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.