Doctoral Position in Generative AI-Based, Computational Design Methods for Engineering Design

ETH Zurich; Schweiz; On-site; CHF 60,000 - 70,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded position

International team

Competitive salary

Job summary

ETH Zürich in Switzerland invites applications for a fully funded Doctoral Position in Generative AI-Based Computational Design Methods for Engineering Design. The role combines Large Language Models with formal design grammars to advance generative engineering design.

Starting date is February 2027, with a rolling shortlist until November 1, 2026. Responsibilities include exploring AI collaboration with designers, representing designs with LLMs, and generating novel solutions across consumer

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Strong programming skills in Python.
• English is the main working language; German is an advantage but not required.
• Interest in computational design methods and applied AI for engineering design.

Responsibilities

• Explore how LLMs can act as collaborative partners for human designers.
• Represent engineering designs with LLMs and reason about design solutions.
• Generate new design solutions and explore different solution spaces.
• Provide teaching assistance in Engineering design, Product development, CAD.

Skills

Python programming

Education

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Job description

Organisation/Company ETH Zürich Research Field Architecture » Other Computer science » Programming Computer science » Other Engineering » Mechanical engineering Engineering » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 31 Dec 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Switzerland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Part-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Doctoral Position in Generative AI-Based, Computational Design Methods for Engineering Design

The Engineering Design and Computing Laboratory has a fully-funded doctoral position to work on cutting-edge research combining Large Language Models (LLMs) with formal design grammars for generative engineering design.

The starting date is in February 2027 and latest in September 2027. Applications are considered on a rolling basis until the closing date of November 01, 2026.

• Explore how LLMs can act as collaborative partners for human designers
• Use LLMs to Represent engineering designs, Reason about design solutions, Generate new design solutions, Explore different solution spaces
• Investigate applications in Consumer products, Manufacturing, Structures
• Provide teaching assistance in Engineering design, Product development, CAD

Profile

• Creative and curious, with an interdisciplinary mindset
• Interested in applied AI for engineering design
• Interested in computational design methods
• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• Motivated to conduct internationally leading research
• Strong programming skills in Python
• English is the main working language
• German is an advantage but not required
• Experience with computational design methods is an advantage
• Experience with machine learning is an advantage
• Experience with Large Language Models (LLMs) is an advantage
• Excellent applicants with a strong interest in research and innovation are encouraged to apply

We offer

• Fully funded doctoral position with a competitive salary
• Only a small tuition fee is required at ETH
• Join a highly motivated, international team at one of Europe’s leading universities
• Work in an engaging and ambitious research environment
• Opportunities to collaborate with students, other research labs, industrial partners
• Opportunity to shape the lab’s research direction with your own ideas
• Contribute to and strengthen the lab’s international research profile

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich We value diversity and sustainabilityIn line with our values , ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future .Curious? So are we.

Further information about Engineering Design and Computing Laboratory can be found on our website . Questions regarding the position should be directed to [e-mail] (no applications).

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

About ETH ZürichETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in
science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education,
cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge
into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our
university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe,
yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to
develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.