ALTERNANCE - UX Designer - F/H

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: ALTERNANCE - UX Designer - F/H

Company: Thales

Location: Gémenos, France

Job Type: Full-time, Intern

Category: User Experience (UX) / Design Operations

Date Posted: April 15, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 years (Internship)

Remote Status: Hybrid (with potential for remote work)

🚀 Role Summary

• This is an alternance (apprenticeship/internship) position focused on User Experience (UX) Design within Thales's Identity and Digital Security (DIS) division.

• The role involves working on international projects, collaborating with design centers, and contributing to the improvement of digital identity and biometrics solutions.

• Key activities include user research, co-creation workshops, and iterative product enhancement based on user feedback.

• The position offers an opportunity to gain practical experience in UX methodologies and contribute to impactful digital security projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title "ALTERNANCE" indicates this is an apprenticeship or internship role, typically for students pursuing a Bac +4 or +5 degree. The "F/H" signifies "Femme/Homme" (Female/Male), a common French convention in job postings. The role is categorized under UX/Design Operations due to its focus on user-centered design processes and system improvements.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with an UX Lead on international projects, contributing to the design and enhancement of digital identity and biometrics solutions.

• Participate in user research activities to identify user needs, pain points, and opportunities for improvement.

• Facilitate and participate in co-creation workshops, including persona development, card sorting, user journey mapping, and experience mapping.

• Contribute to the design and prototyping of user interfaces, ensuring they are intuitive, engaging, and easy to understand.

• Analyze user feedback and conduct usability testing to identify areas for product improvement and iterative design.

• Assist in documenting and communicating user experience findings and design recommendations to cross-functional teams.

• Conduct ongoing research and maintain awareness of emerging trends, best practices, and tools in UX, interaction design, and digital innovation.

• Support the broader UX community within Thales by sharing knowledge and contributing to the evolution of UX practices.

• Help to highlight points of improvement for existing products and solutions.

• Participate in the valorization and follow-up of benefits generated by the use of solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to UX design, emphasizing collaboration, user-centric methodologies, and a continuous improvement cycle. The mention of "alternance" means the candidate will be learning and applying these responsibilities under guidance.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently pursuing a Bac +4 or Bac +5 degree in User Experience (UX), Ergonomics, or a related design field from a specialized school.

Experience:

• Previous exposure to UX methodologies is required.

Required Skills:

• UX Methodologies: Understanding and application of core UX principles, including user research, persona creation, user journey mapping, and experience mapping.

• Prototyping Tools: Proficiency in prototyping tools, with a specific emphasis on Figma.

• Design Software: Aptitude in the Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, XD).

• User Research: Ability to conduct user research and define user needs.

• Innovation & Trends: Demonstrated curiosity and active monitoring of innovation, interface, and design trends.

• Collaboration: Ability to interface effectively with multidisciplinary teams.

• English Language Proficiency: B2 level (CEFR) or equivalent, required for meetings, interaction, and email communication.

• Teamwork & Communication: Strong team spirit, communication skills, interpersonal ease, dynamism, and rigor.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of web technologies.

• Basic understanding of front-end development principles.

• Experience in co-creation workshops.

• Ability to share knowledge and mentor others.

• Eagerness to learn and explore new domains.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements are tailored for an intern/apprentice, focusing on foundational UX knowledge, proficiency in key tools (Figma, Adobe Suite), and essential soft skills. The B2 English level is crucial given the international scope of projects.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• User-Centered Design Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 2-3 projects demonstrating your UX process from research to final design.

• Problem/Solution Framing: Clearly articulate the user problem or business challenge addressed in each project.

• UX Methodology Application: Detail the specific UX methods and techniques employed (e.g., user interviews, usability testing, journey mapping, wireframing, prototyping).

• Figma & Adobe Suite Examples: Include examples of your work created using Figma and other Adobe Creative Suite tools, demonstrating your technical proficiency.

• Iterative Design Process: Illustrate how user feedback and testing informed design iterations and improvements.

