2026 PhD Friction Estimation Steering Systems at Volkswagen

The development of future vehicles with software?based functions presents a wide range of new requirements for vehicle components, including the steering system. Against this background, the Steering System Development department of Volkswagen Group Components in Braunschweig is developing a steer?by?wire system in which the current mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels is eliminated. The department has expertise across all system levels — from the mechanical design of steering systems and the selection and specification of electronic components to in?house software development. If you are excited about shaping the future of steering systems, we invite you to apply.

Possible Tasks within this Role

• Analyzing (system-dynamic) the electronic and mechanical components of the steering system with regard to the influence of component friction
• Modeling the system and validating the model based on measurements and testing
• Researching and preparing the state of the art in friction estimation
• Developing a software function for estimating/determining the state variables and friction characteristics of the steering system
• Creating hands?on detection functions related to friction estimation

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineNot Specified
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorVolkswagen
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• 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

Requirements

• Good to very good university degree qualifying for doctoral studies in mechatronics, mechanical engineering, control engineering, or a comparable field

• Programming skills, especially in MATLAB/Simulink, C and/or ANSYS Scade

• Strong knowledge of control engineering and mechanics

• German or English language level C1

• Independent and self?driven working style

Check also:
2026 Fully Funded Humboldt Research Fellowship
2026 Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarship

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• For more information, kindly visit the Volkswagen website.