Materials Scientist, Microscopy

Scope of Role

Corning is seeking a Materials Scientist or Materials Engineer, Microscopy, to join our Optical Communications team in Wilmington, NC. In this role, you will apply advanced microscopy and materials characterization techniques to investigate failures, identify root causes, and deliver actionable insights that drive product quality and process improvement across manufacturing, product development, and customer support organizations. This is a hands-on, technically rigorous role for a scientist or engineer who thrives at the intersection of analytical chemistry, materials science, and applied problem-solving in a laboratory and manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute microscopy-based investigations, failure analysis, and materials characterization to support engineering, development, production, and customer return activities
• Apply analytical techniques including optical microscopy, stereomicroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS)
• Perform hands-on sample preparation — including sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing, etching, and sputter coating — for microscopy and spectroscopy analysis
• Communicate technical findings clearly through written reports and direct consultation with internal engineering teams and external customers
• Maintain and verify laboratory equipment performance through calibration, troubleshooting, documentation, and laboratory audits
• Manage sample workload and prioritize across concurrent assignments to ensure timely, high-quality delivery aligned with customer requirements
• Stay current with emerging developments in microscopy and failure analysis; incorporate new methods where appropriate

Experiences/Education - Required

• B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering, Geology, Chemistry, Metallurgical Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, or a related discipline
• Experience with one or more microscopy techniques — optical microscopy, SEM, EDS, CLSM, or equivalent
• Hands-on experience with microscopy sample preparation techniques including sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing, etching, and sputter coating
• Demonstrated ability to apply and adapt established analytical techniques to investigate complex materials and failure analysis problems
• Ability to communicate technical findings clearly through written reports and direct consultation with engineering and scientific stakeholders
• Ability to manage and prioritize sample workload across concurrent assignments to meet customer timelines
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and use basic mechanical tools; must be able to work in laboratory and manufacturing environments

Experiences/Education - Desired

• Direct SEM/EDS experience including interpretation of compositional data
• Knowledge of material deformation, fracture mechanics, fractography, and/or structure-property relationships
• Background in glass, ceramics, or metallurgy
• Strong spatial reasoning and materials interpretation skills
• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills for precise sample preparation and handling
• Experience working across organizational levels and disciplines to achieve technical objectives
• Experience managing multiple projects in a fast-paced laboratory environment
• Experience supporting equipment, product, or technology transfers in a manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with fiber optic products or optical inspection systems
• Basic experience creating computer-aided design (CAD) drawings for fixtures or part-holding concepts