Phd student (d/f/m) in the field of Materials & Processes
Clearance Level
BPSS
Salary Range
Competitive
Employment Type
FULL TIME
Work Style
onsite
// Role Summary
Embark on a 36-month PhD journey at Airbus Defence and Space, focusing on multiscale simulation of cold spray processes to enhance repair quality. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to advanced materials research while developing your scientific and professional skills.
// Key Responsibilities
- Conduct state-of-the-art review of numerical methods for cold spray simulation.
- Develop and validate simulation models for particle-substrate interactions and damage mechanisms.
- Scale up simulations from single-impact to multi-particle scenarios.
- Integrate and correlate simulation results with experimental data.
- Disseminate findings through publications and presentations.
- Opportunity for a research stay at a European partner institution.
// Role Specification
Airbus Defence and Space is seeking a PhD student (d/f/m) to support the Materials and Processes department in Manching. This 36-month position focuses on the multiscale simulation of cold spray processes for predicting repair quality, offering a comprehensive research experience.
Your Tasks and Responsibilities:
- Conduct a comprehensive state-of-the-art review of numerical methods for simulating cold spray processes, with a focus on continuum-mechanical approaches (Lagrangian, Eulerian, CFD).
- Develop and validate simulation models for particle-substrate interactions, including plastic deformation, adiabatic heating, and interfacial bonding.
- Model damage mechanisms such as incomplete oxide disruption, delamination, or local crack initiation.
- Scale up from single-impact to multi-particle scenarios, accounting for statistical process variations.
- Explore coupling between CFD and solid-mechanics simulations for a holistic process representation (optional).
- Integrate and correlate simulation results with experimental data from complementary projects (e.g., microstructure, process monitoring).
- Disseminate findings through scientific publications, conference presentations, and a final technical report.
Desired Skills and Qualifications:
- Completed Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computational Mechanics, Materials Science, or a related engineering or natural science discipline.
- Strong background in solid mechanics, plasticity theory, and numerical methods (FEM, CFD).
- Experience with simulation software (e.g., Abaqus, ANSYS, LS-DYNA).
- Programming skills (Python, Fortran, C++) for automation and scripting of simulation workflows are an advantage.
- Basic understanding of coating processes or additive manufacturing technologies.
- Analytical thinking and the ability to model complex physical phenomena.
- Willingness to plan, coordinate, and carry out a multi-month research stay at a European partner institution, if required.
- Excellent command of written and spoken English; German is a plus.
Your Benefits:
- Attractive salary and work-life balance with a 35-hour week (flexitime).
- Opportunity for travel (team events) after consultation.
- International environment with global networking opportunities.
- Work with modern/diversified technologies.
- Be a valuable team member involved in weekly meetings and project interfaces.
- Participate in the Generation Airbus Community for networking.
Location: Manching (approx. 1 hour north of Munich)
Start Date: 01.10.2026 / As soon as possible
Duration: 36 months