2026 Summer Intern - UX/UI Designer - Michigan

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: 2026 Summer Intern - UX/UI Designer
Company: Stryker
Location: Portage, Michigan, United States
Job Type: FULL_TIME, INTERN
Category: Design Operations / Product Design
Date Posted: October 02, 2025
Experience Level: 0-2 Years
Remote Status: Hybrid (with options for Remote or Onsite)

🚀 Role Summary

• Contribute to impactful UX/UI design projects within a leading medical technology company, focusing on enhancing user experience for Stryker's diverse product portfolio.
• Define, design, and document user-experience related aspects of product user interfaces, as well as off-product web and mobile applications, driving innovation from concept to launch.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with industrial design, human factors, marketing, clinical, and software engineering teams to ensure seamless integration and testing of designed interfaces.
• Develop key design deliverables including conceptual models, user journeys/flows, wireframes, interaction designs, and interactive prototypes, advocating for the end-user throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Gain practical experience in a fast-paced, innovative environment, applying classroom knowledge to real-world challenges and contributing to Stryker's mission of making healthcare better.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is explicitly for an internship, targeting individuals pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree. The "Category" is inferred as Design Operations/Product Design due to the focus on UX/UI, user experience enhancement, and cross-functional collaboration with engineering and product teams, which aligns with operationalizing design principles within a product development framework. The work flexibility indicates a hybrid model is preferred, with specific days in-office likely determined by project needs and team structure.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the definition, design, and documentation of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) aspects for Stryker's medical devices, associated software, and digital platforms (web/mobile).
• Create and own comprehensive design deliverables, including conceptual models, detailed user flows, intuitive wireframes, sophisticated interaction designs, and functional prototypes.
• Act as a primary advocate for the end-user by conducting research, analyzing feedback, and translating user needs into actionable design specifications.
• Partner closely with cross-functional teams (Industrial Design, Human Factors, Marketing, Clinical, Software Engineering) to ensure design feasibility, alignment with product strategy, and successful implementation of interfaces.
• Conduct usability testing and gather feedback on designed interfaces, iterating on designs to meet and exceed Stryker's high standards for user experience and product quality.
• Document complex design processes, workflows, and user journey maps clearly and concisely for stakeholder review and knowledge transfer.
• Troubleshoot and resolve design-related issues, ensuring that all work products align with project timelines and strategic objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities are derived from the "Opportunities Available" section, which details the core functions of a UX/UI Designer. The emphasis on "definition, design, and documentation" and "owning design deliverables" points to a level of autonomy and responsibility expected even from an intern within this specialized design function. The cross-functional collaboration aspect is crucial for understanding the operational integration of UX/UI within Stryker's product development lifecycle.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field such as UX/UI Design, Graphic Design, Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or Software Engineering with a strong design focus.
• Must remain enrolled in a degree-seeking program throughout the duration of the internship.
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above is required (will be verified at time of hire).

Experience:

• While specific professional experience is not mandated due to the internship nature, demonstrated project work, academic portfolios, or previous design-related internships are highly valued.
• Experience in applying design thinking principles and user-centered design methodologies to solve complex problems.

Required Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to articulate design concepts and collaborate effectively with diverse teams.
• Demonstrated leadership potential, problem-solving capabilities, and strong organizational skills, enabling the management of multiple priorities and tasks.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for documentation, presentation, and general productivity.
• Eagerness to learn and adapt in a dynamic, fast-paced industry environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating initiative and a proactive approach to tasks.
• Foundational understanding of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design principles.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency with industry-standard design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, Axure, InVision).
• Experience with user research methodologies, usability testing, and information architecture.
• Familiarity with front-end development concepts (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to better inform design decisions.
• Understanding of human factors principles and their application in product design within regulated industries.
• Experience with agile development methodologies and working within cross-functional product teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "What You Need" section directly informs the required qualifications. Preferred skills are inferred based on the typical toolset and knowledge base expected of a UX/UI Designer to excel in such a role, particularly within a medical technology context where usability and regulatory compliance are paramount. The mention of Software Engineering as a targeted major suggests that a technical understanding or ability to collaborate with engineers is a significant plus.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of UX/UI design projects, demonstrating your design process from initial concept to final execution.
• Projects should highlight your ability to solve user problems, improve user journeys, and create intuitive interfaces, preferably with examples relevant to technology or product design.
• Include case studies that detail the problem statement, your role, the design process followed, key decisions, and the outcomes or learnings.
• For each project, clearly articulate the user needs you addressed and how your design solutions met those needs, emphasizing user-centricity.
• Prototypes or interactive mockups are highly encouraged to showcase the user flow and interaction design capabilities.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document complex design processes, user flows, and interaction specifications in a clear, organized, and accessible manner for cross-functional team review.
• Demonstrate experience in creating wireframes, mockups, and user journey maps that effectively communicate design intent and functionality.
• Showcase an understanding of how to translate user research findings and technical constraints into actionable design documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an internship role in UX/UI Design, a portfolio is critical. This section infers the typical expectations for such a portfolio, focusing on demonstrating the design process, problem-solving skills, and the ability to translate user needs into tangible design artifacts. The emphasis on documentation aligns with the responsibility of creating design deliverables and communicating them to engineering and product teams.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Internship positions at Stryker are typically compensated on an hourly basis. Based on industry standards for UX/UI design internships in Michigan, for a 2026 Summer Intern role requiring a Bachelor's or Master's degree and a 3.0+ GPA, the estimated hourly wage would range from $20 to $30 USD. This range can vary based on the specific year of study, the intern's demonstrable skills, and the prevailing market rates for internships in the medical technology sector in the Kalamazoo/Portage area.

