PhD Factory Simulation (all Genders)

The mission has started. We proudly announce that in our Battery Valley we are starting our own battery cell production and the ramp up of our worldwide headquarters for global cell manufacturing. In this, the tasks and requirements of operations are varied. Operations takes care of all production related activities within the battery cell production. Our responsibilities vary from planning, constructing and rolling out the forthcoming battery cell factories. Furthermore, planning and implementing operating functions such as logistics, quality, production and plant management is also key elements within the area of operations.

Your role and key responsibilities

• Independent research and completion of a doctoral dissertation in the field of factory simulation: “Development of an AI-based framework for the generation, integration, and continuous enhancement of factory simulation models to support decision-making in production systems.”
• Development of innovative methods for the automated creation of simulation models from heterogeneous data sources
• Design of a learning-based knowledge structure (“Large Engineering Model”) for the reuse and scalability of simulation models
• Development of approaches for integrating and synchronizing simulation models with planning and operational data
• Conducting industrial case studies, as well as presenting, visualizing, and publishing research results

The final doctoral thesis topic is determined together with the professor (m/f/d). The prerequisite for cooperation is a confirmation of supervision and the confirmed topic by the professor (m/f/d) of a university or research institution authorized to award doctorates. Commitments for academic supervision have already been received from University Braunschweig, Magdeburg and Kassel. The final choice of the supervising institution will be determined in mutual agreement with the candidate (m/f/d).

What you bring to the team

• Successfully completed (with very good results) a Master’s degree or Diploma in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Data Science, or a related field
• Strong understanding of production, logistics, or factory planning systems
• Interest in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or data-driven methods
• Analytical, structured, and independent working style, along with excellent English language skills

What makes you stand out

• Experience with simulation methods and discrete-event simulation (especially Siemens Tecnomatix Plant Simulation)
• Knowledge of Digital Factory concepts, Operations Research, or factory optimization
• Experience in data analysis, data integration, or AI applications
• Interest in scientific research, academic publishing, and interdisciplinary collaboration

What to look forward to

• Three-year doctoral program in which the doctoral students work on internal tasks of PowerCo in addition to their doctorate
• 35-hour week, flexible working hours
• 30 days paid vacation + 24.12. & 31.12. off
• Interdisciplinary qualification opportunities
• Regular feedback meetings and close technical supervision in the department
• Opportunity for scientific exchange with other doctoral students of the Volkswagen Group

Company: PowerCo SE

Location: Salzgitter, DE

We believe that the best results are created in a diverse and inclusive environment. Therefore, all qualified applications will be considered for employment regardless of age, race, religion, gender (identity), sexual orientation, national origin or disability.