Industrial PhD Opportunity: AI for Human Evaluation of Acoustic and Dynamic Twins (Project AHEAD)

Posted by: SEAT S.A.

Date: August 5, 2026

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The shift toward Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) has significantly reduced powertrain noise, making secondary acoustic and vibration phenomena far more noticeable to vehicle occupants. While Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) simulations accurately compute vibroacoustic behavior, translating technical engineering metrics into human sensory perception remains a key challenge in vehicle development.

To address this gap, SEAT S.A. and the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) are launching AHEAD (AI for Human Evaluation of Acoustic and Dynamic Twins), a 3-year Industrial PhD project aimed at connecting simulation outputs with human perception using AI-enhanced Digital Twins.

Research Focus

The project focuses on three core technical pillars:

• Data Engineering & Structuring: Developing methodologies to structure traceable datasets from CAE simulations, physical testing, and historical databases for machine learning applications.
• AI Predictive Modeling: Building reduced-order and surrogate models to generate realistic synthetic loads and predict NVH responses early in design, before complete vehicle models exist.
• Perception & Immersive Validation: Translating technical NVH indicators into interactive sound synthesis and vibration environments to assess perceived quality prior to physical prototyping.

Position Details & Candidate Profile

• Location: Martorell (Barcelona region), Spain
• Contract: Full-time temporary research contract (3 years)
• Education: Master’s degree in Numerical Methods, AI, Computer Science, Data Science, or Mechanical/Industrial Engineering (or related field).
• Requirements: Advanced proficiency in Spanish and English. Academic average score above 6.5.
• Desirable Experience: CAE simulation, NVH/vibroacoustics, signal processing, Python programming, and reduced-order modeling.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can submit their applications through the SEAT S.A. careers portal.

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