Benefits:

• Competitive hourly wage for the internship duration.
• Opportunity to gain invaluable professional experience in the medical technology industry with a leading global company.
• Exposure to cutting-edge product development and innovation processes.
• Mentorship from experienced design professionals and industry leaders.
• Networking opportunities with peers and Stryker employees across various departments.
• Potential for future employment opportunities based on internship performance.
• Access to Stryker's company culture, which emphasizes teamwork, innovation, and making healthcare better.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time internship hours, typically 40 hours per week.
• Specific daily schedules may be flexible and arranged with the hiring manager, accommodating hybrid work arrangements where applicable.
• Interns are expected to maintain consistent availability during core business hours for team collaboration and project work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary information is not provided in the raw job description. An estimated range has been generated based on common internship compensation practices for design roles in the specified location and industry, considering the experience level and educational requirements. Benefits are inferred from the "What You Get Out of the Internship" section and typical internship program offerings. Working hours are based on the "FULL_TIME" employment type and general internship expectations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Medical Technology / Healthcare. Stryker is a global leader in developing innovative medical technologies and solutions that help improve patient and hospital outcomes. This industry demands high standards for quality, safety, and user experience. Company Size: Large Enterprise (Stryker is a Fortune 500 company with tens of thousands of employees worldwide). This implies a structured environment with established processes, ample resources, and opportunities for diverse career paths. Founded: 1941. With a long history, Stryker has a deep-rooted culture of innovation and a proven track record in the medical device industry.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Designer intern will likely be part of a larger Product Development, Engineering, or Design team, potentially within a specific division (e.g., MedSurg, Neurotechnology, Orthopaedics).
• The team structure will involve close collaboration with Product Managers, Software Engineers, Industrial Designers, Human Factors Engineers, and Marketing professionals.
• Reporting structure will be to a UX/UI Lead, Design Manager, or a Senior Engineer/Product Manager overseeing the intern's project.

Methodology:

• Stryker emphasizes a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and a data-driven approach to product development.
• Design processes likely follow a disciplined, user-centered methodology that integrates with agile development practices, ensuring user needs are central while meeting regulatory requirements.
• Emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional collaboration to bring complex medical technologies to market efficiently and effectively.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context is drawn from the provided LinkedIn Company Data and general knowledge about Stryker as a major player in the medical technology sector. The industry's nature influences the importance of UX/UI design, particularly regarding safety and usability. The team structure and methodology are inferred based on typical product development environments in large, established medical device companies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship position, specifically designed for students to gain foundational experience in UX/UI design within a professional setting. It serves as a stepping stone for individuals aspiring to roles in product design, user experience, or related technology fields. Reporting Structure: The intern will report to a designated mentor or supervisor within the design or engineering department. This mentor will guide the intern's project work, provide feedback, and facilitate integration into the team and company. Operations Impact: While an intern's direct impact is project-specific, their work on enhancing user experience for Stryker's products contributes to the overall usability, adoption, and success of those products in the healthcare market. This can indirectly influence patient outcomes and hospital efficiency, aligning with Stryker's mission.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Intensive learning in UX/UI design principles, tools, and methodologies through hands-on project work and mentorship. Opportunity to deepen understanding of user research, interaction design, and prototyping.
• Industry Exposure: Gaining firsthand experience in the medical technology industry, understanding product development lifecycles, regulatory considerations, and market dynamics.
• Networking: Building professional connections with designers, engineers, product managers, and leaders at a global company, which can be invaluable for future career prospects.
• Career Path Exploration: Understanding the day-to-day realities of a UX/UI designer role and exploring potential career paths within design operations, product management, or software engineering at Stryker or similar organizations.
• Potential for Future Employment: Successful interns may be considered for future full-time roles or subsequent internships based on performance and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis focuses on the career trajectory and growth potential specifically for an intern in a UX/UI design role at a company like Stryker. The "Operations Impact" is framed in terms of how design operations contribute to product success and the company's mission. Growth opportunities are tailored to an internship experience.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Stryker offers flexibility, with options for Remote, Hybrid, or Onsite work. For a hybrid arrangement, expect a professional office environment designed for collaboration, innovation, and focused work. Office Location(s): The primary location for this internship is Portage, Michigan. Stryker has a significant presence in this area, with modern facilities conducive to design and engineering work. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Access to meeting rooms, brainstorming areas, and open-plan workspaces designed to foster teamwork and cross-functional interaction.
• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design software, hardware, and other technological resources required for UX/UI design tasks.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage with design teams, engineering departments, and other stakeholders through regular meetings, project reviews, and informal discussions.

