PhD student for PhD in the topic of integration of functional layers into the vehicle outer skin

Life is always about becoming... In life it is about going on a journey to become the best version of our future self. As we discover new things, we face challenges, master them and grow beyond us.

Apply to Mercedes-Benz and find the area where you can develop your talents individually. You will be supported by visionary colleagues who share your pioneering spirit. Joining us means becoming part of a global team whose goal is to build the most desirable cars in the world. Together for excellence.

Number: MER0003Y13 Your vision at Mercedes-Benz: Design the future of electric mobility at Mercedes-Benz as a doctoral student! In our interdisciplinary research team, we drive the integration of various functional layers (such as photovoltaics, sensor technology, light or heating) into the vehicle outer skin. Your focus is on developing and implementing automated application technologies that enable efficient, scalable and aesthetically demanding integration of these technologies. This doctoral thesis offers the unique opportunity to combine scientific excellence with industrial relevance and to make a decisive contribution to the revolutionary optimization of electric vehicles. Your tasks – research, innovation and implementation: Basic Research & Strategy: Intensive incorporation into the current state of the art through a structured literature and patent research as well as relevant customer studies

Conception and development: independent conception, development and validation of new automatable application processes for functional layers on complex 3D geometries of the vehicle outer skin

Process optimisation: Systematic investigation and technical/economic evaluation of various manufacturing processes (e.g. 3D or Screen printing, spray applications, film coating) to achieve large-scale production of functional and aesthetic vehicle components

Material Process Interaction: Deep analysis of the interactions between the materials (on substrates such as metals, plastics, glass), the application processes and the adaptation to the specific requirements of the existing vehicle electrical system

Cooperation and control: Active coordination and management of cooperation projects with internal departments, external research institutes and industrial project partners

Modeling and Simulation: Development of Models and Implementation of Simulations to Predict Process Behavior and Optimize Application Strategies

Experimental validation: planning, implementation and evaluation of test series for experimental validation of the developed processes and technologies, including practical support in building relevant prototype components

Scientific publication: publication of research results in renowned journals and presentation at international conferences

Patent Application: Identification of innovation potentials and support in patent applications

The activity can start immediately/by agreement. Adjustment requirement is the support of the doctoral project by a university lecturer. The selection of a corresponding person is the responsibility of the doctoral student.

Your profile - so you fit into our team: Studies: Successfully completed master's degree (or diploma) in an MINT study subject, such as materials science, physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, mechatronics, chemical engineering or production engineering with very good performances

Specialization: deepened knowledge and ideally first practical experience in one or more of the following areas: thin-film technologies, surface coating processes (e.g. printing processes, spray coating, PVD/CVD), automation technology, robotics, photovoltaics, optoelectronics, material characterization

Methodology competence: knowledge of experimental methodology, data analysis and statistical experimental planning (DoE); Experience in scientific work and practical engineering work

Software knowledge: Secure handling of simulation software (e.g. COMSOL, Ansys, MATLAB/Simulink), CAD software and programming knowledge (e.g. Python) are advantageous

Personality: High motivation, pronounced problem-solving competence, creativity, self-initiative and the ability to communicate complex facts clearly; pronounced analytical and conceptual skills

Languages: German and English knowledge in word and writing

Team skills: joy in working in an interdisciplinary and international environment; strong communication and team skills; Fun to work regularly with your team

Additional knowledge (of advantage): Basic knowledge of business management

We offer you this – your advantages at Mercedes-Benz: Scientific excellence: A challenging and highly relevant research activity at the interface between science and industrial application

Possibility of doctoral studies in cooperation with a renowned university or a research institute

Leading role: take responsibility in a strategically important innovation project

Network: Building a comprehensive network within Mercedes-Benz AG and with leading external research institutions and technology companies

Resources: Access to state-of-the-art research and development facilities, laboratories and test environments

Career perspectives: Excellent development opportunities and an ideal basis for a future career in research and development at Mercedes-Benz

Remuneration: Attractive remuneration and flexible working hours

You want to make your promotion in cooperation with Mercedes-Benz? We offer you an international network of experts, research materials, work insights and personal mentors that will assist you as a contact person in addition to your faculty. Doctorate at a renowned university with the support of Mercedes-Benz as a non-academic partner – and use the know-how of a globally active group. Additional information: Do you want to make your doctorate in cooperation with Mercedes-Benz Group AG? We offer you an international network of experts, research materials, work insights and personal mentors that will assist you as a contact person in addition to your faculty. Doctorate in the Mercedes-Benz Group! Benefit from our know-how, an international expertise network, research materials, work insights and personal support by mentors – in addition to your university. Further information can be found here. We look forward to your online application with CV, Letters and Certificates. Please do not forget to mark your documents as ''relevant for this application' in the online form and note the maximum file size of 5 MB. Disabled and equalized applicants are welcome! The severely disabled representative (SBV-Sindelfingen@mercedes-benz.com) is happy to support you in the application process. HR Services will be happy to help you with questions about the application process. You can reach us by email via myhrservice@mercedes-benz.com or by phone at 0711/17-99000 (Mo-Fr 10-12am & 13-15am).

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