PhD thesis: Smart-automated, lab-scale controlled polymeric paint systems on advanced composite (d/f/m)

Job Description:

Number of openings

1

Job posting Title

PhD thesis: Smart-automated, lab-scale controlled application of a polymeric paint systems on advanced composite aircraft structures

Siglum

1XRM1

Manager name

Dr. Christian Weimer OTN

Time Officer

Sonja Deuter

Job Profile (job family e.g. Accounting)

Materials and Processes

Are you looking for a PhD thesis?

Would you like to discover the work of a material scientist?

Then apply now!

We look forward to you joining us as an PhD student (d/f/m) at Airbus CRT

for 35 hours/week, flexi-time.

Location

Ottobrunn, Munich

Start

ideally 15th of December 2026

Duration

36 months

Airbus is a global pioneer in aeronautics, space and defense related services, creating cutting-edge technologies. Combining European heritage with global outreach, the diversity of our talent and technology drives innovation, integration and internationalization. Airbus CRT is the central research domain of the Airbus company, in charge of fundamental research for all Airbus divisions.

Throughout the operational lifespan of an aircraft, numerous factors contribute to the degradation of its paint. First, the demanding environmental factors as well as the tough operational conditions.. Second,aircraft are undergoing several paint jobs and as a result the paint thickness and the adhesion needs to be taken into account. so. Maintaining long-term paint performance requires high performance paints and consistent paint application processes. . Aeronautical paints have been developed from low-level single-type to high-level multifunctional ones.

For these reasons, it is paramount first to develop a detailed, smart-automated closed-loop process chain to control each paint application and curing step in order to achieve highest quality of the applied protection. This loop starts with the pretreatment of the composite surfaces to ensure optimum adhesion of the paint, continues with the application of paint layers with controlled thickness, with the right selection of curing times and conditions, and ends with a final inspection of the achieved paint system quality and performance. Data collected along the process chain is analyzed in real time and, if deviations are noticed, proper process adjustments are looped-back. The final goal of this in-line optimization loop is to establish a high quality baseline painting process at labscale that uses our state-of-the-art paints.

As a PhD student at Airbus CRT you will be a member of the materials team, be in charge of your PhD project, perform scientific research as well as technical work, participate in project meetings with our customers, external partners, and with our technical experts. .

Your exciting tasks

• Setting up a lab-scale experimental environment for controlled paint application
• Design and development of a closed-loop workflow for optimizing the paint system application process parameters on a laboratory scale.
• Applying advanced experimental and machine learning methods for analysing process data as feedback-loop information
• Working in an international open-minded environment
• Write scientific papers, technical reports and present them at conferences and meetings

Requirements

Education

Software skills (programming languages) and scientific/technical skills

Languages

• Master degree in a field like Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or an Engineering discipline

• Experience of working in a laboratory environment and design of experiments (highly desired)
• Demonstrated programming skills (desired) and basic understanding of using machine learning tools
• Coupon manufacturing and analytics (basic experience)
• Data acquisition and evaluation (basic experience)
• Hands-on attitude, curiosity-driven, and interested in exploring approaching technologies
• Technical and process understanding to create an overall view of a loop-process
• Office applications (Google Workspace)

• English (full professional command)

You like working in a diverse team, you have excellent communication skills, and are able to plan and execute your share of the work independently

Secure Hiring

☐ Export Compliance

☐ Security Management

☐ both relevant

☒ none relevant

Cost Center

AD60000013

Account assignment / Kontierung

◻ directly

◻ indirectly

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.

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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.