Work Schedule:

• The internship will typically follow a 40-hour work week, aligning with full-time employment.
• While the overall schedule is full-time, there may be flexibility in daily start and end times, especially within a hybrid model, to accommodate project needs and personal schedules, subject to manager approval.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment details are synthesized from the "Work Flexibility" note and the location information. The description of workspace context is a general inference for a large technology company's design and engineering environments.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Application Submission: Submit resume, academic transcripts (if requested), and a link to your UX/UI design portfolio.
2. Recruiter Screen: An initial phone or video call with a Stryker recruiter to assess basic qualifications, interest in the role, and cultural fit.
3. Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth interview with the hiring manager (likely a design lead or manager) to discuss your background, skills, and project experience. This may include behavioral questions and scenario-based questions related to design challenges.
4. Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: You will likely be asked to present your portfolio and walk through specific projects, explaining your design process and decision-making. A design challenge (e.g., a small design problem to solve, a critique of an existing interface) may be given, either as a take-home assignment or an in-interview exercise.
5. Cross-functional Team Interviews: Interviews with potential team members (e.g., engineers, product managers) to assess collaboration skills and technical understanding.
6. Final Interview/Offer: A final interview to solidify fit, followed by an offer if successful.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 of your strongest projects that best showcase your UX/UI skills and problem-solving abilities.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process (research, ideation, design, testing), your contributions, and the impact/learnings. Use visuals effectively.
• Highlight Process: Emphasize your design thinking and methodology. Show how you moved from understanding the problem to ideating solutions and iterating based on feedback.
• Be Prepared to Discuss: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, how you handled feedback, and what you would do differently.
• Tailor to Stryker: If possible, subtly align your portfolio with Stryker's industry (medical technology) or demonstrate an understanding of user needs in complex environments.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and understand the requirements of any design challenge. Ask clarifying questions if needed.
• Time Management: Allocate your time wisely, focusing on key aspects of the problem rather than getting bogged down in minor details.
• Justify Decisions: Be ready to explain the reasoning behind your design choices, linking them back to user needs or business objectives.
• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your solution clearly and concisely, highlighting your process and rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review tips are standard for UX/UI design roles, especially at larger companies. They are tailored to an internship level by emphasizing the learning aspect and the demonstration of potential rather than extensive experience. The inclusion of a "design challenge" is common for design roles to assess practical skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping Software: Proficiency is expected in at least one, preferably more, industry-standard tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, InVision, or Axure RP. These are essential for creating wireframes, mockups, prototypes, and final UI assets.
• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Jira, Confluence, Asana, or Trello may be used for project management, task tracking, and documentation, requiring seamless integration with design workflows.
• Communication Tools: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar platforms for daily team communication and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While direct analytics tool usage might not be the primary focus for an intern, understanding how user data informs design decisions is valuable. Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics or tools for A/B testing (e.g., Optimizely) can be advantageous.
• Ability to interpret user feedback and research data to drive design iterations.

