Research Technician - Optical

Date: Sep 26, 2024

Location: Corning, NY, US, 14831

Company: Corning

Requisition Number: 65029

Corning is vital to progress – in the industries we help shape and in the world we share.

We invent life-changing technologies using materials science. Our scientific and manufacturing expertise, boundless curiosity, and commitment to purposeful invention place us at the center of the way the world interacts, works, learns, and lives.

Our sustained investment in research, development, and invention means we’re always ready to solve the toughest challenges alongside our customers.

Scope of Position

This position is for an Optical Research Technician in the Characterization Sciences Optical Properties Laboratory. The Optical Properties Laboratory supports a diverse portfolio of research, development, and production activities. This role involves application of routine and non-routine analyses to characterize optical properties and performance of materials, assist with methods development, instrument calibrations, troubleshooting, and quality control monitoring.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Adhere to laboratory safety protocols and contribute to an environment of respect and collaboration.

• Operate and maintain optical measurement instrumentation.

• Interact with sample submitters to understand purpose and define measurement needs.

• Tailor instrument configuration and sample handling to suit measurement needs.

• Maintain detailed records of testing and observations.

• Compile and analyze data.

• Generate and communicate data reports.

• Coordinate measurements and equipment usage with team members to maintain efficient workflow.

• Support efforts to develop new optical measurement methods.

• Recognize and troubleshoot instrumentation issues.

• Maintain good housekeeping and equipment organization within the laboratory.

Hours of work/work schedule/flex-time: 40 hours per week, occasional overtime available, flexibility with schedule.

Required Education and Experience

• Minimum Associate's degree (Bachelors' degree preferred) with general background in physics, math, and chemistry.

• Hands-on analytical laboratory experience.

• Analytical experience with good laboratory practices:

• Safety and housekeeping.

• Strong attention to details.

• Accurate data collection and record keeping.

• Strong written communication of observations and experimental results.

• Operation of analytical laboratory equipment.

• Technically curious, motivated, and able to work with minimal supervision.

• Hands-on technical aptitude.

• Proficient using MS Office (i.e. Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint).

• Strong technical communication skills, both verbal and written.

• Technical problem-solving experience using critical thinking and data-based decision-making skills.

• Desire and aptitude to learn fundamental understanding of optical principles, equipment, and methods.

• Ability to execute measurements accurately, consistently, and thoroughly document what was done.

• Ability to organize and manage multiple, shifting priorities efficiently.

Desired Skills

• Familiarity with optical properties and general optical instrumentation.

• Understanding of general principles for absorption spectroscopy, refractometry and appearance (i.e. color, haze, gloss).

• Hands-on experience using optical measurement equipment (i.e. UV/Vis/NIR spectrophotometers, FTIR spectrometers, refractometers, colorimeters, photo detectors, optical sources, lasers, etc.).

• Ability to diagnose equipment issues and make minor repairs.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $52,692.00 - $72,452.00 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. The benefits available for this position are dependent on hours worked and may include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, pension plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, and PTO.

​Corning Puts YOU First!

We are committed to supporting your health, financial, career development, and life goals as you grow professionally and personally to achieve your highest potential. All benefits begin as soon as you start your career at Corning.

• Our monetary peer-to-peer recognition program is tied to ourand celebrates you and your colleagues’ contributions.

• Health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, mental health/substance use, fitness, and disease management programs.

• Financial benefits include a 401(k) savings plan with company matching contributions and a 100% company-paid pension benefit that grows steadily throughout your career.

• Companywide bonus and attractive short- and long-term compensation programs are available based on your role and responsibilities.

• Professional development programs help you grow and achieve your career goals.

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.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To request an accommodation, please contact us at.

Nearest Major Market: Corning