• Visual Design & Usability: Present designs that are not only visually appealing but also prioritize usability and accessibility.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Demonstrate understanding of how to map and optimize user workflows for digital products.

• User Research Synthesis: Show examples of how you synthesized research findings into actionable insights for design.

• Prototyping & Testing: Evidence of creating interactive prototypes and planning/executing usability tests.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an intern/apprentice role, the portfolio should emphasize the learning process and application of methodologies rather than solely focusing on complex, end-to-end product launches. It should highlight potential and a strong grasp of core UX principles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As this is an "alternance" (apprenticeship/internship) position in France, compensation will adhere to the legal framework for apprenticeships and internships. This typically involves a percentage of the minimum wage (SMIC) or a higher contractual rate, depending on the company and the apprentice's age and year of study.

Benefits:

• Work-life Balance: Thales emphasizes attention to employee well-being and work-life balance.

• Inclusive & Caring Environment: A supportive and welcoming workplace culture.

• Societal & Environmental Commitment: Participation in Thales's recognized social and environmental initiatives (e.g., Thales Solidarity, ESG index recognition).

• Technological Expertise: Opportunity to work with advanced technologies and contribute to high-impact projects.

• Professional Development: Access to learning and development opportunities within a leading global technology group.

• Location Perks: Working in Gémenos, a pleasant location between the sea and Provençal hills, fostering a collaborative and friendly environment.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically around 35-40 hours per week, in line with French labor laws and company policy for interns/apprentices. Flexibility may be offered within the standard work week.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary for internships/apprenticeships in France is legally regulated. The provided range is an estimate based on typical compensation for Bac +4/5 alternance roles in technical fields in the specified region. Benefits are drawn directly from the provided company description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: High Technology, Defense & Security, Aerospace & Space, Cyber & Digital, Digital Identity & Security (DIS).

Company Size: Large enterprise (Thales has nearly 81,000 employees globally). This means access to extensive resources, established processes, and a wide network of professionals.

Founded: Thales was founded in 2000, but its roots trace back much further through various predecessor companies, indicating a long history of innovation and technological development.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Identity and Digital Security (IBS) segment, which focuses on identity and biometrics solutions for governments and citizens.

• You will work alongside an UX Lead and collaborate with the Design Center DIS in La Ciotat, indicating a structured design team with potential for cross-site collaboration.

• The department's objective is to enable organizations to verify identities and secure data, contributing to trust in digital interactions.

Methodology:

• The team utilizes UX methodologies to design and improve digital identity solutions.

• Emphasis is placed on co-creation, user research, and iterative design to meet the needs of governments and citizens.

• A strong focus on user experience is integral to their mission of providing secure and trustworthy digital interactions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Thales is a globally recognized leader in high technology. The specific division (IBS) and its focus on digital identity and biometrics provide crucial context for the UX Designer's work, highlighting the critical nature and international scope of the projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level, developmental role as an "Alternant" (intern/apprentice) in UX Design. It serves as a foundational stepping stone for a career in User Experience, Interaction Design, or Product Design within the tech industry.

Reporting Structure: You will report to an UX Lead within the Identity and Digital Security (IBS) segment. Collaboration with the Design Center DIS in La Ciotat also implies interaction with other design professionals and potentially project managers.

Operations Impact: While this is an intern role, the work directly contributes to the development and enhancement of critical digital identity and biometrics solutions used by governments and citizens worldwide. This impacts user trust, security, and the efficiency of digital interactions. The role also contributes to spreading UX awareness within Thales.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Gain hands-on experience in a wide range of UX methodologies, tools (Figma, Adobe Suite), and industry best practices in a professional setting.

• Industry Exposure: Learn about the complexities of digital identity, biometrics, and cybersecurity from a user-centered perspective within a major global corporation.

• Networking: Build professional relationships with experienced UX designers, researchers, and cross-functional teams at Thales.

