Alternance – Ingénieur UX researcher – F/H

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Alternance – Ingénieur UX Researcher – F/H

Company: Thales

Location: Sophia-Antipolis, France

Job Type: Full-time (Internship/Apprenticeship)

Category: UX Research & Design

Date Posted: March 05, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (Internship)

🚀 Role Summary

• This apprenticeship role focuses on User Experience (UX) research and design within Thales' Technical Directorate.

• The core of the role involves developing a user-centered skills management tool for engineering competencies, leveraging existing aggregated data.

• A significant component includes defining requirements for the digitalization of this tool and collaborating with data analysts and international teams.

• The position also entails contributing to the communication efforts of the Technical Directorate, focusing on value proposition and presentation support.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically an "Alternance" position, which is a French work-study program combining academic learning with practical work experience. It's geared towards individuals pursuing a BAC +5 (Master's level) degree and requires a commitment of 12 to 24 months. The focus is on UX research and design applied to internal enterprise tools, rather than external product development, requiring a strong understanding of user needs within a corporate engineering environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct user research to understand the needs and use cases for a new engineering skills management tool.

• Develop user personas and map user journeys for managers and employees interacting with the skills platform.

• Design and prototype the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) for the skills management tool, ensuring it is intuitive and effective.

• Collaborate with data analysts to define requirements for the digitalization and backend integration of the tool.

• Support the development and testing of the digital skills management tool, including coordination with English-speaking international teams.

• Assist in defining the value proposition and creating presentation materials for the Technical Directorate's communication initiatives.

• Gather and analyze feedback from stakeholders to iterate on designs and feature development.

• Contribute to the overall process of digital transformation within the Technical Directorate by providing user-centric insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a dual focus: direct UX/UI design and research for an internal tool, and broader communication support for the Technical Directorate. The international collaboration aspect with English-speaking teams is a key detail, implying a need for strong cross-cultural communication skills. The role is deeply embedded within a technical engineering context, requiring an understanding of how such a tool would benefit managers and employees in skill development and management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently pursuing a BAC +5 (Master's level) degree in UX/UI Design, Graphic Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field.

Experience:

• Previous experience or strong academic projects in UX/UI design, user research, and prototyping.

Required Skills:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in French.

• Proficiency in design and prototyping tools such as Adobe XD, Sketch, Figma, or similar.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and manage time effectively.

• Excellent synthesis skills to distill complex information into actionable insights.

• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with data collection and analysis methodologies.

• Understanding of engineering competencies and skill management concepts.

• Familiarity with digital transformation initiatives within large organizations.

• Experience working with international teams or on cross-cultural projects.

• Basic understanding of data analysis principles and collaboration with data analysts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Alternance" means candidates are expected to be students actively enrolled in a higher education program. The required skills blend technical design proficiency with strong interpersonal and analytical capabilities, essential for effective user research and stakeholder communication within a corporate engineering setting. The mention of "digitalization" and "data analyst collaboration" suggests a need for a candidate comfortable with both creative design and the technical aspects of tool development.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the UX/UI design process from research to final design.

• Showcase case studies of user research projects, including methodologies used (interviews, surveys, usability testing).

• Present wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes created using industry-standard tools (Adobe XD, Figma, Sketch).

• Include examples of user personas, journey maps, and other artifacts that illustrate user-centered design thinking.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of ability to document user research findings and design decisions clearly and concisely.

• Examples of how you have iterated on designs based on feedback and testing results.

• Documentation of the collaborative process, especially when working with cross-functional teams or international counterparts.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an "Alternance" role, the portfolio is crucial for demonstrating potential and foundational skills. It should reflect academic projects and any personal or freelance work. The focus should be on showcasing the process of design and research, not just the final visual output. Highlighting an understanding of how to translate data and user feedback into design is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As this is an "Alternance" position, compensation will be in line with French legal requirements for apprenticeships/work-study programs, typically a percentage of the minimum wage based on age and the specific year of the apprenticeship.

• A general estimate for a BAC +5 level "Alternant" in France can range from €1,200 to €1,800 gross per month, depending on the company's policy and the specific program.

• Estimated Monthly Gross Salary: €1,300 - €1,700

Benefits:

• Paid apprenticeship contract in accordance with French labor laws.

• Opportunity to gain practical experience in a leading global high-technology group.

• Exposure to cutting-edge technologies in defense, security, aeronautics, and digital sectors.

• Mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals within the Technical Directorate.

• Potential for professional development and networking within Thales.

• Access to company facilities and resources at the Sophia-Antipolis site.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours for an apprentice in France, typically around 35 hours per week, with a balance between work at the company site and academic study time as per the "Alternance" agreement.

• Flexibility may be offered depending on project needs and academic schedules, subject to company policy and agreement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Compensation for "Alternance" roles in France is legally regulated. The provided range is an estimate based on common practices for BAC +5 level apprenticeships. Benefits are often tied to the legal framework for apprentices and may include aspects like partial meal allowances (titres-restaurant) or access to company facilities, though specific details would be confirmed during the hiring process. The "work-study" nature means hours are integrated with academic commitments.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: High Technologies, Defense & Security, Aeronautics & Space, Cyber & Digital. Thales is a major global player known for its commitment to innovation and security.

