Senior Scientist - Polymer Mechanics

Corning Inc.; City of Corning (NY); On-site; USD 78,000 - 107,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonuses

Pension plan

Health benefits

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Corning Inc. seeks a Scientist to advance reliability assessment and performance evaluation of polymeric materials used in advanced applications. You will focus on thermomechanical characterization, rheological and mechanical testing, and failure analysis to drive improved material performance and develop data‑driven models.

Collaboration across disciplines is essential. The role combines hands‑on lab work with rigorous analysis to quantify degradation, develop novel characterization methods,

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experimental studies to evaluate polymer behavior under load, temperature, time, and environmental exposure.

Skills

Polymer characterization

Materials reliability assessment

Finite element analysis

Data-driven modeling

Experimental design

Scientific problem solving

Written and verbal communication

Education

PhD in Materials Science or related

Tools

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Nanoindentation

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.

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 seeking a Scientist to support the reliability assessment and performance evaluation of polymeric materials used in advanced applications. This role will focus on polymer thermomechanical characterization, mechanical testing, and failure mode analysis to generate fundamental insights into material behavior and drive improvements in product and material performance. The position will also involve implementing finite element analysis (FEA) and data-driven models.

The successful candidate will combine hands‑on laboratory experimentation with rigorous technical analysis to investigate degradation and failure mechanisms, quantify reliability risks, and develop novel characterization approaches. This role requires strong scientific judgment, technical independence, and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute experimental studies to evaluate polymer behavior under relevant application conditions, including load, temperature, time, and environmental exposure.
• Conduct rheological, thermomechanical, and mechanical characterization of polymeric materials.
• Perform failure mode and degradation analysis to identify mechanisms affecting reliability and long‑term performance.
• Develop, refine, and implement new or modified test methods to address technical gaps and improve characterization capability.
• Analyze and interpret experimental results to establish structure-property-performance relationships and identify reliability risks.
• Identify, evaluate, and recommend opportunities to improve material, product, or process performance based on scientific findings.
• Cross validates experimental results with Finite Element Analysis.
• Document and communicate technical results, conclusions, and recommendations through reports, presentations, and project updates.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and cross‑functional teams to support research and development objectives.

Experiences/Education - Required

• PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Demonstrated research experience in polymer characterization, materials behavior, or reliability assessment.
• Strong knowledge of polymer behavior under different application conditions, including mechanical, thermal, and environmental effects.
• Experience with polymer characterization techniques, including rheological, thermomechanical, nanoindentation, and mechanical testing.
• Experience with failure analysis, degradation studies, or materials reliability assessment.
• Strong experimental design, data analysis, and scientific problem‑solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Experience in Finite Element Analysis and data driven modeling
• Experience developing or adapting laboratory test methods to address new technical challenges as well as familiarity with theoretical mechanics.
• Familiarity with reliability assessment of polymeric materials in product or application-focused environments.
• Experience translating characterization results into recommendations for product, material, or process improvement.
• Record of technical publications, presentations, patents, or other research contributions.

This position supports immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $77,927.00-$107,150.00 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.

A job that shapes a life.

Corning offers you the total package.

Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations and career from day one.

• Company-wide bonuses and long‑term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
• As part of our commitment to your financial well‑being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning’s total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
• Our health and well‑being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.
• Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That’s why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions.

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] .