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The Assembly Planning Department within Volkswagen Brand Planning is responsible for the conceptual development and implementation of assembly systems for vehicle ramp-ups, as well as for the engineering of automated assembly processes across all global Volkswagen production sites. In close collaboration with manufacturing plants, Technical Development, Product Planning and experts from electrical and automation engineering, we design, evaluate, and validate forward-looking assembly concepts to enable the next generation of automotive production systems. In the context of increasing production complexity, the integration of real-time process data into upstream and downstream assembly stages is gaining substantial relevance. Particularly in exterior assembly, the control- and compensation-based management of manufacturing variations constitutes a critical lever for achieving long-term improvements in product quality and gap-dimension precision. Emerging automation technologies, interconnected process architectures, and advanced control strategies play a decisive role in this endeavor. The proposed research project addresses a highly innovative and interdisciplinary field that spans automation engineering, metrology, tolerance simulation, and data science. Candidates will have the opportunity to contribute to the scientific advancement of data-driven assembly systems and to actively shape the future of intelligent automotive manufacturing.
Analytically evaluating product and assembly system architectures with a focus on manufacturing tolerances and gap dimension quality
Formulating data-driven process and control models for the predictive characterization of component and system behavior
Designing, programming, and executing experimental test series for the empirical validation of methodological and technological innovations
Requirements:
Good to very good university degree qualifying for doctoral studies in computer science, automation engineering, mechanical engineering or a related field of study
Proficient use of tools and platforms for data analysis, statistical modeling and computational simulation (e.g., Python, MATLAB, database systems, cloud-based data platforms)
Sound knowledge in machine learning methods and AI-driven process optimization
Prior experience in robot programming or image processing systems is advantageous
German language level B2, English language level B1
Outstanding analytical and conceptual reasoning skills
Strong teamwork and communication competencies
Highly structured, autonomous, and scientifically rigorous working style
Nice to have:
Prior experience in robot programming or image processing systems is advantageous
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