PhD Student AI-assisted assembly planning (f/m/d)

 

 

Brief Role Description

Our department is responsible for the comprehensive planning of a modern, production‑ready vehicle manufacturing system for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles across all production sites, laying the foundation for efficient, stable, and future‑proof processes. You will work at the intersection of product development, assembly, and technological innovation, shaping production systems that seamlessly combine human work with cutting‑edge technologies. We translate complex product requirements into robust series-production processes and develop solutions that balance quality, cost, and resources intelligently. As a central link within the assembly division, we maintain an overview of the entire process flow and actively drive the transfer of knowledge related to new technologies, standards, and project outcomes. For doctoral candidates, this setting offers an environment that combines scientific depth with real industrial impact. Interested in research with hands-on relevance? Get in touch and help shape the future of vehicle production with us!

Possible Tasks within this Role

• Use of an AI system in the planning process and throughout the entire lifecycle to ensure consistent data preparation and processing (process, product, layout, and resource data in 3D), enabling planning activities to be carried out faster and more efficiently
• The AI is trained in such a way that no iterative or optimization‑based approach is required in the planning process anymore; instead, the complex interdependencies are processed in advance using rule‑based logic and delivered as a holistic, finalized planning result in real time

 

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 the technical field with a focus on mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, production and logistics, computer science, or a similar course of study  
• German Language Level B2
• Confident use of MS Office
• Affinity for planning production processes and practical AI use cases
• Excellent problem‑solving abilities and a willingness to develop innovative ideas
• Strong capability for interdisciplinary collaboration

The following documents must be submitted with the application

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Current transcript of records
• Work permit for non-EU citizens

Keywords

Dissertation, production optimization, digitalization in manufacturing, process automation

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

Contact person for this posting: Tanja Oberbeck