Phd student (d/f/m) in the field of Materials & Processes

Job Description:

In order to support the materials and processes department, Airbus Defence and Space is looking for a

Phd student (d/f/m) in the field of Materials & Processes, Multiscale Simulation of Cold Spray Processes for Predicting Repair Quality

You are looking for a PhD thesis and want to get to know the work within this area? Then apply now! We look forward to you supporting us in the Materials and Processes department as a Doktorand (d/f/m)!

Location: Manching

Start: 01.10.2026 / as soon as possible

Duration: 36 months

Your location

Located about an hour’s drive north of Munich, Manching is an up-and-coming market town that offers a wide range of leisure and cultural activities. Here, you can enjoy the quality of life in the countryside while the pleasures of near-by cities are still within easy reach.

Your benefits

Attractive salary and work-life balance with an 35-hour week (flexitime).

Traveling overseas or within Germany (team events) is possible after consultation and agreement from the department.

International environment with the opportunity to network globally.

Work with modern/diversified technologies.

At Airbus, we see you as a valuable team member and you are not hired to brew coffee, instead you are in close contact with the interfaces and are part of our weekly team meetings.

Opportunity to participate in the Generation Airbus Community to expand your own network.

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

Please upload the following documents: cover letter, CV, relevant transcripts, enrollment certificate. 

Not a 100% match? No worries! Airbus supports your personal growth.

Take your career to a new level and apply online now!

#MYCYM 

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company: Airbus Defence and Space GmbH

Employment Type: PHD, Research

Experience Level: Student

Job Family: Support to Management <JF-FA-ES>

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Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.

Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to emsom@airbus.com.

At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.