Company Size: Thales is a large multinational corporation with approximately 81,000 employees globally. This means opportunities for large-scale project exposure and diverse career paths.

Founded: Thales was founded in 2000 (though its origins trace back much further through predecessor companies like Thomson-CSF). This history signifies a deep-rooted expertise in technology and defense.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Technical Directorate at the Sophia-Antipolis site. This directorate likely comprises a diverse range of engineering and technical specialists.

• The UX Researcher will work closely with a Data Analyst and potentially other engineers and project managers.

Methodology:

• The approach to the skills management tool emphasizes a user-centered design methodology, starting with data collection and user needs analysis.

• Digitalization and tool development will likely follow project management best practices, possibly involving agile elements.

• Collaboration with data analysts indicates a data-driven approach to understanding needs and defining tool requirements.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Thales' culture is characterized by a strong emphasis on innovation, trust, security, and societal impact. As a large defense contractor, it operates in highly regulated and critical sectors, implying a disciplined and quality-focused work environment. The Sophia-Antipolis site's focus on sonar and digital services suggests a blend of hardware and software expertise.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level "Alternance" position, designed as a foundational experience for students. It provides a direct pathway into understanding professional UX research and design within a large industrial context.

Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher will likely report to a manager or lead within the Technical Directorate responsible for digital tools or innovation projects. They will also work closely with a Data Analyst and potentially a project lead for the skills management tool.

Operations Impact: While not directly "revenue operations" or "sales operations" in the traditional sense, this role impacts internal operations by improving employee skill management and access to information. This indirectly supports efficiency, talent development, and the overall technical capabilities of the organization, which are critical for Thales' operational success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen expertise in UX research methodologies, user interviewing, persona creation, journey mapping, and prototyping with advanced tools.

• Industry Exposure: Gain practical experience within the defense and high-technology sectors, understanding their unique operational and design challenges.

• Cross-Functional Experience: Develop collaboration skills by working with data analysts, engineers, and international teams, potentially leading to a broader understanding of product development lifecycles.

• Potential Future Employment: Successful completion of the "Alternance" program can serve as a strong stepping stone for future roles at Thales or within the broader tech industry, potentially in UX/UI design, product management, or technical project roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis for an "Alternance" role focuses on skill acquisition and practical experience rather than immediate career advancement. The key benefit is the structured learning environment within a major industrial player, which can significantly shape a candidate's future career trajectory in UX and technology.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site at the Thales Sophia-Antipolis site, which is described as being in the "Silicon Valley of the PACA region." This suggests a modern, technologically advanced office environment.

Office Location(s): Sophia-Antipolis, France. This is a well-known technology park in the South of France, offering a dynamic and innovative ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is expected to be collaborative, with opportunities to work alongside experienced engineers and data analysts.

• Access to relevant design and analysis tools will be provided.

• The international aspect of the project means the workspace might involve virtual collaboration tools and cross-cultural communication.

• The site focuses on sonar technology, digital services, and simulation, indicating a specialized technical hub.

Work Schedule: The work schedule will be structured to accommodate the "Alternance" agreement, balancing work responsibilities with academic requirements. This typically involves a set number of days per week or month at the company, aligned with the educational institution's calendar.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Silicon Valley of the PACA region" descriptor for Sophia-Antipolis implies a vibrant, modern, and research-oriented work setting. The on-site requirement suggests an emphasis on in-person collaboration and immersion in the company's technical environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter, with a specific focus on your "Alternance" status, academic program, and duration availability.

• First Interview: Likely with an HR representative and/or the hiring manager to assess your motivation, communication skills, understanding of UX/UI principles, and alignment with Thales' values. Be prepared to discuss your interest in the defense/high-tech sector.

• Technical/Design Assessment: This might involve a portfolio review where you present 1-2 key projects, explaining your process, challenges, and outcomes. You may also be given a small design or research exercise.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior members of the Technical Directorate to finalize the selection and discuss the specifics of the "Alternance" agreement.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your steps from problem identification to solution. Detail your research methods, design iterations, and decision-making rationale.

• Showcase UX/UI Tools: Ensure your prototypes and mockups are well-presented and demonstrate proficiency in tools like Figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch.

• Explain Your Role: For team projects, clearly define your specific contributions and responsibilities.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): Even for academic projects, try to explain the intended or achieved impact of your design. For this role, how did your design aim to improve user efficiency or satisfaction?

• Tailor to the Role: Highlight projects that involve user research for internal tools, data-driven design, or cross-functional collaboration.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach understanding the needs of managers for a skills management tool.

• Prepare to explain how you would gather data and translate it into user personas and use cases.

• Think about how you would design a user-friendly interface for managing complex engineering competencies.

