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Forensic Physics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Corning

Failure Analysis Scientist

Corning, NY · On-site

Associate's degree in a related technical field such as Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, or Forensic Science * Bachelor's degree in a related technical field ...

TAE

Scientist - Applied Laser Physics

Foothill Ranch, CA · On-site

$125K - $140K/yr

PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, or Optical Engineering * Preferred: Specialization in laser diagnostics or plasma optics At TAE Technologies, we consider a wide range of factors when making ...

Computational Physics, Inc.

GNSS Scientist

Washington, DC · On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

Computational Physics, Inc. (CPI) is looking for a GNSS Analyst or Mathematician to support our customers at the U.S. Naval Observatory, Washington DC. Background The U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO ...

Computational Physics Inc

GNSS Scientist

Washington, DC · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Computational Physics, Inc. (CPI) is looking for a GNSS Analyst or Mathematician to support our customers at the U.S. Naval Observatory, Washington DC. Background The U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO ...

Computational Physics, Inc.

GNSS Scientist

Washington, DC · On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

Computational Physics, Inc. (CPI) is looking for a GNSS Analyst or Mathematician to support our customers at the U.S. Naval Observatory, Washington DC.BackgroundThe U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO ...

kgs

NIBIN Technician Level IV

Washington, DC · On-site

Bachelor's Degree in natural science, chemistry, biology, physics, or forensic science Work Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: * Minimum 2 years as Firearm/Toolmark Examiner * This senior ...

kgs

NIBIN Technician Level IV

Washington, DC · On-site

Bachelor's Degree in natural science, chemistry, biology, physics, or forensic science Work Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: * Minimum 2 years as Firearm/Toolmark Examiner * This senior ...

kgs

NIBIN Technician Level IV

Washington, DC · On-site

Bachelor's Degree in natural science, chemistry, biology, physics, or forensic science Work Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: * Minimum 2 years as Firearm/Toolmark Examiner * This senior ...

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How much do forensic physics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic physics in the United States is $61,156.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is forensic physics?

A Forensic Physics job involves applying principles of physics to criminal investigations and legal cases. Professionals in this field analyze physical evidence such as ballistics, accident reconstructions, and material properties to determine how events occurred. They work closely with law enforcement, legal teams, and forensic laboratories to provide expert testimony and reports. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of physics, engineering, and forensic science.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in forensic physics?

To excel in Forensic Physics, a strong background in physics, mathematics, and physical evidence analysis—usually supported by a relevant degree—is required. Expertise in using laboratory instrumentation, physics simulation software, and familiarity with forensic certification standards are important for accurate evidence processing. Exceptional analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear communication skills help professionals convey complex findings to law enforcement and legal teams. These competencies ensure reliable analysis, effective collaboration, and the credibility of forensic conclusions presented in court.

What types of cases do forensic physicists typically work on, and how do they contribute to investigations?

Forensic physicists are often involved in cases where physical evidence needs to be analyzed to reconstruct events or determine causes, such as accidents, ballistics investigations, environmental incidents, or material failure analyses. On a daily basis, they may examine evidence like glass fragments, vehicle impact damage, or projectile trajectories, using advanced instrumentation and modeling software to interpret findings. Working closely with other forensic specialists, law enforcement, and legal professionals, they translate complex physical data into clear, actionable insights. This collaborative and investigative approach is crucial for supporting the resolution of both criminal and civil cases.

What does a forensic physics do?

A forensic physicist applies principles of physics to analyze crime scene evidence, such as blood spatter, ballistic trajectories, or accident reconstructions. They often work with specialized tools and may need certifications in forensic science or physics to interpret data accurately. Their work helps establish facts in criminal investigations and legal proceedings.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Physics jobs?

The most popular types of Forensic Physics jobs are:

What states have the most Forensic Physics jobs?

States with the most job openings for Forensic Physics jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Forensic Physics jobs look for?

