Staff Scientist, Mechanics of Materials

Requisition Number: 75267 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. ​

• ​t 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.​
• ​ome break through with us.  Role Purpose

This role supports the Physical Properties team by developing and applying small-scale mechanical characterization methods—primarily nanoindentation—to quantify hardness, elastic modulus, and related deformation/fracture metrics in glass and ceramic materials and relate them to mechanical performance. The scientist will design test plan, execute experiments, and interpret results using appropriate contact mechanics and materials models, and translate findings into actionable guidance for composition and process development. The scientist will also serve as a subject matter expert, working with various projects and project leaders to guide discovery and application of mechanical property insights across R&D programs. Work spans method development (instrumentation, calibration, uncertainty), microstructure–property correlations, and collaboration with R&D partners to solve mechanical performance challenges in advanced glass/ceramic systems. Key Responsibilities Plan and execute damage/contact mechanics experiments on glass, ceramic, and/or coated samples (sample preparation, mounting, polishing, cleanliness, environmental controls) Develop and maintain test methods (tip area function, frame compliance, reference materials, drift control, thermal stabilization, acceptance criteria) Analyze load–displacement data using standard instrumented indentation analysis methods and evaluate sources of uncertainty and bias Characterize indentation size effects, viscoelastic/viscoplastic response, and rate/time dependence as relevant to glass and glass-ceramics Assess indentation cracking (pop-ins, radial/median cracks) and support fracture/mechanics interpretations; correlate with microscopy when available (optical/SEM/AFM) Document procedures and results (lab notebooks, method documents, reports, and presentations); communicate conclusions and recommendations to project teams Serve as a subject matter expert in damage mechanics, nanoindentation, and small-scale mechanics, partnering with project leaders to guide discovery, method selection, data interpretation, and application of results to development decisions Partner with composition, process, and modeling teams to define hypotheses, design experiments, and translate mechanical data into development decisions Maintain equipment readiness (routine checks, troubleshooting, vendor interactions, and scheduling) and uphold environmental health/safety practices in labs Required Education PhD in Materials Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Ceramics/Glass Science, or closely related field; MS with significant directly relevant experience may be considered 2+ years of hands-on experience (graduate or industry) performing instrumented indentation (nanoindentation and/or microindentation) and analyzing mechanical property data Demonstrated experience with brittle materials (glass, ceramics, glass-ceramics) and fundamental mechanics of materials (elasticity, plasticity, fracture, contact mechanics) Experience designing experiments and applying statistical methods (DOE, uncertainty analysis, repeatability/reproducibility) to generate defensible property values Ability to summarize complex technical findings clearly in written reports and presentations for both technical and non-technical stakeholders Expertise in instrumented indentation (nanoindentation): test execution, calibration, and data reduction using accepted instrumented indentation analysis methods, including understanding of limitations and artifacts Strong foundation in mechanics of materials and contact mechanics applied to indentation (elastic/plastic response, tip geometry effects, indentation size effects) Experience with hardness and modulus measurement in brittle materials and awareness of indentation cracking and fracture mechanics considerations Desired Experiences Experience with complementary mechanical testing (Vickers/Knoop microhardness, microindentation fracture toughness estimates, flexural strength, scratch/abrasion, wear) Familiarity with microscopy and surface/topography methods supporting indentation interpretation (optical, SEM, AFM, profilometry, interferometry) Experience with finite element modeling of indentation/contact or collaboration with modeling teams to interpret measured response Knowledge of glass structure/property relationships and strengthening/damage mechanisms (e.g., ion exchange, thermal tempering, subcritical crack growth) Track record of technical publications, patents, or conference presentations in small-scale mechanical characterization This position supports immigration sponsorship. The range for this position is $92,982.00 - $127,851.00 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 View email address on click.appcast.io.