Doktorand*in für Promotion Akustik​/Schallisolation

Promotion Opportunity At Mercedes-Benz AG

The Mercedes-Benz Group AG is one of the most successful automotive companies in the world. With Mercedes-Benz AG, the vehicle manufacturer is one of the largest providers of premium and luxury cars and vans.

As a premium manufacturer, the acoustic comfort and the perceived sound character of a vehicle are decisive factors for customer satisfaction and the qualitative assessment in the competition. In our team within the RD/VFC department, we are responsible for the functional design regarding sound insulation. The precise prediction and targeted design of the sound character over the entire frequency range, especially in the challenging mid and high-frequency range, is therefore of utmost importance.

Furthermore, there is an urgent need for simplified, quickly applicable methods for early development phases that also enable first valid statements on the acoustic behavior without detailed simulation models and support design decisions. This doctoral project aims to close this gap and explore innovative approaches for a holistic, efficient, and user-friendly acoustic development.

Your tasks include:

• Development of hybrid simulation strategies:
  Research and combination of wave-based (e.g., FEM, BEM) and energy-based (e.g., SEA, EFEM) as well as geometric (e.g., Ray Tracing) methods to efficiently cover the entire relevant frequency range
• Conception of fast-running models:
  Development of simplified but meaningful simulation models (e.g., Reduced Order Models, analytical approaches, parametric models) for the rapid evaluation of design variants, also in combination with experimental data
• Validation and correlation:
  Conducting correlation studies between simulation results and experimental data (e.g., component tests, roller rig, artificial head measurements, driving tests) to ensure model accuracy and the meaningfulness of the aggregated key values
• Overall vehicle system optimization:
  Development of approaches for system-wide NVH optimization that take into account complex interactions and utilize the developed simplified models
• Exploration of AI/ML applications:
  Investigation of the use of AI algorithms to accelerate simulation processes, predict noise levels, and optimize design parameters

The position can start in August 2026.

A requirement for employment is the supervision of the doctoral project by a university lecturer. The selection of a corresponding supervisor is the responsibility of the doctoral candidate.

Qualifications:

• A very good completed master’s degree in mechanical engineering, physics, technical acoustics, computational science, or a comparable field
• Solid knowledge in numerical simulation (FEM, BEM, SEA) and/or experimental acoustics is advantageous
• Secure handling of programming languages such as Python and/or MATLAB
• A keen interest in vehicle acoustics, NVH, and the development of innovative solutions for electromobility
• Analytical thinking, a structured approach, and the ability to independently solve problems
• Good communication skills in German and English as well as the enjoyment of working in an interdisciplinary team

Additional information:

Promote within the Mercedes-Benz Group! Benefit from our know-how, an international network of expertise, research materials, work insights, and personal mentoring by mentors – in addition to your university. Further information can be found here.

We look forward to your online application with your resume, cover letter, and certificates. Please do not forget to mark your documents as "relevant for this application" in the online form and note the maximum file size of 5 MB.

Disabled and equally qualified applicants are welcome! The disabled employees’ representative (sbv-s) will gladly support you in the application process.

HR Services will be happy to help you with any questions regarding the application process. You can reach us by email at  or by phone at 0711/17-99000 (Mon-Fri 10-12 PM & 1-3 PM).