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forensic physics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Physics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 80% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,156 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Failure Analysis Scientist

Corning

Corning, NY • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Corning rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 128 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 542 rated manufacturers

Job description

Requisition Number: 75363
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.
Corning's businesses are ever-evolving to best serve our customers, industries, and consumers. Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical communications, display, automotive, and solar markets. We are changing the world with:
  • Trusted products that accelerate drug discovery, development, and delivery to save lives
  • Damage-resistant cover glass to enhance the devices that keep us connected
  • Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at the speed of light
  • Precision glass for advanced displays to deliver richer experiences
  • Auto glass and ceramics to drive cleaner, safer, and smarter transportation
  • Solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low-cost solar energy solutions

Role Purpose
Corning is hiring a Failure Analysis Scientist in Corning, NY. This is a full-time onsite role focused on investigating why glass and other brittle materials break. You will spend significant time in the lab using microscopes, handling samples, documenting evidence, and working with manufacturing, R&D, quality, and product teams across Corning. The role is based in a lab and office environment and may include occasional travel to other Corning locations or manufacturing sites.
Few people start their careers planning to become a fractographer. At Corning, that is the name for specialists who study fracture features and physical evidence to understand what happened, why it happened, and what teams can learn from it. This role is a good fit for someone who enjoys hands-on technical investigation, defect analysis, and evidence-based problem solving. Direct fractography experience is not required. Corning can train the specialized parts of the work. We are especially interested in candidates with experience in materials, microscopy, inspection, quality, troubleshooting, failure analysis, forensics, or manufacturing support who bring patience, strong communication, good judgment, and a calm, objective approach.
Key Responsibilities
  • Examine fractured glass and other brittle material samples using optical, stereo, digital, and related microscopy tools.
  • Interpret fracture features, defect patterns, and physical evidence to identify likely failure origins and contributing factors.
  • Lead routine to moderately complex investigations and support more complex failure analysis work.
  • Write clear technical reports that document methods, observations, evidence, and conclusions.
  • Partner with manufacturing, engineering, quality, R&D, and other stakeholders to explain findings and support next steps.
  • Capture high-quality images and observations through careful sample setup, lighting, and microscope use.
  • Support investigations tied to production issues, development work, customer concerns, and reliability questions.
  • Use evidence-based reasoning and clearly separate observation from interpretation.
  • Work closely with teammates and subject matter experts to resolve difficult or unclear cases.
  • Share learnings and help improve consistency in team methods and documentation.

Minimum Qualifications and Skills
  • Education/experience: Candidates must meet one of the following qualifications:
    • High school diploma or equivalent plus 5+ years of meaningful experience in fractography, failure analysis, forensics, microscopy-based investigation, or a closely related technical field
    • Associate's degree in a related technical field such as Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, or Forensic Science
    • Bachelor's degree in a related technical field such as Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, or Forensic Science
  • Experience in failure analysis, defect analysis, microscopy-based inspection, quality troubleshooting, technical investigation, or a related hands-on technical environment.
  • Experience using microscopes, imaging tools, or visual inspection methods to evaluate and document physical samples or defects.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Patience, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently and with a team in a repetitive, detail-focused lab setting.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements
Frequent microscope work, including extended periods seated and focused on fine visual detail
Frequent handling of small parts and fragments; manual dexterity and careful hand-eye coordination required
Work is primarily performed in a lab and office environment and may require use of personal protective equipment as applicable
Preferred Qualifications and Skills
  • Experience with glass, ceramics, brittle materials, metals, polymers, or other material-based failure investigation.
  • Experience with fractography, forensics, root cause investigation, or broken-part analysis.
  • Familiarity with manufacturing, quality, reliability, or process troubleshooting environments.
  • Experience with Excel, JMP, Minitab, or similar data analysis and reporting tools.
  • Ability to apply technical concepts across different products, materials, and failure scenarios.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $64,173.00 - $88,238.00 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.
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 accommodations@corning.com.

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