ALTERNANCE - UX DESIGNER F/H

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: ALTERNANCE - UX DESIGNER F/H

Company: Thales

Location: La Ciotat, France

Job Type: Full-time (Internship/Apprenticeship)

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Digital Design

Date Posted: May 07, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (Internship/Apprenticeship)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This apprenticeship role focuses on User Experience (UX) Design within Thales' Mobile Connectivity Solutions business line, specifically on complex B2B digital products in the telecommunications sector.

• The apprentice will be instrumental in enhancing the UX maturity of products by integrating user needs throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Key responsibilities include conducting user research, creating UX designs (wireframes, user journeys, prototypes), and collaborating with cross-functional teams including Product Managers, technical, and sales departments.

• This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful digital products in a leading global technology company with a strong emphasis on trust, innovation, and employee well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is for an apprenticeship (alternance) aimed at students pursuing Master's degrees, indicating an entry-level focus with significant learning and development opportunities within a specialized B2B tech environment. The "digital products B2B complexes dans les télécommunications" and "amélioration de la maturité UX" points highlight the strategic importance and complexity of the projects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Contribute to user research initiatives, including the preparation and execution of user interviews, usability testing sessions, and ergonomic analyses.

• Participate actively in the UX design process, developing wireframes, user flows, and low-to-mid fidelity prototypes to visualize product concepts and interactions.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers to effectively translate user needs and insights into actionable UX recommendations that drive product improvement.

• Assist in the creation and maintenance of essential UX documentation, such as personas, user journey maps, and research synthesis reports, to inform product strategy.

• Support the evolution and consistent application of the company's design system across various products within the business line, ensuring a unified user experience.

• Engage in regular UX team meetings and contribute to collaborative discussions with project teams to foster a user-centric development culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are clearly defined with a focus on practical application of UX methodologies within a product development context. The emphasis on "translating user needs into actionable recommendations" and "evolution and application of the design system" points to a role that bridges research, design, and product strategy, requiring a blend of analytical and creative skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Pursuing a Master's degree (Master 1 and/or Master 2) in UX Design, Ergonomics, Human-Machine Interaction, or Digital Design.

Experience:

• Previous experience or strong academic foundation in UX Research methodologies (interviews, user testing, questionnaires).

• Demonstrated ability to create wireframes and prototypes using tools like Figma or equivalent.

• Familiarity with principles of ergonomics and usability.

• Understanding of B2B digital products and complex technical environments.

Required Skills:

• UX Research: Proficiency in conducting user interviews, usability testing, and qualitative data analysis.

• UX Design Tools: Competency with Figma or similar wireframing and prototyping software.

• Prototyping & Wireframing: Ability to translate concepts into visual designs and interactive prototypes.

• Ergonomics & Usability: Understanding of fundamental principles to ensure intuitive and effective user interfaces.

• Qualitative Data Synthesis: Skill in analyzing and summarizing qualitative research findings into actionable insights.

• Professional English: Ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English.

Preferred Skills:

• Design System Knowledge: Familiarity with the principles and application of design systems.

• B2B Product Context: Awareness of the nuances and requirements of B2B digital products.

• Technical Aptitude: Interest in and ability to understand complex technical environments.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills for working within multidisciplinary teams.

• Initiative & Autonomy: Ability to work independently and take ownership of tasks as proficiency grows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications align with an apprenticeship role, emphasizing foundational knowledge and practical skills acquired through academic study. The requirement for "Anglais professionnel (écrit / lu)" is crucial for a multinational company like Thales, even for a role based in France. The mention of "Autonomie progressive et sens de l’initiative" suggests a structured development path where the apprentice is gradually entrusted with more responsibility.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• UX Research Case Studies: Demonstrations of user research projects, detailing methodology, participant recruitment, data collection, and key findings with actionable recommendations.

• Design Process Documentation: Examples of wireframes, user flows, and prototypes created for specific use cases, showcasing the progression from concept to design.

• Usability Testing Reports: Summaries of usability tests conducted, including test objectives, participant feedback, identified issues, and proposed solutions.

• Design System Contributions: If applicable, examples of how the design system was utilized or contributed to, illustrating an understanding of consistency and scalability.

• Problem-Solving Narratives: Case studies that highlight a specific user problem encountered and the UX design solution developed to address it, emphasizing the impact.

