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

ETH Zurich; Zürich; On-site; CHF 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded PhD

Competitive salary

Small tuition at ETH

International team

Collaborative research environment

Job summary

ETH Zurich seeks a creative and curious PhD candidate to develop generative AI for engineering design, combining Large Language Models with formal design grammars. You will join an international team at one of Europe’s leading universities, working on cutting-edge research and teaching assistance in design-related topics.

The starting date is February 2027, with rolling applications until November 01, 2026. A competitive salary is provided, with ETH’s small tuition fee for doctoral work.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Strong programming skills in Python.
• Interest in applied AI for engineering design.
• Experience with computational design methods and ML is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Investigate new approaches in generative AI for engineering design.
• Explore how LLMs can act as collaborative partners for human designers.
• Represent designs, reason about solutions, generate new design options using LLMs.
• Investigate applications in consumer products, manufacturing and structures.

Skills

Python

Machine learning

LLMs

Computational design

Interdisciplinary

Education

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

CAD

Job description

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.

Job description

• Investigate new approaches in generative AI for engineering design
• 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 sustainability

In 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.

About ETH Zürich

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