Design Technologist - 2026 Coop

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Technologist - 2026 Coop

Company: Motorola Solutions

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time, Intern

Category: Design Technology / Engineering Operations

Date Posted: May 13, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level (Co-op/Internship)

Remote Status: Remote OK (within Canada)

🚀 Role Summary

• Focus on bridging the gap between high-level design concepts and production-ready engineering through advanced prototyping.

• Leverage Large Language Models (LLMs), diffusion models, and vector databases to enhance user-facing interfaces and optimize the user experience (UX).

• Translate UX wireframes and complex design requirements into scalable technical specifications for engineering teams.

• Collaborate closely with designers to assess technical feasibility from a "builder's perspective."

• Research and document emerging AI models, APIs, and developer tools to maintain a competitive edge in AI-driven design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a co-op position, targeting students pursuing a Master's degree. The emphasis on "living prototypes," AI integration (LLMs, diffusion models, RAG), and the blend of design and technical skills positions this as a specialized role within Experience Design & Research, focusing on the technical realization and validation of innovative user interfaces. The "Design Technologist" title implies a hybrid function, not strictly a traditional software engineering or pure design role, but a fusion of both with a strong AI component.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop functional, data-driven prototypes using modern web frameworks (React, TypeScript, Node.js) to demonstrate the technical viability of design concepts, moving beyond static mockups.

• Integrate and optimize LLMs, diffusion models, and vector databases into user-facing applications, focusing on prompt engineering and Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) for improved user experience.

• Act as a technical liaison between the Experience Design & Research team and engineering departments, translating UX wireframes and detailed design requirements into clear, scalable technical specifications.

• Provide a "builder's perspective" during design critiques, collaborating with designers early in the concept phase to evaluate the technical achievability of proposed features and workflows.

• Conduct ongoing research into emerging AI models, APIs, and developer tools, documenting findings to ensure the team remains at the forefront of AI-powered design and development.

• Build robust full-stack environments from scratch using React, TypeScript, and Node.js, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of front-end and back-end development.

• Optimize API calls and prompt structures for AI consumption, ensuring efficient and effective integration of AI capabilities into user interfaces.

• Participate in hackathons, coding competitions, and AI-focused build sprints to foster rapid iteration and innovative problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on, "maker" mentality. The emphasis on "living prototypes" and "technical feasibility" suggests that the core output will be demonstrable proof-of-concepts that are closer to production-ready than typical UX prototypes. The integration of AI, specifically LLMs and RAG, indicates a forward-looking role focused on applying cutting-edge technology to user experience design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently pursuing a Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), or a closely related technical field.

• A minor or concentration in Design is considered a strong asset.

• Must have a graduation date of December 2026 or later.

Experience:

• Co-op or internship experience in a relevant technical or design-focused role is highly desirable.

• Demonstrated experience working with AI APIs and understanding model parameters for AI consumption.

Required Skills:

• Strong foundation in modern web frameworks, specifically React, TypeScript, and Node.js.

• Proficiency in developing full-stack environments from scratch without relying on starter kits.

• Demonstrated experience working with AI APIs and understanding how to manipulate model parameters and structure data for AI consumption.

• Hands-on experience crafting, testing, and refining prompts for specific, reproducible outputs (prompt engineering).

• Basic understanding of design fundamentals, including visual hierarchy, interaction design, and user-centric thinking.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in Python for scripting and data processing.

• Familiarity with vector databases or the architectural concepts of Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG).

• Experience working with Figma MCP (Master Component Planning) and integrating AI tools to accelerate rapid prototyping.

• Experience participating in hackathons, coding competitions, or AI-focused build sprints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The educational requirement for a Master's degree with a specific graduation window, combined with strong technical prerequisites in React, TypeScript, Node.js, and AI/prompt engineering, clearly defines this as a high-caliber internship role. The "Design Technologist" title suggests that candidates with a blend of technical and design coursework or experience will be particularly well-suited. The AI focus is paramount, moving beyond simply using AI tools to actively integrating and optimizing them.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, showcasing end-to-end process, technical execution, and project impact.

