Failure Analysis Senior Techn

Corning Incorporated; City of Corning (NY); On-site; USD 70,421 - 96,829; Full time

Job summary

Corning Incorporated in Corning, NY is seeking a Failure Analysis Senior Technician for a full-time onsite role in a laboratory setting focused on microscope-based inspection, sample handling, image capture, and documentation.

You will support investigations into why glass and other brittle materials break, collaborating with scientists, engineers, manufacturing, and quality teams across Corning. Occasional travel to other Corning locations or manufacturing sites may be required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with relevant experience in quality inspection, microscopy, materials testing, failure analysis, troubleshooting, manufacturing support, or a related technical environment.
• Experience using microscopes, inspection equipment, imaging tools, or other visual inspection methods to review parts, defects, or samples.
• Experience in a lab, manufacturing, quality, testing, or inspection environment requiring careful documentation and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on examination of fractured samples and small parts using optical, stereo, digital, and related microscopy tools.
• Capture images and document observations to support failure investigations and technical conclusions.
• Evaluate visible fracture features, defects, and sample conditions to help identify likely failure origins and contributing factors.
• Support routine, repetitive microscope-based inspection work requiring focus and fine visual detail.
• Prepare concise documentation and technical summaries of methods, observations, and findings.
• Handle, orient, mount, and light small parts and fragments for effective examination.
• Work closely with scientists, engineers, and teammates to review findings and elevate unusual or uncertain observations.
• Support investigations related to manufacturing issues, product concerns, quality events, and other high-visibility requests.
• Communicate progress and findings clearly, factually, and professionally.
• Follow established lab methods and documentation practices while building broader technical capability through training.

Skills

Microscopy experience

Quality inspection

Documentation and record-keeping

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree in related technical field

Tools

Microscopy equipment

Imaging tools

Inspection equipment

Job description

Corning is hiring a Failure Analysis Senior Technician in Corning, NY. This is a full‑time onsite role in a lab environment focused on microscope‑based inspection, sample handling, image capture, and documentation. The position supports investigations into why glass and other brittle materials break and works closely with scientists, engineers, manufacturing, and quality teams across Corning. Occasional travel to other Corning locations or manufacturing sites may occur.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform hands‑on examination of fractured samples and small parts using optical, stereo, digital, and related microscopy tools.
• Capture images and document observations to support failure investigations and technical conclusions.
• Evaluate visible fracture features, defects, and sample conditions to help identify likely failure origins and contributing factors.
• Support routine, repetitive microscope‑based inspection work requiring focus and fine visual detail.
• Prepare concise documentation and technical summaries of methods, observations, and findings.
• Handle, orient, mount, and light small parts and fragments for effective examination.
• Work closely with scientists, engineers, and teammates to review findings and elevate unusual or uncertain observations.
• Support investigations related to manufacturing issues, product concerns, quality events, and other high‑visibility requests.
• Communicate progress and findings clearly, factually, and professionally.
• Follow established lab methods and documentation practices while building broader technical capability through training.

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.

Minimum Qualifications And Skills

• High school diploma or GED with relevant experience in quality inspection, microscopy, sample preparation, materials testing, failure analysis, troubleshooting, manufacturing support, or a related technical environment; or an associate degree in a related technical field with applicable hands‑on experience.
• Experience using microscopes, inspection equipment, imaging tools, or other visual inspection methods to review parts, defects, or samples.
• Experience in a lab, manufacturing, quality, testing, or inspection environment requiring careful documentation and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications And Skills

• Experience with glass, ceramics, brittle materials, metals, polymers, or other material‑based defect or failure analysis.
• Experience in quality, inspection, forensics, manufacturing troubleshooting, or broken‑part review.
• Familiarity with failure analysis, root cause investigation, or structured problem solving.
• Associate degree or technical training in materials, engineering technology, physical sciences, or a related field.
• Experience supporting cross‑functional teams in manufacturing, engineering, quality, or product development.

Compensation

The range for this position is $70,421.00 – $96,829.00 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.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

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].