PhD - Foundation Models and Agentic AI for Industrial Automation at Bosch Group

Renningen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

29 Sep, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

01 Jul, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Python, C++, Industrial Automation, Foundation Models, Edge Computing, Model Optimization, Functional Safety, Control Systems, PLC Environments, Formal Verification

Industry

Software Development

Description

Company Description At Bosch, we shape the future by inventing high-quality technologies and services that spark enthusiasm and enrich people’s lives. Our promise to our associates is rock-solid: we grow together, we enjoy our work, and we inspire each other. Join in and feel the difference. The Robert Bosch GmbH is looking forward to your application! Job Description Industrial automation is at a turning point. Foundation models offer unprecedented generalization and adaptability — yet deploying them in real production environments means addressing strict constraints: microsecond-level latencies, deterministic behavior, functional safety certifications, and legacy infrastructures that cannot simply be replaced. As a PhD candidate, your tasks will include investigating how foundation models can be effectively applied in industrial reality. To this end, you will develop innovative methods for adaptation, validation, and deployment. You will bring these models into manufacturing, the process industry, and cyber-physical systems, always treating latency, determinism, and safety as non-negotiable factors. In addition, you will address key questions such as how foundation models can deliver bounded, predictable performance without compromising their capabilities. You will develop solutions to ensure compatibility between foundation models and established industrial safety and automation standards (e.g., IEC 61131, IEC 61508). Last but not least, you will enhance brownfield automation platforms with the capabilities of foundation models, thereby unlocking new opportunities for industry. Qualifications Education: completed Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Automation, Robotics, Mechatronics, or a comparable field Experience and know-how: strong theoretical and practical background in machine learning and deep learning; solid understanding of industrial automation concepts, control systems, as well as real-time or embedded environments; proficient programming skills in Python and C++; familiarity with functional safety standards (IEC 61508, ISO 13849) as well as formal verification or validation methods; proven experience in deploying and optimizing AI models on edge devices, embedded hardware, or resource-constrained platforms; knowledge of model optimization techniques such as quantization, pruning, knowledge distillation, or accelerated inference; practical experience with PLC environments, industrial communication protocols (OPC UA, PROFINET, EtherCAT), or industrial real-time platforms is desirable Personality and working style: strong interest in applying foundation models in industrial or cyber-physical systems and the ability to approach complex research questions in a structured and methodical way Languages: fluent English (written and spoken) and good German skills Additional Information https://www.bosch-ai.com www.bosch.com/research The final PhD topic is subject to your university. Please submit all relevant documents (CV, certificates, and links to GitHub or kaggle account). Start: according to prior agreement Diversity and inclusion are not just trends for us but are firmly anchored in our corporate culture. Therefore, we welcome all applications, regardless of gender, age, disability, religion, ethnic origin or sexual identity. Need support during your application? Celina Dannecker (Human Resources) +49 711 811 21346 Need further information about the job? Daniel Ewert (Functional Department) +49 711 811 11758 Work #LikeABosch starts here: Apply now! Legal Entity: Robert Bosch GmbH

Responsibilities

The candidate will investigate the application of foundation models in industrial automation, focusing on latency, determinism, and safety. They will develop methods for adaptation and deployment within manufacturing and cyber-physical systems while ensuring compatibility with industrial standards.