• Emphasis on live web applications and technical experiments, rather than static mockups or solely theoretical case studies.

• Must demonstrate the ability to build "living prototypes" that prove technical viability.

Process Documentation:

• Documentation of the design and development process for portfolio projects, illustrating the journey from concept to functional prototype.

• Evidence of research into emerging AI models, APIs, and developer tools within portfolio projects.

• Clear articulation of how UX wireframes and design requirements were translated into technical specifications.

• Examples of prompt engineering and RAG implementation, detailing the iterative process of refinement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirement is exceptionally specific, demanding live, functional prototypes and technical experiments. This is a key differentiator for this role, indicating that Motorola Solutions is looking for tangible proof of technical skill and innovative application, particularly in the AI and web development space. Static case studies will not suffice; the candidate must show they can build.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Gain invaluable hands-on experience in cutting-edge AI and design technology at a global leader.

• Opportunity to work on impactful projects that contribute to Motorola Solutions' mission of creating a safer world.

• Mentorship from experienced professionals in Industrial Design, UX/CX Design, Research, and Human Factors.

• Exposure to a dynamic, multidisciplinary team and collaborative work environment.

• Potential for networking and future career opportunities within Motorola Solutions.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time internship hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be available depending on team needs and project deadlines, allowing for focused work blocks.

📝 Enhancement Note: For co-op positions, salary is typically an hourly wage. The estimated range is based on current market data for similar technical internships in Canada, considering the advanced degree requirement and specialized skills. Benefits are focused on professional development, experience, and networking, which are key attractors for interns.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Public Safety, Communications, Software & Hardware Solutions. Motorola Solutions is a global leader in providing mission-critical communication and integrated security solutions for public safety and enterprise customers.

Company Size: Motorola Solutions is a large, established global corporation with tens of thousands of employees worldwide, indicating a robust organizational structure, significant resources, and a wide array of career paths.

Founded: 1928. With a long history, Motorola Solutions has evolved significantly, demonstrating adaptability and innovation, particularly in its current focus on advanced technologies like AI, cloud, and IoT for public safety.

Team Structure:

• The Experience Design & Research team is a dynamic, multidisciplinary group comprising Industrial Designers, UX/CX Designers, Researchers, and Human Factors practitioners.

• This role likely reports into a Design Lead or Manager within this team, with close collaboration across various design and research disciplines.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on user-centric design, driven by deep understanding of user needs and insightful data.

• Integration of AI and modern frameworks to create "living prototypes" and prove technical viability.

• Collaborative approach, acting as a bridge between design ideation and engineering execution.

• Continuous research and documentation of emerging technologies to stay at the bleeding edge.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Motorola Solutions' long history and current focus on public safety and mission-critical technology, combined with its embrace of AI, suggest a culture that values innovation, reliability, and societal impact. The Experience Design & Research team's structure points to a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are leveraged to solve complex problems.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level, intern position (Co-op) designed for students pursuing a Master's degree. It offers a foundational experience in a specialized area of design technology with a strong AI component.

Reporting Structure: The Design Technologist will report to a manager or lead within the Experience Design & Research department. They will likely work closely with senior designers, researchers, and engineers.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the innovation pipeline by quickly validating the technical feasibility of new design concepts, especially those leveraging AI. This accelerates the design-to-engineering handoff, allowing for more robust and technically sound product development in areas critical to public safety and enterprise solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen expertise in full-stack development (React, TypeScript, Node.js), AI integration (LLMs, RAG), prompt engineering, and rapid prototyping techniques.

• Industry Exposure: Gain practical experience in the public safety technology sector, understanding the unique challenges and requirements of mission-critical systems.

• Networking: Build professional relationships with experienced designers, researchers, and engineers at a global technology leader.

