PhD Student – LiDAR & Radar Simulation Models (f/m/d)

The aim of our PhD Program is to promote innovative topics that are relevant to CARIAD. We cooperate with top universities and bring new research projects to life. Our PhD candidates get the opportunity to create new innovations in their projects for CARIAD and the respective scientific field. All PhD projects are accompanied by a supervisor professor and a dedicated CARIAD mentor. Essential trainings for the PhD candidates complete the PhD Program.

Our ADAS & AD pre-development department Sensors Concept & Innovations is looking for a PhD candidate for the project “Virtual Simulation Models for LiDAR and Radar Sensors”. 
We are working on cutting-edge sensor technologies for enabling the best-in-class AI perception stack for all brands at Volkswagen Group. Our team is responsible for the pre- and concept-development of next generation cameras, lidar and radar sensors, the definition of the ADAS sensor set, and the mechanical integration of sensors. In addition, we analyze the market and do tech scouting for sensor technologies.

In your daily work, you will work closely together with experts from all teams across the department alongside the ADAS/AD stack. We are an open-minded, highly motivated, and interdisciplinary team. We look forward to welcoming a self-motivated PhD candidate with an innovative spirit to join us.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Work on the PhD project “Virtual Simulation Models for LiDAR and Radar Sensors”
• Review and summarize the state-of-the-art 
• Develop highly accurate LiDAR and radar simulation models considering environmental and operational conditions (weather, material properties, sensor characteristics)
• Collect the necessary data to enable the development of highly accurate sensor simulation models
• Combine physics-based and Machine Learning approaches for improved accuracy in sensor modeling
• Integrate the developed sensor models into simulation frameworks
• Define validation metrics and implement validation workflows for the sensor simulation models
• Benchmark the sensor models against real-world sensor data
• Provide recommendations and documentation of the research

NICE TO KNOW

• Duration: 3 years
• Working with high ranked University
• Remote work options
• Possibility to supervise students
• Temporary work from abroad in selected countries
• 30 days paid leave
• Note: please upload your transcript of records

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Physics, Robotics, Mathematics, Data Science, Electrical Engineering or related field 
• Mandatory knowledge in one of the following: machine learning (GANs, domain adaptation, surrogate modeling) or applied physics (optics, laser physics, photonics, electromagnetic theory)
• Strong programming skills (Python, C++, MATLAB)
• Experience with common machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, etc.
• Preferably experience with radar or lidar sensors in in the context of ADAS & AD
• Preferably experience with simulation tools (CarMaker, PreScan, Carla, VTD, NVIDIA DRIVE Sim...)
• Strong analytical and communication skills; fluent in English
• German language skills are a plus
• Self-driven, proactive, and resilient in research challenges
• Enthusiastic about automated driving and sensor technology

• Time to recharge
• Flex time
• Remote office
• Professional development
• Employment incentives
• Culture & team spirit

To learn more about the benefits of work at CARIAD and what awaits you on your journey ahead, click here.

CARIAD is the automotive software company of the Volkswagen Group. Building automotive software platforms and digital customer functions for iconic brands like Audi, Volkswagen and Porsche, CARIAD supports the Volkswagen Group in becoming the global automotive tech driver.  

CARIAD's powerful software architectures enhances digital customer experiences with key products such as advanced driver assistance systems, a unified infotainment platform, software functions for charging and driving performance, as well as data, backend and cloud solutions, and digital services in and around the vehicle.  

The software architecture for the Volkswagen Group’s volume segment powers vehicles such as Volkswagen’s ID. models, the Audi Q4 e-tron, Škoda Enyaq, Škoda Elroq, and CUPRA Born. In 2024, a platform was launched for the Premium and Sports/Luxury segment, taking the in-car experience of vehicles such as the Audi Q6 e-tron and the Porsche Macan 4 Electric to the next level.  

Founded in 2020, CARIAD’s around 5,000 employees come from over 90 nationalities. Software developers and engineers work in Germany, the USA, China, India and Estonia, developing market-specific solutions and making software a competitive advantage for the Volkswagen Group.