PhD Student – Intelligent Process Monitoring & Digital Twinning

About the role

Airbus Defence and Space is seeking a PhD student to join the Materials & Processes department in Manching. The research focuses on intelligent process monitoring and digital twinning for cold‑sprayed repair applications, aiming to develop real‑time, data‑driven quality assurance tools.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct a comprehensive state‑of‑the‑art review on detecting process irregularities and anomalies using sensor technologies (NDT & PM).
• Identify, select and integrate suitable sensor systems for capturing process‑relevant signals.
• Develop and implement machine‑learning and AI algorithms for real‑time monitoring and diagnostic of the cold‑spray process.
• Build a digital‑twin architecture that links sensor data to component quality and enables proactive process optimisation.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and present findings in regular meetings.

Required profile

• Enrolled or planning to enroll in a PhD programme in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong interest in advanced manufacturing, sensor technologies and data analytics.
• Willingness to work on a 36‑month fixed‑term research project in an international environment.

Required skills

• Machine Learning
• Artificial Intelligence
• Sensor data acquisition
• Non‑destructive testing (NDT)
• Digital Twin development

What we offer

• Attractive salary with a 35‑hour flexible work week.
• Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge Industry 4.0 research in a global aerospace company.
• International networking, team events and participation in the Generation Airbus Community.