Publication Date: Jul 16, 2026
Location:
Salzgitter, DE
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Company: PowerCo SE
Level of Experience: Doctorate
Job Function: Operations
Job ID: 4851
PhD Factory Simulation (all Genders)
Who we are
The mission has started. We proudly announce that in our Battery Valley we are starting our own battery cell production and the ramp up of our worldwide headquarters for global cell manufacturing. In this, the tasks and requirements of operations are varied. Operations takes care of all production related activities within the battery cell production. Our responsibilities vary from planning, constructing and rolling out the forthcoming battery cell factories. Furthermore, planning and implementing operating functions such as logistics, quality, production and plant management is also key elements within the area of operations.
Your role and key responsibilities
Independent research and completion of a doctoral dissertation in the field of factory simulation: “Development of an AI-based framework for the generation, integration, and continuous enhancement of factory simulation models to support decision-making in production systems.”
Development of innovative methods for the automated creation of simulation models from heterogeneous data sources
Design of a learning-based knowledge structure (“Large Engineering Model”) for the reuse and scalability of simulation models
Development of approaches for integrating and synchronizing simulation models with planning and operational data
Conducting industrial case studies, as well as presenting, visualizing, and publishing research results
The final doctoral thesis topic is determined together with the professor (m/f/d). The prerequisite for cooperation is a confirmation of supervision and the confirmed topic by the professor (m/f/d) of a university or research institution authorized to award doctorates. Commitments for academic supervision have already been received from University Braunschweig, Magdeburg and Kassel. The final choice of the supervising institution will be determined in mutual agreement with the candidate (m/f/d).
What you bring to the team
Successfully completed (with very good results) a Master’s degree or Diploma in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Data Science, or a related field
Strong understanding of production, logistics, or factory planning systems
(Very) good programming skills (e.g., Python, SimTalk, or comparable programming languages)
Interest in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or data-driven methods
Analytical, structured, and independent working style, along with excellent English language skills
What makes you stand out
Experience with simulation methods and discrete-event simulation (especially Siemens Tecnomatix Plant Simulation)
Knowledge of Digital Factory concepts, Operations Research, or factory optimization
Experience in data analysis, data integration, or AI applications
Interest in scientific research, academic publishing, and interdisciplinary collaboration
What to look forward to
Three-year doctoral program in which the doctoral students work on internal tasks of PowerCo in addition to their doctorate
35-hour week, flexible working hours
30 days paid vacation + 24.12. & 31.12. off
Interdisciplinary qualification opportunities
Regular feedback meetings and close technical supervision in the department
Opportunity for scientific exchange with other doctoral students of the Volkswagen Group
Company: PowerCo SE
Location:
Salzgitter, DE
#job-location.job-location-inline { display: inline; }
Job Function: Operations
Level of Experience: Doctorate
Job ID: 4851
Publication Date: Jul 16, 2026
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Are you a battery believer?
PowerCo was founded in 2022 to become a global battery champion. Headquartered in Germany, we are currently ramping up gigafactories in Salzgitter, Valencia and St. Thomas in Canada with a total volume of up to 200 GWh. We are integrating the entire value chain and building a supply chain as local as possible. With that we are driving the development of a strong, sustainable battery industry in Europe and North America.
Questions?
For all the questions you may have, take a look into our FAQ.
Your question is not answered in the FAQ? Feel free to reach out to our colleagues.
[email protected]
Benefits
Gain more insights in our benefits for Professionals or Early Careers.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We believe that the best results are created in a diverse and inclusive environment.
Therefore, all qualified applications will be considered for employment regardless of age, race, religion, gender (identity), sexual orientation, national origin or disability.
