Doctoral Position at the BMW Group

Job Title:
Doctoral Student: Validation of Digital Verification Methods for Highly Automated Driving (f/m/d)

Job Location:
Munich, Bavaria 80809
Germany

Job Description:
The BMW Group Driving Simulation Center features the most advanced and versatile simulation methods and simulators in the automotive industry. Our goal is to progressively virtualize the development, testing, and validation of highly automated driving functions (SAE L3+) step by step. To achieve this, we need test environments with strong hybrid capabilities where real and virtual systems, including a VR headset, interact in real time.

What can you expect?

• You will design and implement a hybrid test setup to integrate a driving simulator, a mixed-reality/real vehicle, virtual road users, and a control center.
• You will also develop the technical system architecture for data flows, interfaces, synchronization, and real-time communication between the components involved.
• You will analyze critical traffic situations and derive technical safety mechanisms—such as monitoring, degradation, and collision avoidance—for the test operation.
• You will also investigate the robustness, reproducibility, and system quality of the hybrid test setup at both the component and overall system levels.
• The scientific focus of your work is the validity of the method from a human factors perspective, which means the transferability of the results to the real world.
• This includes planning, conducting, and evaluating experimental studies to assess perception, situational understanding, and driver behavior in the hybrid test setup.
• You will publish your results at international conferences and in scientific journals.

What do you bring to the table?

• A degree program in computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, human factors, or a comparable technical field.
• Strong knowledge of system architecture, software development, real-time systems, interface integration, or co-simulation.
• Experience in programming, e.g., in Python, C++, MATLAB/Simulink, or comparable technologies.
• Interest in highly automated driving, driving simulation, mixed reality, and hybrid test environments.
• Ideally, some initial exposure to empirical research, human factors, human-machine interaction, or validation methodology.
• Fluency in German and English.

Are you motivated and interested in shaping the mobility of tomorrow with us? Apply now!

Note: Please apply exclusively online via the BMW Group career portal. Applications submitted through other channels (especially via email) cannot be considered. Citizens of countries outside the European Union require a valid residence or work permit for the duration of the program.

If you make it to the next round, you’ll receive an email invitation to a video interview. Please check your spam folder regularly as well.

What do we offer you?

• Comprehensive mentoring and onboarding.
• Personal and professional development.
• Flexible work hours.
• Remote work.
• Attractive and fair compensation.
• Annual bonuses such as vacation pay and a Christmas bonus.
• Apartments for students (subject to availability and only in Munich).
• And much more see bmwgroup.jobs/de/en/about-us/benefits.html.

Start date: September 1, 2026
Duration: 36 months
Work schedule: Part-time

You can find helpful tips on your application and the application process here.

At the BMW Group, we place great importance on equal treatment and equal opportunities. Our hiring decisions are based on the personality, experience, and skills of the applicants. Learn more here.