Master Thesis: High-Fidelity LiDAR Simulation for Off-Road Autonomous Vehicles (SIL, 2026)

AB Volvo; Göteborgs kommun; On-site; SEK 600 000 - 800 000; Part time

Job summary

A leading automotive company in Gothenburg is offering a master thesis on High-Fidelity LiDAR Simulation for Off-Road Autonomous Vehicles. This is a unique opportunity to work with next-gen technologies in a collaborative team environment, focusing on mathematical modeling and 3D simulation in a real-world industrial setting. Candidates should be studying a relevant master's program and have a passion for autonomous systems. The application deadline is the 3rd of December.

Benefits

Hands-on experience with autonomous vehicle systems

Access to state-of-the-art tools

Support from experienced engineers

Qualifications

• Eligible to work in Sweden.
• Interest in linear algebra and computer graphics is essential.
• Prior experience with real-time simulation is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Literature review on existing methods.
• Familiarize with CARLA simulation environment.
• Implement a new LiDAR model in the simulator.
• Run simulations and analyze generated point clouds.

Skills

Interest in mathematical modeling

Interest in 3D simulation

C++ experience

Interest in linear algebra

Computer graphics knowledge

Profiling and optimization

Education

Master’s degree in computer science, computational science, software engineering, or similar

Tools

Unreal Engine

Python

Job description

Master Thesis: High-Fidelity LiDAR Simulation for Off-Road Autonomous Vehicles (SIL, 2026)

Location: Göteborg, SE, 417 15

Position Type: Student

Transport is at the core of modern society. Imagine using your expertise to shape sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions for the future. If you seek to make a difference on a global scale, working with next‑gen technologies and the sharpest collaborative teams, then we could be a perfect match.

Background

At Volvo Autonomous Solutions (V.A.S.) automated vehicle systems are developed to improve the productivity and safety of confined area transportation. To reach level 4 autonomy within the operational design domain (ODD) in quarrying and mining, a lot of work in verification and validation needs to be carried out to ensure the application is safe and works as expected with improved productivity.

Objectives

• Efficient interaction with detailed virtual 3D environments such as terrain, vegetation, building, machine, and vehicle
• Point cloud sampling not only the distance, but also optical attributes such as reflectivity on different materials
• Realistic and performant interaction with airborne particles such as dust cloud, rain and snow

Scope and Methods

• Literature review on existing methods from both academic and industrial research
• Get familiar with our simulation environment based on CARLA
• Select the most appropriate technique (e.g. CPU ray casting vs GPU ray tracing) and implement a new LiDAR model in the simulator
• Run simulations and analyze the point clouds generated from various scenarios, with a focus on 3D object shape, material, and interference introduced by dust cloud
• Statistically compare the simulated results with real LiDAR point cloud logs under similar scenarios as the evaluation process
• Write a final report

Who are we

During the thesis work, you will be part of the SIL team at V.A.S. The team is responsible for the development of an in‑house simulation environment and tools. We are a small team of simulation developers with varying backgrounds and seniorities, with a center of gravity towards modeling and tool development for virtual testing of autonomous driving systems.

Who are you

We’re looking for 2 master’s thesis students, the work for each student will be equivalent to 20 weeks / 30 ECTS on master level.

To excel in this thesis work, a strong interest in mathematical modeling and 3D simulation is beneficial. Suitable backgrounds include computer science, computational science, software engineering, or similar.

Requirements

• Eligible to work in Sweden as the location of this thesis project will be at Volvo Autonomous Solutions’ office in Gothenburg.
• Ideal candidates have interest in linear algebra, computer graphics, real‑time 3D rendering, profiling and optimization. Experience of C++ is a benefit.

Good to have

Prior experience with Unreal Engine, real‑time simulation, physics‑based sensor modeling, robotics or autonomous vehicles, Python

Why join us

At Volvo Autonomous Solutions, you’ll be part of a team that’s shaping the future of transport through cutting‑edge technology and innovation. This thesis offers a unique opportunity to work hands‑on with autonomous vehicle systems in a real‑world industrial setting, supported by experienced engineers and access to state‑of‑the‑art tools. You’ll gain valuable insights into functional safety standards and embedded systems while contributing to solutions that make mobility safer and smarter. Join us and take your first step toward a career that drives change.

Application Details

We look forward to receiving your application letter, academic transcript, and CV (in English).

Contact

If you have questions about this position, please contact the recruiting manager
Ivana Jern, Group Manager Measure, [e-mail]

Last application date

3rd of December
Please note that selection will be made continuously so apply as soon as possible

Data privacy

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