CRM & Automation:

• Less directly relevant for a UX/UI design intern, but an understanding of how user interfaces interact with CRM systems (like Salesforce, if applicable to Stryker's internal tools or customer-facing applications) or automation platforms could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers the likely technology stack based on the UX/UI Designer role. The emphasis is on design and prototyping tools, with secondary consideration for project management and communication platforms. Analytics and CRM tools are noted as potentially beneficial but likely not core requirements for an intern.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A core value at Stryker, encouraging interns to bring fresh ideas and creative solutions to enhance user experiences and product functionalities.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working effectively with diverse teams, sharing knowledge, and contributing to collective success. Interns are expected to be active participants in team discussions and projects.
• Customer Focus: A commitment to understanding and serving the needs of end-users (patients, healthcare professionals), ensuring designs are intuitive, safe, and effective.
• Excellence: Striving for high quality in all work products, from initial concepts to final deliverables, meeting rigorous standards expected in the medical technology industry.
• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and professional conduct in all interactions and work.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with engineering, product management, marketing, and clinical teams, fostering a collaborative and communicative environment.
• Feedback-Driven: An open culture for giving and receiving constructive feedback on designs, facilitating continuous improvement and learning.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging interns to share their perspectives and learnings, while also absorbing knowledge from experienced team members through mentorship and collaborative sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Team culture and values are extrapolated from Stryker's stated mission ("making healthcare better") and common corporate values in the medical device industry. The emphasis on innovation, teamwork, and customer focus is directly relevant to a design role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: Learning to design user-friendly interfaces that are also feasible within technical limitations and regulatory requirements of medical devices.
• Navigating Complex Product Ecosystems: Understanding how different products and software components interact and ensuring a cohesive user experience across Stryker's portfolio.
• Working in a Regulated Industry: Adapting to the strict quality and safety standards inherent in medical technology development, which can add complexity to the design process.
• Project Scope Management: Effectively managing the scope and timeline of assigned projects within the internship period, delivering meaningful outcomes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Tool Training: Deepening proficiency in industry-standard UX/UI software through hands-on application and potential internal training.
• User Research & Testing: Gaining practical experience in conducting user interviews, usability studies, and analyzing feedback to inform design.
• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to software engineering principles, industrial design concepts, and clinical applications, broadening understanding of the product development lifecycle.
• Mentorship Programs: Receiving guidance from experienced professionals who can offer career advice, technical insights, and industry knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified based on the nature of the UX/UI role within the medical technology sector and the typical learning curve for an intern. Growth opportunities are framed around skill enhancement and knowledge acquisition specific to design and the industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a challenging project you worked on and how you overcame it." (Focus on problem-solving, resilience, and learning.)
• "Describe your design process for a recent project. What were the key steps and decisions?" (Highlight your methodology, user-centricity, and rationale.)
• "How do you incorporate user feedback into your designs?" (Demonstrate your understanding of iteration and user advocacy.)
• "How would you approach designing a new feature for [a Stryker product type, e.g., a surgical robot interface]?" (Showcase your ability to think critically and apply design principles to a new context.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Stryker and this specific internship?" (Research Stryker's mission, values, and recent innovations. Connect your interests to their work.)
• "What do you know about Stryker's products or the medical technology industry?" (Show initiative and genuine interest.)
• "How do you handle working in a team environment, especially with individuals from different disciplines?" (Emphasize your collaborative spirit and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Each Case Study: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Outcome/Learnings.
• Visuals are Key: Use high-quality mockups, wireframes, user flows, and prototypes. Explain what each visual represents.
• Focus on Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., "improved task completion rate by X%," "reduced error rate"). If not quantifiable, articulate the qualitative benefits clearly.
• Be Concise and Engaging: Practice your presentation to fit within the allotted time. Be enthusiastic and passionate about your work.
• Anticipate Questions: Be ready to dive deeper into any aspect of your projects and defend your design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to a UX/UI internship, focusing on demonstrating potential, process, and cultural alignment. The emphasis on portfolio presentation and design challenges is critical for this field.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Stryker Careers portal using the provided URL.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 3-4 of your strongest UX/UI design projects that showcase your process, problem-solving skills, and ability to create user-centered designs. Ensure it includes case studies with clear project goals, your role, methodology, and outcomes.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight relevant coursework, academic projects, technical skills (design software, MS Office), and any leadership or teamwork experiences. Use keywords from the job description such as "UX/UI," "user experience," "prototyping," and "collaboration."
• Research Stryker: Familiarize yourself with Stryker's mission, values, product lines (especially those involving digital interfaces), and recent news. Understand their commitment to making healthcare better.
• Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate your interest in Stryker and the internship, and practice walking through your portfolio projects concisely, focusing on your design process and the value you bring.

⚠️ 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.

---