PhD Cifre Thesis - Robust Aerodynamic Shape Optimisation In Early Design Phase Phase (M/F)

PhD Position: Robust Aerodynamic Shape Optimisation

Key responsibilities include developing robust aerodynamic shape optimisation capabilities using high‑fidelity CFD, managing uncertainty quantification, implementing stochastic modelling, and producing scientific results for conferences and journals. The role is co-hosted and co-supervised by Airbus and the Centre Européen de Recherche et de Formation Avancée en Calcul Scientifique (CERFACS).

Mission of the Team

The Flight Physics Capability Operations domain (1GZ) supports, develops, and delivers world‑class computational simulation means and services, particularly for aerodynamics, multi‑phase flows, convective heat transfer, and icing disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Develop robust design optimisation strategies that reduce sensitivity to uncertainties.
• Quantify and manage uncertainty with statistical measures such as mean and standard deviation of QoI at each optimisation iteration.
• Explore and implement surrogate models (e.g., Polynomial Chaos Expansion, Gaussian Processes, active subspace, gPCE).
• Advance computational efficiency by replacing or augmenting Monte Carlo methods.
• Handle larger sets of uncertain parameters and more complex constraints.
• Transition from simplified wing‑body configurations to full aircraft configurations.
• Produce scientific results for conferences and high‑quality journals.

Qualifications

• Engineering/master’s degree in Applied Mathematics, Fluid Dynamics or related field.
• Strong knowledge of uncertainty methods and surrogate modelling.
• Experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solvers.
• Proficiency in tools and libraries such as GEMSEO, OpenTurns, scikit‑learn, PyTorch.
• Object‑oriented programming in Python.
• Excellent communication, networking and collaboration skills.
• Advanced level of English.

Working Environment & Benefits

• Financial rewards: attractive salary, profit‑sharing, stock‑purchase plans.
• Work‑life balance: extra days‑off, holiday transfer options, staff council.
• Well‑being: complementary health insurance, concierge services, gym, car‑pooling app.
• Individual development: access to e‑learning courses, certifications, career programmes.

Location

Toulouse, France – a global aeronautics capital and European hub for space research.

Company Commitment

Airbus is committed to workforce diversity and an inclusive working environment. All applications are welcomed irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.

Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. We never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus in this regard should be reported to