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

Job description

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. Cold gas spraying (CGS) has emerged as a promising technology for the repair of metallic components in safety-critical applications. The quality of such repairs is strongly governed by complex physical phenomena — including particle deformation, interfacial bonding, oxide film disruption, and local thermomechanical effects. A deep understanding of these processes is essential to ensure the structural integrity and long-term reliability of repaired components. Currently, however, there is a lack of validated simulation approaches that combine detailed physical insight with long-term applicability in industrial development environments. Various numerical methods, ranging from continuum-based to particle-based approaches, have already contributed valuable insights into local process phenomena such as plastic deformation, adiabatic heating, and interface formation in research settings. This PhD thesis will pursue a holistic research approach combining experimental characterization, mechanical testing, and model-based analysis to decipher the relationships between process conditions, microstructure, and structural performance. Your tasks and responsibilities ● Conduct targeted literature reviews on the influence of microstructure on the damage behavior of additively manufactured metallic coatings/layers. ● Fabricate and systematically vary coating systems under controlled process conditions. ● Perform multiscale microstructural characterization using advanced analysis methods (e.g., SEM/EBSD, micro-tomography, hardness mapping, residual stress analysis). ● Conduct mechanical testing of the coatings under static and cyclic loading conditions. ● Develop and refine mechanical testing methods to address specific scientific research questions. ● Identify and evaluate local damage mechanisms and their spatial distribution. ● Develop or apply physics-based models to describe damage evolution. ● Integrate experimental results into life-cycle and reliability analyses. ● Prepare and present scientific results through publications and conference presentations. Desired skills and qualifications ​Completed Master’s degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or a related engineering or natural science discipline. ● Solid knowledge of materials, microstructure, and the mechanical behavior of materials. ● Experience with experimental characterization methods. ● Experience with numerical modeling approaches (e.g., FEM) is an advantage. ● Interest in interdisciplinary research bridging process engineering, microstructure, and structural integrity. ● Basic understanding of coating processes or additive manufacturing technologies ● High level of self-motivation, analytical thinking skills, and enjoyment of in-depth scientific work. ● 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 ● Creative problem-solving skills and an innovative mindset ● Structured, independent working style and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research ● Excellent command of written and spoken English Disabled applicants with equal qualifications will be given special consideration. 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 By submitting your CV or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus. 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.