Senior Failure Analysis Technician: Microscopy & Root Cause

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

The company built on breakthroughs.

Join us.

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: 75361

The company built on breakthroughs.

Join us.

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

Most people do not begin their careers knowing that fractographer is even a job. At Corning, fractographers are the specialists who examine broken glass and other brittle materials to help determine how and why failures occur. This role is a great fit for someone who enjoys detailed hands-on work, technical inspection, and solving real-world product or manufacturing problems through careful observation. Direct fractography experience is not required. Corning can train the specialized parts of the work. We are especially interested in candidates with transferable backgrounds in quality, inspection, sample preparation, materials testing, troubleshooting, microscopy, manufacturing support, or forensic-style technical investigation. Success in this role requires patience, persistence, strong visual attention to detail, and the ability to communicate findings clearly and objectively in a repetitive, highly focused lab environment.

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 escalate 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.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to describe observations clearly and objectively.
• Patience, persistence, fine motor attention, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in repetitive, detail-intensive work.
  
  

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.
  
  

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

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.

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] .