• Consider how you would collaborate with a data analyst and international teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh your academic background, your motivation for an "Alternance" program, and your foundational UX/UI skills. The portfolio is your primary tool to demonstrate practical aptitude. Expect questions that probe your understanding of user-centered design and your ability to apply it in a corporate engineering context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Adobe XD, Sketch, Figma (proficiency required).

• Collaboration: Tools for virtual meetings and project management (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence) will likely be used, especially for international collaboration.

• Data Analysis Support: While not a primary responsibility, familiarity with how data is presented or used in analysis (e.g., Excel, basic data visualization principles) would be beneficial for collaboration with the Data Analyst.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to this UX research role, but an awareness of enterprise software systems is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement revolves around design and prototyping software. The ability to collaborate digitally and understand the data that will inform design is also important, even if direct analysis isn't the primary task.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: Thales thrives on developing cutting-edge technologies. Expect a culture that encourages new ideas and problem-solving.

• Trust & Security: Given the nature of Thales' work, a strong emphasis is placed on reliability, integrity, and security in all operations and product development.

• Collaboration: The project involves working with diverse teams (data analysts, engineers, international colleagues), highlighting the importance of teamwork and open communication.

• Excellence: A commitment to high standards and quality is paramount in the high-technology and defense sectors.

• Inclusivity: Thales promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a professional and structured approach to collaboration, especially with international teams.

• Open communication and a willingness to share ideas and feedback are encouraged.

• The role requires proactive engagement with stakeholders to gather requirements and validate designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Thales' values, particularly trust, security, and innovation, will permeate the team's work. The collaborative style will likely be professional and goal-oriented, with clear communication channels established for project success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Academia and Industry: Adapting academic UX/UI knowledge to the specific needs and constraints of a large industrial enterprise like Thales.

• Complex Stakeholder Needs: Understanding and balancing the requirements of managers, employees, and potentially international project partners.

• Data Integration: Working with aggregated engineering competency data may present challenges in terms of data structure, privacy, and interpretation for design purposes.

• International Collaboration: Navigating communication and project management across different time zones and potentially cultural nuances with the English teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized UX Skills: Gain hands-on experience in a specific domain (engineering competencies) and learn how to tailor UX solutions for internal enterprise tools.

• Industry Insights: Deep dive into the high-technology and defense sector, understanding its unique operational demands and innovation landscape.

• Professional Networking: Build connections within Thales, a global leader in its field, which can be invaluable for future career prospects.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Learn about project execution, stakeholder management, and cross-functional teamwork in a real-world industrial setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed as opportunities for growth. Successfully navigating these will provide significant learning experiences that are highly valuable for an aspiring UX professional.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Motivation & Fit: "Why are you interested in an 'Alternance' with Thales, specifically in UX research, and what interests you about the defense/high-tech sector?" (Prepare to articulate your passion for technology and how Thales' mission aligns with your career goals.)

• UX Process: "Describe your typical UX design process, from initial research to final design. Walk us through a project in your portfolio." (Be ready to detail your methodologies, tools, and decision-making.)

• Problem Solving: "Imagine you need to design a tool for managers to track employee skills. What would be your first steps in understanding their needs?" (Focus on user research, stakeholder interviews, and data analysis.)

• Collaboration: "How would you approach working with a data analyst and international teams on this project?" (Emphasize communication, documentation, and proactive engagement.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Thales and its role in high technology and defense?" (Research Thales' mission, values, and recent projects.)

• "How do you align with Thales' commitment to innovation and security?" (Connect your personal values or project experiences to these themes.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Relevant Projects: Choose 1-2 projects that best showcase your UX research and design skills, ideally those involving user interviews, prototyping, and iterative design.

• Storytelling: Frame your projects as a narrative: the problem, your approach, the challenges, your solutions, and the outcome or learning.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes) are clean, well-organized, and easy to understand.

• Focus on "Why": Explain why you made certain design choices, linking them back to user needs, research findings, or project goals.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, alternative approaches, and how you handled feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an "Alternance" role, interviewers will be looking for potential, enthusiasm, and a solid understanding of UX fundamentals. They want to see that you can integrate into their team and learn quickly. Demonstrating a structured approach to design and a genuine interest in their industry will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this "Alternance" UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the Thales Careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor your CV and cover letter: Highlight your academic program (BAC +5), the duration of your desired apprenticeship (12-24 months), your proficiency in UX/UI tools, and your motivation for working at Thales.

• Prepare your portfolio: Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., online link) and showcases your best UX research and design projects with a clear explanation of your process.

• Research Thales: Understand the company's mission, values, and the specific domains mentioned (Defense & Security, Aeronautics & Space, Cyber & Digital).

• Practice your interview responses: Be ready to discuss your motivation, UX process, and how you would approach the project's challenges, demonstrating enthusiasm and a proactive attitude.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description provides a comprehensive overview based on industry standards and the provided information. Specific details regarding compensation, benefits, and interview processes should be confirmed directly with Thales during the application and interview stages. The "Alternance" nature of this role means it is specifically for students pursuing a work-study program.