About the role#
This PhD internship focuses on the reliability of brittle materials and optical thin films. You will work with technical staff to identify the film and substrate properties that influence material performance. The project involves examining interfacial behavior, film stress, surface topography, and damage resistance.
What you'll do#
- Review technical literature on thin film-substrate interactions and reliability mechanisms.
- Process and characterize glass-based multi-material systems in the laboratory.
- Support reliability testing to assess how interfacial properties affect materials.
- Correlate wear and damage behavior with specific material properties to identify failure mechanisms.
- Develop and test hypotheses regarding process-structure-performance relationships.
- Analyze data and document results to share with the team.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in a PhD program for mechanical engineering, materials engineering, or a related field.
- Research or laboratory experience in experimental mechanics, mechanical testing, materials science, or thin-film processing.
- Ability to follow laboratory safety protocols and maintain accurate documentation.
- Strong analytical skills and a willingness to learn hands-on laboratory techniques.
- Experience working both independently and collaboratively with scientists and engineers.
- Familiarity with thin-film deposition, materials characterization, and experimental design.
- Proficiency with spreadsheets, data-analysis tools, or scientific programming languages.
- Knowledge of the experimental mechanics of brittle materials like glass or ceramics.
Location & details#
- This is a full-time, paid internship located in Corning, New York.
- The term is for Summer 2027.
- This position is on-site and does not support immigration sponsorship.
About Corning Incorporated
Corning Incorporated operates as a manufacturer in the glass, ceramics, and concrete sectors. Founded in 1851, the company maintains its headquarters in Corning, New York. It employs over 22,000 people across its global operations. The firm focuses on optical communications, mobile consumer electronics, display technology, automotive components, and life sciences equipment.
How to get in at Corning Incorporated
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