• Career Foundation: This experience can be a significant asset for securing future full-time roles in UX Design, Product Design, or related fields, either at Thales or elsewhere.

• Potential for Future Employment: Successful interns/apprentices may be considered for future openings within Thales, depending on performance and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on the learning and developmental aspects inherent in an internship/apprenticeship. It positions the role as a critical first step in a UX career, with potential for internal advancement within Thales.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job is located in Gémenos, France. Thales emphasizes a collaborative and friendly work environment. The mention of a "site localisé entre mer et collines provençales" suggests a pleasant physical setting. The job type is listed as "TELECOMMUTE," but the location is Gémenos, France, and the description emphasizes the site. This suggests a hybrid model is likely, with some on-site presence required.

Office Location(s): Gémenos, France. The role also involves collaboration with the Design Center DIS in La Ciotat, indicating potential travel or virtual collaboration between these sites.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The environment is designed to foster collaboration, with opportunities to work alongside UX leads and design teams.

• Technology Access: As a tech company, expect access to modern design and prototyping tools (Figma, Adobe Suite) and relevant hardware.

• Cross-functional Interaction: Opportunities to interact with engineers, product managers, and other stakeholders involved in the development of digital identity solutions.

• Provençal Setting: A work environment situated in a desirable geographical location in Southern France.

Work Schedule:

• This is a full-time intern/apprentice role, likely adhering to standard business hours (e.g., 35-40 hours per week).

• While listed as "TELECOMMUTE," the description heavily implies a requirement to be present at the Gémenos site and potentially La Ciotat. A hybrid arrangement is most probable, offering some flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "TELECOMMUTE" listing for a specific physical location (Gémenos) is contradictory. Based on typical "alternance" roles and the description, it's highly probable this is a hybrid role requiring significant on-site presence in Gémenos, with potential for limited remote work or collaboration with another site.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and cover letter, focusing on academic background, relevant skills (Figma, Adobe Suite), and English proficiency.

• Technical Interview (Portfolio Review): A key stage will involve presenting your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through 1-3 of your best UX projects. Focus on demonstrating your understanding of the UX process, your problem-solving approach, and your proficiency with design tools.

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions assessing your teamwork, communication, learning agility, and motivation for pursuing UX design at Thales. Expect questions about how you handle feedback and collaboration challenges.

• Manager/Team Interview: Meeting with the UX Lead and potentially other team members to assess cultural fit and discuss specific project involvement.

• Final Assessment: May involve a short practical exercise or case study related to UX design principles.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio clearly, with each project detailing the problem, your role, the process, the solutions, and the outcomes/learnings.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes, user flows) to illustrate your design process and final concepts.

• Highlight Your Process: Emphasize how you applied UX methodologies, even if it was in an academic context. Explain your rationale behind design decisions.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with Figma and Adobe Suite, and potentially demonstrate specific features if asked.

• Conciseness: For an intern role, focus on quality over quantity. Choose projects that best showcase your core UX skills and potential.

• Tailor to Thales: If possible, subtly align your project examples with Thales's focus on security, identity, or complex systems.

Challenge Preparation:

• UX Fundamentals: Brush up on core UX principles, user-centered design, and common UX methodologies.

• Figma Practice: Be ready to demonstrate your Figma skills, perhaps by creating a simple wireframe or component.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions asking how you would approach a specific UX problem related to digital identity or security.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review are critical for an intern role. Candidates must clearly demonstrate their understanding of UX principles and their ability to apply them, even with limited professional experience.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for wireframing, prototyping, and collaborative design. Mastery is explicitly required.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Including Illustrator, Photoshop, and Adobe XD. Necessary for graphic design, image editing, and potentially prototyping.

• Prototyping Tools: While Figma is primary, familiarity with other prototyping tools is beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to this UX Design role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on design and prototyping tools. Proficiency in Figma is a non-negotiable requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Trust & Security: Aligned with Thales's core mission, the team values building secure and trustworthy digital solutions.

• User-Centricity: A strong emphasis on understanding and serving user needs through effective UX design.