Process Documentation:

• User-Centric Workflow Design: Evidence of contributions to or understanding of workflows that prioritize user needs from initial concept through to development and iteration.

• Research to Design Translation: Showcase how qualitative and quantitative research insights were effectively translated into design decisions and documented for team understanding.

• Iterative Design Documentation: Examples of how designs were iterated upon based on feedback from user testing or stakeholder reviews, with clear documentation of changes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an apprenticeship role, the portfolio should focus on academic projects and any internship experiences that demonstrate practical application of UX principles. The emphasis is on showcasing the process of research and design, rather than solely finished products. Demonstrating the ability to document and communicate the UX process is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is an apprenticeship (alternance), compensation will be in line with French legal requirements for apprenticeships, which are typically a percentage of the minimum wage (SMIC) based on age and year of study. For a Master's level apprentice in France, this could range from approximately 50% to 100% of the SMIC.

• The SMIC (Salaire Minimum Interprofessionnel de Croissance) as of January 1, 2024, is €1,766.92 gross per month for a 35-hour work week.

• Apprenticeship salaries are often calculated as a percentage of the SMIC:

  • Under 18: 25% to 53%
  • 18-20: 43% to 61%
  • 21 and over: 53% to 100%

Benefits:

• Technological Expertise: Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and gain deep insights into Thales' advanced technological offerings.

• Work-Life Balance: Thales emphasizes employee well-being, suggesting a supportive environment that respects personal time.

• Inclusive and Caring Environment: A commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and supportive workplace culture.

• Recognized Societal and Environmental Commitment: Involvement with Thales' initiatives like Thales Solidarity and ESG index recognition, offering a chance to contribute to broader societal goals.

• Apprenticeship-Specific Benefits: Potential for subsidized meals, transportation assistance, and access to company facilities, common for apprenticeships in France.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are likely 35 hours per week, typical for apprenticeships in France. While the role is hybrid, specific in-office days will be determined by team needs and management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary for apprenticeships in France is legally regulated. The range provided is an estimate based on current SMIC values and typical apprenticeship percentages. Specific details will be confirmed in the contract. The benefits are drawn directly from the company description, highlighting Thales' commitment to its employees and societal impact.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Thales operates in high-technology sectors including Defense & Security, Aeronautics & Space, and Cyber & Digital. This specific role is within the Mobile Connectivity Solutions business line, focusing on Digital Identity and Security, particularly in telecommunications.

Company Size: Thales is a large, multinational corporation with nearly 81,000 employees globally. This scale offers extensive resources, global reach, and diverse career opportunities.

Founded: Thales was founded in 2000 through the merger of Thomson-CSF and DASA's defense electronics activities. Its history is rooted in pioneering technological advancements and maintaining trust in critical sectors.

Team Structure:

• The apprentice will join the UX team within the Mobile Connectivity Solutions Business Line. This team likely comprises experienced UX designers, researchers, and potentially UX managers.

• The role involves close collaboration with Product Managers, technical teams (developers, engineers), and sales teams, indicating a matrixed and cross-functional team environment.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven UX: The role emphasizes user research and translating user needs into actionable recommendations, pointing to a data-driven approach to design decisions.

• Agile Development Integration: Collaboration with technical and product teams suggests an agile or iterative development process where UX is integrated throughout the product lifecycle.

• Design System Adoption: Participation in the evolution and application of a design system indicates a focus on consistency, scalability, and efficient design practices.

Company Website: https://www.thalesgroup.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Thales' reputation as a leader in high-tech and security means their internal operations, including UX, will likely be rigorous, data-informed, and focused on reliability. The "alternance" nature of the role implies a structured mentorship program within this professional environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level, apprentice position designed as a stepping stone for individuals pursuing a career in UX Design. It provides foundational experience in a professional, high-technology setting, focusing on core UX research and design tasks.

Reporting Structure: The apprentice will report to a Lead UX Designer or a Manager within the UX team. They will work closely with Product Managers and development teams, gaining exposure to various functional areas and project leadership.

Operations Impact: While an apprentice's direct impact is developmental, their contributions to user research and design will directly influence the usability and user experience of complex B2B telecommunications products. This impacts customer satisfaction, product adoption, and ultimately, the success of the business line.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialized UX Skill Development: Deepen expertise in UX research methodologies, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing within a specialized B2B context.

