for specialists who study fracture features and physical evidence to understand what happened, why it happened, and what teams can learn from it. This role is a good fit for someone who enjoys hands-on technical investigation, defect analysis, and evidence-based problem solving. Direct fractography experience is not required. Corning can train the specialized parts of the work. We are especially interested in candidates with experience in materials, microscopy, inspection, quality, troubleshooting, failure analysis, forensics, or manufacturing support who bring patience, strong communication, good judgment, and a calm, objective approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Examine fractured glass and other brittle material samples using optical, stereo, digital, and related microscopy tools.
• Interpret fracture features, defect patterns, and physical evidence to identify likely failure origins and contributing factors.
• Lead routine to moderately complex investigations and support more complex failure analysis work.
• Write clear technical reports that document methods, observations, evidence, and conclusions.
• Partner with manufacturing, engineering, quality, R&D, and other stakeholders to explain findings and support next steps.
• Capture high-quality images and observations through careful sample setup, lighting, and microscope use.
• Support investigations tied to production issues, development work, customer concerns, and reliability questions.
• Use evidence-based reasoning and clearly separate observation from interpretation.
• Work closely with teammates and subject matter experts to resolve difficult or unclear cases.
• Share learnings and help improve consistency in team methods and documentation.

Minimum Qualifications and Skills

• Education/experience: Candidates must meet one of the following qualifications:
• High school diploma or equivalent plus 5+ years of meaningful experience in fractography, failure analysis, forensics, microscopy-based investigation, or a closely related technical field
• Associate's degree in a related technical field such as Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, or Forensic Science
• Bachelor's degree in a related technical field such as Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, or Forensic Science
• Experience in failure analysis, defect analysis, microscopy-based inspection, quality troubleshooting, technical investigation, or a related hands-on technical environment.
• Experience using microscopes, imaging tools, or visual inspection methods to evaluate and document physical samples or defects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Patience, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently and with a team in a repetitive, detail-focused lab setting.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

Frequent microscope work, including extended periods seated and focused on fine visual detail

Frequent handling of small parts and fragments; manual dexterity and careful hand-eye coordination required

Work is primarily performed in a lab and office environment and may require use of personal protective equipment as applicable

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Experience with glass, ceramics, brittle materials, metals, polymers, or other material-based failure investigation.
• Experience with fractography, forensics, root cause investigation, or broken-part analysis.
• Familiarity with manufacturing, quality, reliability, or process troubleshooting environments.
• Experience with Excel, JMP, Minitab, or similar data analysis and reporting tools.
• Ability to apply technical concepts across different products, materials, and failure scenarios.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $64,173.00 - $88,238.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.

We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.

Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at accommodations@corning.com.