PhD Student Non-destructive Testing Adhesive Bonds (f/m/d)

Job ID: 22642 Company: Volkswagen AG Location: Department: Production and Logistics Career Level: PhD students Working Model: Full-time Contract Type: Fixed-term Remote Working: Up to 60% Posting Date: May 23, 2026 Brief Role Description At Volkswagen Passenger Cars, you will work in production planning as part of a motivated team focused on shaping a future‑ready and efficient production system. With our expertise, we drive cross‑brand collaboration and develop cost‑optimized solutions that we validate in Group committees. You will gain insights into the Volkswagen Group at the Wolfsburg site and gather practical industry experience alongside your doctoral research. In the “New Technologies” team, we develop and implement innovative processes - from early technology concepts to series production. This includes non‑destructive testing methods and digital systems that evaluate joining‑process data for quality assessment. We act as the central contact for all joining and testing technology topics for body shop planning, product planning, the plants, and development. As a doctoral researcher, you conduct independent research, build expertise through experimentation and collaboration with academic and industry partners, publish findings, and present at conferences. The role combines theory with practical problem‑solving and supports innovation and analytical thinking. Possible Tasks within this Role Evaluating, assessing, and implementing non‑destructive testing methods with a focus on adhesive bonds, in collaboration with Quality Assurance and external partners Analyzing, describing, and assessing methods regarding their suitability for non‑destructive inspection Implementing a non‑destructive testing method for adhesive bonds with respect to adhesion quality Experimentally validating the non‑destructive testing technology according to the requirements of the technology development process — from principle and concept feasibility through to series readiness 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 a technical field, ideally with a focus on mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, automotive engineering, or a related discipline Knowledge of non‑destructive testing methods Strong analytical skills and the ability to understand and clearly communicate complex relationships Excellent problem‑solving abilities and a willingness to develop innovative ideas Strong aptitude for interdisciplinary collaboration High level of teamwork, independence, and reliability Keywords Dissertation, Production technology, Data-driven inspection methods, Adhesive bonding 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: Fabian Wenzel Brief Role Description At Volkswagen Passenger Cars, you will work in production planning as part of a motivated team focused on shaping a future‑ready and efficient production system. With our expertise, we drive cross‑brand collaboration and develop cost‑optimized solutions that we validate in Group committees. You will gain insights into the Volkswagen Group at the Wolfsburg site and gather practical industry experience alongside your doctoral research. In the “New Technologies” team, we develop and implement innovative processes - from early technology concepts to series production. This includes non‑destructive testing methods and digital systems that evaluate joining‑process data for quality assessment. We act as the central contact for all joining and testing technology topics for body shop planning, product planning, the plants, and development. As a doctoral researcher, you conduct independent research, build expertise through experimentation and collaboration with academic and industry partners, publish findings, and present at conferences. The role combines theory with practical problem‑solving and supports innovation and analytical thinking. Possible Tasks within this Role Evaluating, assessing, and implementing non‑destructive testing methods with a focus on adhesive bonds, in collaboration with Quality Assurance and external partners Analyzing, describing, and assessing methods regarding their suitability for non‑destructive inspection Implementing a non‑destructive testing method for adhesive bonds with respect to adhesion quality Experimentally validating the non‑destructive testing technology according to the requirements of the technology development process — from principle and concept feasibility through to series readiness 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 a technical field, ideally with a focus on mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, automotive engineering, or a related discipline Knowledge of non‑destructive testing methods Strong analytical skills and the ability to understand and clearly communicate complex relationships Excellent problem‑solving abilities and a willingness to develop innovative ideas Strong aptitude for interdisciplinary collaboration High level of teamwork, independence, and reliability Keywords Dissertation, Production technology, Data-driven inspection methods, Adhesive bonding 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: Fabian Wenzel Job ID: 22642 Company: Volkswagen AG Location: Department: Production and Logistics Career Level: PhD students Working Model: Full-time Contract Type: Fixed-term Remote Working: Up to 60% Posting Date: May 23, 2026 Volkswagen - that's why We want to revolutionize and shape the mobility of tomorrow sustainably. 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