PhD: AI for Human Evaluation of Acoustic and Dynamic Twins [AHEAD] (SEAT S.A. & UPC)

About this task

Ever wondered what it’s like to work for an international company like SEAT & CUPRA? 🚀
If you are looking to take the next step in your professional career, our recent Industrial PhD project in collaboration with the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya might be exactly what you’re looking for.
About The Project
As the automotive industry moves toward electrification, vehicle comfort and perceived quality are becoming increasingly important differentiators.
In Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), the reduction of powertrain noise means that other vibration and acoustic phenomena become much more noticeable to customers. Although advanced CAE simulations can predict vehicle vibroacoustic behaviour, translating engineering results into human perception remains a major challenge.
To address this challenge, SEAT S.A. and UPC are launching AHEAD (AI for Human Evaluation of Acoustic and Dynamic Twins), an Industrial PhD project focused on developing an AI-enhanced Digital Twin capable of connecting engineering simulations with human perception.
The goal of this project is to create methods that allow engineers to evaluate comfort, acoustic quality and vibration sensations much earlier in the vehicle development process, enabling faster and more customer-oriented decisions.
The PhD Will Focus On Three Complementary Research Areas
Reliable Data Generation and Structuring: Develop methodologies to generate high-quality and traceable datasets from CAE simulations, physical testing campaigns and historical engineering databases, ensuring the consistency required for AI and Machine Learning applications.
AI-Based Predictive Modelling: Develop advanced AI models capable of predicting acoustic and dynamic responses, generating realistic synthetic loads and excitation signals, extending available simulation data and supporting early-stage vehicle development decisions even when complete vehicle models are not yet available.
Human-Centered Perception and Immersive Validation: Investigate how technical NVH indicators can be translated into experiences that humans can understand and evaluate through sound synthesis, vibration reconstruction, interactive Digital Twins and immersive validation environments. This will allow engineers and stakeholders to assess perceived vehicle quality before building physical prototypes.
The Project Contributes To
Reducing dependence on physical prototypes
Accelerating vehicle development
Improving customer-oriented engineering decisions
Reusing historical simulation and test data more effectively
Bridging the gap between engineering metrics and human perception
What Do We Offer?
Opportunity to work on a strategic industrial research project
Collaboration between SEAT S.A. and Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)
Access to state-of-the-art simulation, AI and HPC technologies
Direct interaction with NVH, CAE and AI experts
Participation in international conferences and research collaborations
Integration into SEAT's growing AI4CAE ecosystem
Full-time 8:00h-16.35h (flexible schedule)
Temporary contract for 3 years
Required Qualifications
Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Acoustics, Data Science or related disciplines.
Master’s degree in Numerical methods, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science or related disciplines.
Average academic score higher than 6.5
Advanced Spanish and English
Valuable Experience
CAE simulation, structural dynamics, NVH, vibroacoustic analysis, signal processing
Python programming, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, reduced-order modelling, surrogate models or Digital Twins.
Key Competencies
Analytical and critical thinking
Strong research mindset
Problem-solving skills
Autonomy and responsibility
Ability to explain technical concepts clearly
At SEAT, we firmly believe in the power of diversity and inclusion as fundamental pillars of our culture, where everyone can be authentically free and freely authentic. We work with passion to create an environment in which every voice is heard and valued, ensuring equal opportunities for all people, regardless of sexual characteristics, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nationality, ethnicity, cultural identity, age, beliefs, or any other form of diversity.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is a priority that we hold ourselves accountable for every single day.
Join us and become part of our team!
#SEAT (PhD)