• Industry Exposure: Gain firsthand experience in the telecommunications and digital identity sectors, understanding industry-specific user needs and technical constraints.

• Design System Proficiency: Develop a strong understanding of how to leverage and contribute to design systems, a critical skill for scalable product design.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Learn to effectively communicate and collaborate with diverse teams (product, engineering, sales), enhancing professional networking and teamwork skills.

• Potential for Future Roles: Successful apprenticeships can often lead to full-time junior positions within Thales or provide a strong foundation for further roles in UX design, product management, or related fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for an apprentice is primarily focused on skill acquisition and professional integration. Thales' global presence and diverse business lines offer a wide array of potential future career avenues, even if not directly within UX design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Thales' La Ciotat site, described as being on the Mediterranean coast and housing digital identity and security activities. It is a hybrid role, meaning a combination of on-site work and remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): La Ciotat, France. This location is noted for its international environment and proximity to the coast, offering a pleasant work setting.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with multiple departments, suggesting an open and interactive workspace designed to facilitate teamwork and knowledge sharing.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard UX design and research tools (e.g., Figma, potentially others for testing and collaboration) will be provided, along with the necessary IT infrastructure.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, design critiques, and project discussions will be part of the daily routine, fostering a strong sense of team cohesion.

Work Schedule: The standard apprenticeship schedule is likely 35 hours per week. The hybrid nature allows for flexibility, with specific on-site requirements to be coordinated with the team and manager. This balance aims to support both project needs and personal well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "hybrid" designation suggests that while the role is based in La Ciotat, there will be opportunities for remote work, requiring self-discipline and effective digital communication skills from the apprentice. The emphasis on collaboration indicates a dynamic office environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter, focusing on academic background, relevant projects, and demonstrated interest in UX Design.

• Portfolio Review: You will likely be asked to present your portfolio, showcasing specific projects that highlight your UX research, design, and problem-solving skills. Be prepared to discuss your process, challenges, and outcomes.

• Skills Assessment: This may involve a practical exercise or a discussion about your proficiency with UX tools (e.g., Figma) and methodologies.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Questions will assess your teamwork abilities, communication skills, problem-solving approach, and alignment with Thales' values (trust, innovation, collaboration, etc.).

• Manager/Team Interview: A final conversation with the hiring manager and/or team members to discuss role specifics, expectations, and answer any further questions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 2-3 strong projects that best represent your skills in UX research, wireframing, prototyping, and user testing. Prioritize projects that align with B2B digital products or complex technical domains if possible.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the process you followed, the tools you used, the challenges you faced, and the results or learnings.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your thought process and how you arrived at design decisions. Show your iterative approach and how you incorporated feedback.

• Showcase Figma Proficiency: Be ready to demonstrate your skills with Figma, explaining how you used its features for wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): Even for academic projects, try to mention any measurable outcomes or key insights gained.

Challenge Preparation:

• UX Fundamentals: Refresh your knowledge of core UX principles, usability heuristics, and common design patterns.

• B2B Context: Research Thales' business lines, particularly Mobile Connectivity Solutions, and consider potential user needs within telecommunications B2B products.

• Design System Basics: Understand the benefits and components of a design system.

• STAR Method: Prepare to answer behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an apprenticeship role, the interview process will likely be more focused on potential, learning ability, and foundational skills rather than extensive professional experience. The portfolio is critical for demonstrating practical application of academic knowledge.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Explicitly mentioned as a required skill for wireframing and prototyping. Expect to use it extensively for design creation and collaboration.

• User Research Tools: While not specified, expect to use tools for conducting interviews (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams), usability testing (e.g., Lookback, UserTesting.com), and potentially surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Google Forms).

• Prototyping Tools: Figma's prototyping capabilities will be key, but familiarity with other tools might be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Documentation & Collaboration Tools: Expect to use tools like Confluence, Jira, Miro, or Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for documentation, project management, and communication.

• Presentation Software: Tools like PowerPoint or Google Slides will be used to present research findings and design proposals.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly UX tools, understanding how UX integrates with product management tools (like Jira) and potentially customer feedback systems will be valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary technical focus for this role is on UX design and research tools, with Figma being central. Broader familiarity with collaboration and documentation platforms is essential for working within a corporate environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Trust: Central to Thales' identity, implying a culture of integrity, reliability, and security in all operations and product development.

