Failure Analysis Scientist

Corning Incorporated; City of Corning (NY); On-site; USD 64,173 - 88,238; Full time

Job summary

Corning is hiring a Failure Analysis Scientist in Corning, NY for a full‑time onsite role focused on investigating why glass and other brittle materials break. You will work in a lab with microscopes, handling samples, documenting evidence, and collaborating with manufacturing, R&D, quality, and product teams across Corning.

Direct fractography experience is not required; Corning can train the specialized parts.

Qualifications

• Experience in fractography, failure analysis, forensics, or microscopy-based investigation.
• Experience in defect analysis, microscopy-based inspection, or quality troubleshooting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical audiences.
• Ability to work independently and in a team within a lab setting.

Responsibilities

• Examine fractured glass and brittle materials using microscopy tools.
• Identify probable failure origins from fracture features and evidence.
• Lead routine to moderately complex investigations and support deeper analyses.
• Write technical reports documenting methods, observations, and conclusions.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, quality, and R&D teams.
• Capture high-quality images and observations with proper setup and lighting.
• Support investigations tied to production, development, and reliability questions.

Skills

Fractography

Failure analysis

Microscopy

Quality troubleshooting

Technical investigation

Communication

Education

High school diploma + 5+ years experience

Associate’s degree

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microscopes

Imaging tools

Excel

JMP

Minitab

Job description

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.

Requisition Number: 75363

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.

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.

Salary range: $64,173.00 – $88,238.00 for full‑time status. Starting pay depends on job‑related factors including 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 [e-mail].