PhD Student Data‑Driven Vehicle Development / Vehicle Usage Analysis (f/m/d)

PhD Student Data‑Driven Vehicle Development / Vehicle Usage Analysis (f/m/d)

Job ID:  25593
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:  Up to 40%
Posting Date:  Jun 23, 2026

PhD Student Data‑Driven Vehicle Development / Vehicle Usage Analysis (f/m/d)

Work environment

Shape the future of the vehicle - be part of it. In whole vehicle development, you’ll join a challenging, cross-functional environment at the intersection of research, data analytics, and vehicle engineering. You’ll work with real vehicle and usage data, have a high degree of creative freedom, and make a direct impact on the product across its entire lifecycle. You’ll be part of a young, dynamic team with a strong sense of ownership and a clear focus on getting things done. We support each other and use the latest tools and technologies to quickly turn ideas into reality. Here, you can take on responsibility and make a real difference.

Possible Tasks within this Role

  • Improving data-driven models for vehicle development and usage
  • Developing and integrating reliable machine learning approaches within the vehicle
  • Optimizing training datasets using all available information from the development process
  • Developing strategies for robust application across the entire product lifecycle

 

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 engineering, mathematics, physics, or a comparable field of study
  • Programming skills required (e.g., Python, C++)
  • Knowledge and experience in machine learning and AI are a plus
  • Knowledge in mechanics and vehicle engineering is desirable; ideally, experience in durability engineering
  • German and English language level B2
  • High level of initiative and strong motivation, combined with a structured and independent working style
  • Strong communication skills and team spirit
  • Ability to present effectively in both German and English

The following documents must be submitted with the application

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

Keywords

Dissertation, big data, ML, simulation, data science, vehicle requirements

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

Shape the future of the vehicle - be part of it. In whole vehicle development, you’ll join a challenging, cross-functional environment at the intersection of research, data analytics, and vehicle engineering. You’ll work with real vehicle and usage data, have a high degree of creative freedom, and make a direct impact on the product across its entire lifecycle. You’ll be part of a young, dynamic team with a strong sense of ownership and a clear focus on getting things done. We support each other and use the latest tools and technologies to quickly turn ideas into reality. Here, you can take on responsibility and make a real difference.

Possible Tasks within this Role

  • Improving data-driven models for vehicle development and usage
  • Developing and integrating reliable machine learning approaches within the vehicle
  • Optimizing training datasets using all available information from the development process
  • Developing strategies for robust application across the entire product lifecycle

 

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 engineering, mathematics, physics, or a comparable field of study
  • Programming skills required (e.g., Python, C++)
  • Knowledge and experience in machine learning and AI are a plus
  • Knowledge in mechanics and vehicle engineering is desirable; ideally, experience in durability engineering
  • German and English language level B2
  • High level of initiative and strong motivation, combined with a structured and independent working style
  • Strong communication skills and team spirit
  • Ability to present effectively in both German and English

The following documents must be submitted with the application

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

Keywords

Dissertation, big data, ML, simulation, data science, vehicle requirements

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:  25593
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:  Up to 40%
Posting Date:  Jun 23, 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?

Go to our career website

Questions?

Your application | All you need to know
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Mail: einstieg@volkswagen.de ✉️
Hotline: +49 5361 9 36363


The costs for calls depend on the your provider's tariff. Roaming charges may apply for calls from abroad.

Technical Issues?

Technical Recruiting Support