• Future Opportunities: Successful completion and strong performance may lead to consideration for future full-time roles or other internships within Motorola Solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an intern role, growth is primarily focused on skill acquisition, practical application, and understanding industry dynamics. The specific blend of design technology and AI offers a unique specialization that can be a strong stepping stone for further career development in fields like AI/ML engineering, UX engineering, or full-stack development with a focus on innovative interfaces.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: While the position is listed as "Remote OK" within Canada, Motorola Solutions typically operates with a hybrid work model for its full-time employees, offering both on-site and remote flexibility. For interns, the remote option is clearly stated.

Office Location(s): The position is open to candidates residing anywhere in Canada, with specific office hubs in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Toronto, Ontario. This allows for geographical flexibility.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Setup: Successful candidates will need a reliable home office setup conducive to focused work, including stable internet connectivity.

• Collaboration Tools: Expect to utilize a suite of collaboration tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence, and advanced design/prototyping software (e.g., Figma).

• Team Interaction: Regular virtual meetings, design critiques, and brainstorming sessions will foster interaction with the broader design and engineering teams, maintaining a connected and collaborative atmosphere despite remote work.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week.

• While remote, adherence to core business hours relevant to the team's primary time zones (likely Eastern or Pacific) is expected for optimal collaboration.

• Some flexibility may be offered, but consistent availability for team syncs and project work is crucial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote OK" status within Canada is a significant advantage, offering flexibility. However, it's important for candidates to understand that even remotely, active participation in team collaboration and adherence to core working hours will be essential for success.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, resume, and portfolio to assess alignment with technical requirements and core responsibilities.

• Technical Interview(s): Likely involve coding challenges, questions on React, TypeScript, Node.js, and discussions about AI/prompt engineering experience. This may include live coding sessions or take-home assignments.

• Design & Technical Discussion: A conversation with members of the Experience Design & Research team to discuss portfolio projects, design thinking, and how candidates approach bridging design and technology. This will focus on their technical execution and understanding of user-centric principles.

• Behavioral Interview: Assessment of cultural fit, problem-solving skills, teamwork, and motivation, likely with a hiring manager or senior team member.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Live Demos: Prioritize showcasing live web applications or functional prototypes that demonstrate your technical skills. Static mockups are secondary.

• Detail Your Process: Clearly articulate the "end-to-end process" for each project, from initial concept and wireframing to technical implementation and AI integration.

• Showcase AI Application: For AI-related projects, explain your prompt engineering techniques, RAG implementation (if applicable), and how you optimized AI outputs for user experience.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, quantify the impact of your work (e.g., performance improvements, user feedback, technical feasibility demonstrated).

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical architecture, frameworks used, and any challenges overcome during development.

Challenge Preparation:

• Coding Practice: Brush up on JavaScript, React, TypeScript, and Node.js fundamentals. Practice common data structures and algorithms relevant to web development.

• AI/LLM Concepts: Review core concepts of LLMs, prompt engineering, RAG, and common AI APIs. Be ready to discuss how you've used them or would use them in a design context.

• Design Sensibility: Understand basic UX/UI principles (visual hierarchy, interaction design) and be able to articulate why certain design decisions are made, even if your primary focus is technical implementation.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would approach technical challenges in prototyping or integrating new technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "portfolio of live web apps and technical experiments" is critical. Candidates must be prepared to demonstrate their ability to build, not just conceptualize. The interview process will likely be rigorous, testing both technical depth and the ability to apply these skills in a design context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Web Frameworks: React, TypeScript, Node.js

• AI Models & APIs: Large Language Models (LLMs), Diffusion Models, Vector Databases, RAG implementations. Candidates should be familiar with interacting with various AI APIs.

• Programming Languages: JavaScript (primarily via TypeScript), Python (preferred for scripting/data processing).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Experience with tools used for collaboration and project management, such as Jira, Confluence, and potentially Figma.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on modern web development (React, TypeScript, Node.js) and cutting-edge AI technologies. Proficiency in these areas is non-negotiable. Python is a strong preferred skill, often used in AI/ML workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Future-Forward Thinking: A strong emphasis on exploring and integrating emerging technologies like AI to redefine user experiences and create safer solutions.

• User-Centricity: A commitment to understanding user needs and translating them into functional, impactful products.

