PhD Student - AI AI Electrical Systems Planning (f/m/d)

PhD Student - AI AI Electrical Systems Planning (f/m/d)

Job ID:  24305
Company:  Volkswagen AG
Location: 

Wolfsburg, DE, 38436

Department:  Research and Development
Career Level:  PhD students
Working Model:  Full-time
Contract Type:  Fixed-term
Remote Working:  By agreement
Posting Date:  Jun 19, 2026

PhD Student - AI AI Electrical Systems Planning (f/m/d)

Work environment

As the link between development and production plants, we support and influence vehicle electronics from the initial concept idea through to the finished vehicle delivered to the customer. Based on our guiding principle, “We define the product optimized for series production,” we work in interdisciplinary teams on innovative vehicle concepts, functions, and cross-functional technologies. In doing so, we are responsible for ensuring that our products are designed to be production-ready. Our responsibilities range from commissioning individual components and/or functions to full project management. The current process for developing programs for vehicle commissioning is based on specifications characterized by numerous organizational and technical interfaces. The objective of this PhD project is to systematically reduce these process-related weaknesses through the targeted use of artificial intelligence. This aims to minimize sources of error that directly impact production stability, cycle times, commissioning quality, and overall costs.

Possible Tasks within this Role

  • Designing an AI-based system to support the creation of commissioning programs
  • Developing and implementing a prototype solution incorporating relevant data sources
  • Integrating bills of materials, vehicle configurations, diagnostic data, software versions, and process standards
  • Identifying optimization potential with regard to cycle time, program structure, and corrective actions
  • Analyzing and deriving data-driven improvements to increase the efficiency of commissioning processes

 

The final doctoral topic is defined together with the professor. The prerequisite for the cooperation is the confirmation of supervision as well as a confirmed delimitation of topics by the professor of a university or research institution entitled to confer a doctorate.

Qualification requirements

  • Good to very good university degree qualifying for doctoral studies in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field of study
  • Knowledge of vehicle commissioning or related areas (e.g., vehicle diagnostics such as Unified Diagnostic Services / service-oriented vehicle diagnostics, vehicle electronics and networks) and/or service-oriented architecture is desirable
  • Knowledge of software development is a plus
  • Strong project management skills (scheduling and cost management)
  • Proficiency in MS Office
  • Ability to work independently and take ownership of a scientific research topic
  • Strong analytical thinking skills and solid technical understanding
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills

The following documents must be submitted with the application

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Current transcript of records / Master’s or Diplom degree certificate

Keywords

Dissertation, ML, AutoML (Automated Machine Learning), Generative AI, code automation, AI-supported software development, AI-based code analysis, LLM-assisted programming


What we offer

  • Attractive salary & 30 vacation days (+ 24.12. and 31.12. off)
  • 35-hour week, flexible working hours, remote work
  • Special conditions for the purchase and leasing of vehicles
  • Free seminars on scientific work and interdisciplinary qualifications
  • Participation in the doctoral network for scientific exchange with science representatives and other doctoral candidates within the Volkswagen Group

 

The gross monthly salary for this position, based on a 35-hour workweek and scaled according to the respective year of employment, is €3,030 (1st year), €3,194 (2nd year), and €3,497 (3rd year). In addition, there is a monthly allowance of 167€ as well as a 49% share of the variable bonus.


Contact person for this posting: Fabian Wenzel

Work environment

As the link between development and production plants, we support and influence vehicle electronics from the initial concept idea through to the finished vehicle delivered to the customer. Based on our guiding principle, “We define the product optimized for series production,” we work in interdisciplinary teams on innovative vehicle concepts, functions, and cross-functional technologies. In doing so, we are responsible for ensuring that our products are designed to be production-ready. Our responsibilities range from commissioning individual components and/or functions to full project management. The current process for developing programs for vehicle commissioning is based on specifications characterized by numerous organizational and technical interfaces. The objective of this PhD project is to systematically reduce these process-related weaknesses through the targeted use of artificial intelligence. This aims to minimize sources of error that directly impact production stability, cycle times, commissioning quality, and overall costs.

Possible Tasks within this Role

  • Designing an AI-based system to support the creation of commissioning programs
  • Developing and implementing a prototype solution incorporating relevant data sources
  • Integrating bills of materials, vehicle configurations, diagnostic data, software versions, and process standards
  • Identifying optimization potential with regard to cycle time, program structure, and corrective actions
  • Analyzing and deriving data-driven improvements to increase the efficiency of commissioning processes

 

The final doctoral topic is defined together with the professor. The prerequisite for the cooperation is the confirmation of supervision as well as a confirmed delimitation of topics by the professor of a university or research institution entitled to confer a doctorate.

Qualification requirements

  • Good to very good university degree qualifying for doctoral studies in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field of study
  • Knowledge of vehicle commissioning or related areas (e.g., vehicle diagnostics such as Unified Diagnostic Services / service-oriented vehicle diagnostics, vehicle electronics and networks) and/or service-oriented architecture is desirable
  • Knowledge of software development is a plus
  • Strong project management skills (scheduling and cost management)
  • Proficiency in MS Office
  • Ability to work independently and take ownership of a scientific research topic
  • Strong analytical thinking skills and solid technical understanding
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills

The following documents must be submitted with the application

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Current transcript of records / Master’s or Diplom degree certificate

Keywords

Dissertation, ML, AutoML (Automated Machine Learning), Generative AI, code automation, AI-supported software development, AI-based code analysis, LLM-assisted programming


What we offer

  • Attractive salary & 30 vacation days (+ 24.12. and 31.12. off)
  • 35-hour week, flexible working hours, remote work
  • Special conditions for the purchase and leasing of vehicles
  • Free seminars on scientific work and interdisciplinary qualifications
  • Participation in the doctoral network for scientific exchange with science representatives and other doctoral candidates within the Volkswagen Group

 

The gross monthly salary for this position, based on a 35-hour workweek and scaled according to the respective year of employment, is €3,030 (1st year), €3,194 (2nd year), and €3,497 (3rd year). In addition, there is a monthly allowance of 167€ as well as a 49% share of the variable bonus.


Contact person for this posting: Fabian Wenzel

Job ID:  24305
Company:  Volkswagen AG
Location: 

Wolfsburg, DE, 38436

Department:  Research and Development
Career Level:  PhD students
Working Model:  Full-time
Contract Type:  Fixed-term
Remote Working:  By agreement
Posting Date:  Jun 19, 2026

Volkswagen - that's why

We want to revolutionize and shape the mobility of tomorrow sustainably. For this purpose, we are looking for talents who are willing to break completely new ground with us and are not afraid to make mistakes. We are looking for personalities who want to achieve something extraordinary. And talents who believe in the innovative power of big ideas. Are you in?

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Mail: einstieg@volkswagen.de ✉️
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