• Innovation: A commitment to R&D and developing cutting-edge technologies, encouraging a culture of continuous learning and creative problem-solving.

• Collaboration: Emphasized through cross-functional teamwork and open communication, fostering a supportive and integrated work environment.

• Excellence: A drive for high performance and quality in products and services, encouraging rigor and attention to detail in all tasks.

• Employee Well-being: Demonstrated through attention to work-life balance and creating an inclusive, caring environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires close interaction with Product Managers, technical teams, and sales, highlighting a collaborative approach where UX is embedded within the product development lifecycle.

• User-Centricity: A culture that values understanding and advocating for the user, integrating user feedback and research into decision-making processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Participation in UX rituals and team exchanges suggests an environment where best practices are shared, and collective learning is encouraged.

📝 Enhancement Note: Thales' core values of Trust and Innovation are likely to permeate the UX team's culture, meaning a strong emphasis on data integrity, security considerations, and exploring new approaches to problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex B2B Domain: Understanding the specific needs and workflows of users within complex telecommunications B2B environments can be challenging.

• Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: Integrating user requirements effectively within the technical limitations and business objectives of sophisticated digital products.

• Maturing UX Processes: Contributing to the ongoing improvement of UX maturity within the business line requires adaptability and proactive engagement.

• Navigating a Large Organization: Learning to effectively collaborate and communicate across different departments and stakeholders within a global corporation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Significant opportunity to learn from experienced Lead UX Designers and other professionals within Thales.

• On-the-Job Training: Hands-on experience with real-world projects, developing practical UX skills and industry knowledge.

• Exposure to Advanced Technologies: Working with products in cutting-edge fields like telecommunications and digital identity.

• Formal Training: Potential access to internal Thales training programs or resources for skill enhancement.

• Networking: Building professional connections within Thales, which can open doors for future career opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for an apprentice stepping into a complex, professional environment. The growth opportunities are substantial, focusing on skill development, industry exposure, and professional networking within a reputable global company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a user research project you conducted for an academic assignment. What was your methodology, what did you learn, and how did you translate those learnings into design recommendations?" (Focus on process, insights, and actionability.)

• "How would you approach designing a new feature for a B2B telecommunications product, considering both user needs and technical realities?" (Assess problem-solving, user advocacy, and awareness of constraints.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in an apprenticeship at Thales, and what attracts you to our work in digital identity and security?" (Demonstrate research and alignment with company mission.)

• "How do you approach collaboration within a multidisciplinary team? Can you give an example of a successful collaboration?" (Assess teamwork and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a brief introduction to yourself and your UX philosophy. Then, walk through 2-3 selected projects, clearly defining the problem, your role, your process, key decisions, and outcomes/learnings.

• Visuals: Use clear, well-organized slides with visuals (sketches, wireframes, prototypes, user journey maps). Avoid overwhelming text.

• Narrative: Tell a compelling story for each project, highlighting your problem-solving skills and user-centric approach.

• Engagement: Be prepared to answer questions about your work, your design choices, and your thought process. Engage the interviewers by asking thoughtful questions about the team, projects, and Thales' UX approach.

• Figma Demo: If requested, be ready to briefly demonstrate your Figma skills, perhaps by navigating through a prototype or showing your workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice is tailored to an apprentice role, emphasizing demonstrable skills through projects and a strong understanding of UX fundamentals. The focus on "maturing UX processes" suggests the company values proactive individuals who can contribute to improving their current practices.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this apprenticeship position:

• Submit your application through the Thales careers portal via the provided URL.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating UX research, wireframing, prototyping, and user testing skills. Prioritize academic projects that showcase your process and problem-solving abilities, especially if they touch upon complex digital products or user needs.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your CV clearly outlines your academic background, relevant coursework, technical skills (especially Figma), and any internship or project experience. Use keywords from the job description such as "UX Design," "UX Research," "Figma," "wireframes," and "prototypes."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your UX process using the STAR method for behavioral questions. Prepare to walk through your portfolio projects confidently and engage in discussions about UX principles and your interest in Thales.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Thales, its mission, its technological focus (especially in digital identity, security, and telecommunications), and its core values. Understand how the UX apprentice role contributes to these broader objectives.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.