Date:  Oct 6, 2025
Location: 

Salzgitter, DE

Company:  PowerCo SE
Level of Experience:  Doctorate
Job Function:  Technological development
Job ID:  4221

PhD Development and Optimization of Digital Twin Models (all genders)

 
Who we are

Our mission has started. We are starting our own battery cell production in Battery Valley in Salzgitter and ramping up our headquarters for global cell production. The CTO organization takes care of the battery cell development. Our responsibility includes research, predevelopment of materials and components, series development, prototyping, testing and analysis of battery cells.

  
 
Your role and key responsibilities

Ph.D Topic:  "Development and Optimization of Digital Twin Models for Predictive Maintenance and Performance Enhancement in Electrical Testing of Lithium-Ion Batteries

  • Modeling and Simulation: Develop a comprehensive digital twin model that accurately represents the electrical characteristics and behavior of lithium-ion batteries under various testing conditions.
  • Data Integration: Integrate real-time data from sensors and testing equipment into the digital twin to enable continuous monitoring and updating of the model.
  • Predictive Maintenance: Utilize the digital twin to predict potential failures and optimize maintenance schedules, thereby enhancing battery longevity and performance.
  • Performance Analysis: Analyze the impact of different testing protocols on battery performance and identify optimal testing strategies using the digital twin.
  • Validation and Optimization: Validate the digital twin model through experimental testing and optimize it for improved accuracy and reliability.


Expected Outcomes:

  • A robust digital twin model that can accurately simulate the electrical behavior of lithium-ion batteries.
  • Enhanced predictive maintenance strategies that reduce downtime and extend battery life.
  • Improved understanding of the impact of different testing protocols on battery performance.

The final doctoral thesis topic is determined together with the professor (m/f/d). The prerequisite for cooperation is a confirmation of supervision and the confirmed topic by the professor (m/f/d) of a university or research institution authorized to award doctorates. 

 

  
 
What you bring to the team
  • Masters background in electrical or mechanical engineering or chemical with focus on energy systems or battery technology.
  • Experience in modeling and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink, COMSOL).
  • Programming skills in Python or similar languages for data integration and predictive analytics.
  • Knowledge of sensor systems and real-time data acquisition for digital twin development.
  • Understanding of predictive maintenance and machine learning techniques.
  • Experience in scientific publication and presentation, ideally at international conferences
  • Basic knowledge of project management and the ability to efficiently coordinate research activities
  
 
What makes you stand out
  • Business Fluent in German and English
  • Analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities for performance analysis and model optimization.
  • Excellent teamwork and communication skills to collaborate effectively across interdisciplinary teams.
  • Independent and structured working style, combined with a high level of self-motivation and scientific curiosity
 
What to look forward to
  • Three-year doctoral program in which the doctoral students work on internal tasks of PowerCo in addition to their doctorate
  • 35-hour week, flexible working hours
  • 30 days paid vacation + 24.12. & 31.12. off
  • Interdisciplinary qualification opportunities
  • Regular feedback meetings and close technical supervision in the department
  • Opportunity for scientific exchange with other doctoral students of the Volkswagen Group 
   
Company:  PowerCo SE
Location: 

Salzgitter, DE

Job Function:  Technological development
Level of Experience:  Doctorate
Job ID:  4221
Date:  Oct 6, 2025

Are you a battery believer?

PowerCo was founded in 2022 to become a global battery champion. Headquartered in Germany, we are currently ramping up gigafactories in Salzgitter, Valencia and St. Thomas in Canada with a total volume of up to 200 GWh. We are integrating the entire value chain and building a supply chain as local as possible. With that we are driving the development of a strong, sustainable battery industry in Europe and North America.

Questions?

For all the questions you may have, take a look into our FAQ.
Your question is not answered in the FAQ? Feel free to reach out to our colleagues.

📧 careers@powerco.de

Benefits

Gain more insights in our benefits for Professionals or Future Talents

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We believe that the best results are created in a diverse and inclusive environment. 
Therefore, all qualified applications will be considered for employment regardless of age, race, religion, gender (identity), sexual orientation, national origin or disability.