• Collaboration & Cross-Functional Partnership: The role acts as a bridge, highlighting the importance of effective communication and teamwork between design and engineering.

• Technical Excellence & Craftsmanship: A dedication to building robust, well-engineered prototypes that demonstrate technical viability and a high standard of execution.

• Impact & Purpose: Contributing to Motorola Solutions' mission of building a safer world through technology.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Design & Development: A seamless workflow where design concepts are immediately validated through technical prototyping, fostering a tight feedback loop.

• Open Communication: Encouragement of questions, "builder's perspective" input during design critiques, and sharing of research findings.

• Iterative Approach: A culture that embraces rapid iteration, learning from experiments, and continuous improvement, especially in the fast-evolving AI landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values align with a modern, tech-driven organization that prioritizes innovation, user impact, and strong internal collaboration. The "bridge" role of the Design Technologist is central to fostering this collaborative spirit between creative and technical disciplines.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapidly Evolving AI Landscape: Keeping pace with the constant advancements in LLMs, diffusion models, and AI integration techniques requires continuous learning.

• Bridging Design and Engineering Gaps: Effectively translating nuanced design intent into functional code and providing constructive technical feedback to designers can be challenging.

• Proving Technical Viability: Moving beyond conceptual prototypes to build "living" demonstrations that are robust enough to prove technical feasibility.

• Balancing Speed and Quality: Delivering quick prototypes while ensuring they are technically sound and adhere to best practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Specialization: Gain deep, practical experience with state-of-the-art AI models and techniques directly applicable to product development.

• Full-Stack Mastery: Enhance skills in React, TypeScript, and Node.js through hands-on project work in a professional setting.

• Industry Insight: Learn about the specific technology needs and challenges within the public safety and enterprise communications sectors.

• Mentorship: Receive guidance from experienced professionals in design, research, and engineering, offering diverse perspectives on career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to working with cutting-edge technology and bridging different disciplines. The growth opportunities are significant for interns looking to specialize in high-demand areas like AI-driven development and UX engineering.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex design requirement into technical implementation. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your process, problem-solving, and communication.)

• "How would you approach building a 'living prototype' for a feature that uses AI to personalize user content? What technologies would you use, and what are the key technical hurdles?" (Demonstrate your technical stack knowledge and AI integration thinking.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Motorola Solutions and specifically in this Design Technologist role?" (Connect your skills and interests to the company's mission and the role's unique aspects.)

• "What do you know about our work in public safety technology and our use of AI?" (Show you've researched the company and understand its strategic direction.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• "Show, Don't Just Tell": Be ready to live-demo your most relevant projects. Have backup screenshots or videos ready in case of technical issues.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly explain the problem, your role, the technical approach (especially AI integration), the solution, and the outcome or impact.

• Highlight Technical Execution: Emphasize the specific technologies used, your coding contributions, and any unique technical challenges you solved.

• Explain AI Rationale: Clearly articulate why you chose specific AI models or prompt engineering techniques and how they contributed to the prototype's effectiveness.

• Connect to the Role: Tailor your presentation to showcase how your portfolio projects align with the requirements of the Design Technologist role at Motorola Solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on the portfolio and the candidate's ability to articulate their technical process and AI application. The "builder's perspective" is key, so demonstrating an understanding of technical constraints and solutions is paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link, ensuring all sections are completed accurately.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature live web applications, technical experiments, and AI integration projects that align with the role's requirements for "living prototypes." Prioritize projects demonstrating React, TypeScript, Node.js, and prompt engineering.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant coursework, academic achievements (Master's program), technical skills (React, TypeScript, Node.js, AI APIs, Python), and any prior internship or project experience involving full-stack development and AI. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your technical process, AI implementation strategies, and how you bridge design and engineering. Prepare to live-demo your portfolio projects and answer technical and behavioral questions.

• Company Research: Understand Motorola Solutions' mission, its role in public safety technology, and its strategic focus on AI. Research the Experience Design & Research team's work to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ 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.