Materials Scientist, Microscopy

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.  

Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber and cable, hardware and equipment to being a comprehensive provider of industry-leading optical solutions across the broader communications industry.This segment is classified into two main product groupings – carrier network and enterprise network. The carrier network product group consists primarily of products and solutions for optical-based communications infrastructure for services such as video, data and voice communications. The enterprise network product group consists primarily of optical-based communication networks sold to businesses, governments and individuals for their own use.

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

Working Conditions

• Work Schedule: Typical working hours 8-10 hours/day; 40-50 hours/week
• Some production support will require additional hours, Flexibility is required
• Location: Wilmington, NC
• Travel: Less than 5% domestic travel in support of projects and training

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

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.  

The range for this position is $67,150.00 - $92,331.00 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. 

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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 View email address on corningjobs.corning.com .