• Innovation: Encouraging curiosity and staying abreast of the latest trends in technology and design.

• Collaboration: Working effectively in multidisciplinary teams and fostering a supportive environment.

• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to iterative design and enhancing user experiences based on feedback.

• Societal Impact: Contributing to solutions that protect citizens' rights and enhance digital security.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with UX Leads, other designers, researchers, engineers, and potentially product managers.

• Co-creation: Actively involving stakeholders and users in the design process through workshops.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices and learnings within the design community at Thales.

• Feedback Exchange: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to foster growth and improve designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture values align with Thales's broader corporate mission of trust and security, combined with a strong focus on user-centered design and continuous improvement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Systems: Working with intricate digital identity and biometrics systems that have high security and regulatory requirements.

• International Scope: Adapting designs to meet the needs and cultural nuances of a global user base.

• Balancing User Needs and Business/Technical Constraints: Finding optimal solutions that satisfy users while adhering to technical limitations and business objectives.

• Advancing UX within a Large Organization: Contributing to the ongoing effort to integrate and elevate UX practices across Thales.

• Learning Curve: As an intern, mastering new tools, processes, and industry-specific knowledge within a limited timeframe.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Hands-on UX Practice: Direct application of UX methodologies and tools on real-world projects.

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced UX Leads and designers within Thales.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining insights into the cybersecurity and digital identity sectors.

• Tool Mastery: Deepening expertise in Figma and other design software.

• Professional Network: Building connections within a global technology leader.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed to highlight opportunities for learning and skill development, making them attractive aspects of the internship.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a UX project you worked on (academic or personal). What was the problem, your role, your process, and the outcome?"

  • Preparation: Have 1-3 detailed case studies ready. Focus on your thought process, the UX methods you used, and what you learned. Emphasize your role, even if it was part of a team project.

• "How do you approach user research and incorporating user feedback into your designs?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your understanding of various user research techniques (interviews, surveys, usability testing) and how you've used or would use feedback to iterate on designs.

• "What are your favorite features or aspects of Figma, and why?"

  • Preparation: Be ready to discuss specific Figma functionalities (e.g., components, auto layout, collaboration features) and how they enhance your design workflow.

• "How do you stay updated on the latest UX trends and technologies?"

  • Preparation: Mention specific blogs, publications, conferences, or online courses you follow. Show your proactive approach to learning.

• "How would you handle a situation where your design ideas conflict with those of a senior team member or engineer?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Thales and specifically in our digital identity and security solutions?"

  • Preparation: Research Thales's mission, values, and recent projects in the DIS sector. Connect your interests to their work. Highlight the importance of digital trust and security.

• "What do you know about the UX team's role within a large technology company like Thales?"

  • Preparation: Show an understanding of how UX integrates into product development, contributing to user satisfaction, and business success.

• "How do you approach working in a multidisciplinary team?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with Context: Briefly introduce the company/project and the core problem you were solving.

• Walk Through Your Process: Clearly explain each step of your UX journey, highlighting your decision-making. Use visuals effectively.

• Showcase Your Tools: Mention and demonstrate your proficiency with Figma and Adobe Suite within your examples.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): Even for academic projects, try to mention any user feedback or learning outcomes that demonstrate the value of your design.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, research methods, and problem-solving approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a solid foundational understanding of UX, practical tool skills, and a genuine interest in Thales's mission.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday application link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights your academic background in UX/Ergonomics, your proficiency in Figma and Adobe Suite, and any relevant projects or coursework. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 1-3 strong UX projects that clearly demonstrate your process, skills, and understanding of UX methodologies. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., a personal website, PDF, or Behance profile).

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Express your enthusiasm for UX Design, Thales's work in digital security, and why you are a good fit for this specific "alternance" opportunity. Mention your Bac +4/5 level and desired internship duration.

• Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate your skills and experience clearly and concisely, especially during the portfolio review and interview stages. Research Thales and the Gémenos site to demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.