Co-op- UX/UI

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Co-op - UX/UI Designer Company: Symbotic Location: Wilmington, MA - HQ, United States Job Type: Co-op, Full-Time Category: User Experience (UX) / User Interface (UI) Design Operations Date Posted: October 1, 2025 Experience Level: Entry Level (Co-op) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This Co-op role focuses on applying user-centered design, Design Thinking, and Lean Design principles to create exceptional user experiences for Symbotic's advanced robotic technology platform.
• The position involves hands-on contribution to the Symbotic UI Design System and active ownership of design projects from ideation to prototyping.
• You will collaborate closely with UX Researchers, Principal and Senior designers, and development stakeholders, advocating for end-users and best practices in usability and accessibility.
• This role offers a unique opportunity to observe Symbotic's complex hardware and software operations firsthand to inform design decisions and gain deep contextual understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Co-op - UX/UI", the responsibilities align with a junior UX/UI Designer role within an operations-focused technology company. The emphasis on observing operations and understanding complex hardware/software suggests a need for designers who can translate intricate technical processes into intuitive user interfaces. This role is crucial for enhancing the usability of Symbotic's internal tools and potentially customer-facing interfaces related to their automation solutions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Apply user-centered design, Design Thinking processes, and Lean Design principles to conceptualize and create exceptional user experiences for Symbotic's AI-powered robotic technology platform.
• Take ownership of active design projects, managing them from initial concept through to the creation of sketches, wireframes, high-resolution UI visual designs, and interactive Figma prototypes.
• Organize and facilitate user testing sessions, actively collaborating with UX Researchers, Principal and Senior designers, and development stakeholders to gather feedback and iterate on designs.
• Contribute to the development, maintenance, and evolution of the Symbotic UI Design System, ensuring consistency and scalability across all products.
• Advocate for end-users, championing UX Research & Design processes, methodologies, innovation, usability, accessibility, and the establishment of clear interface standards.
• Conduct on-site observations of operations at the Wilmington, MA Headquarters and Test site to gain a deep, practical understanding of Symbotic’s complex hardware and software products, informing design decisions with real-world context.
• Work independently and proactively seek guidance when necessary to complete assigned tasks, demonstrating self-motivation and a commitment to task completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of core UX/UI design tasks with a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on understanding of the operational environment. This suggests that candidates who can connect theoretical design principles with the realities of warehouse automation and complex machinery will excel. The "advocate" responsibility implies a need for strong communication and persuasion skills to champion user needs within a technical team.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, UX Design, Industrial Design, or a related discipline. Experience: This is a co-op position, implying limited prior professional experience is expected. However, relevant academic projects, internships, or personal design work demonstrating practical application of UX/UI principles is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated understanding of user-centered design principles, information architecture, and user-centric design methodologies.
• Proficiency with design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD.
• Ability to work effectively with ambiguous requirements and produce tangible results independently.
• Strong collaboration skills and a willingness to contribute a user-centric perspective to development teams.
• Vocal, humble, and coachable demeanor, capable of both providing and receiving design critiques constructively.
• Ability to manage multiple design projects simultaneously, maintaining timelines and deadlines, with familiarity with project management tools like JIRA or Confluence.
• A creative, strategic, and innovative mindset with a drive to ask insightful questions and understand user aspirations, frustrations, and motivations.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with generative AI applied to UX design and analysis.
• Interest in other advanced technologies, particularly those related to robotics, automation, or supply chain management.
• Experience observing and documenting operational processes in a physical or industrial environment.
• Understanding of Lean Design principles and Design Thinking methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for familiarity with generative AI is a forward-looking skill that aligns with Symbotic's focus on AI-powered technology. The emphasis on "ambiguous requirements" and "working independently" suggests a need for self-starters who can navigate complex, evolving projects typical in a fast-paced tech environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 well-documented UX/UI design projects that demonstrate the application of user-centered design principles.
• Projects should clearly articulate the problem statement, research methodologies (even if informal), design process (ideation, wireframing, prototyping, visual design), and final outcomes.
• Include examples of wireframes, user flows, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes created using tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD.
• Demonstrate an understanding of information architecture and how users navigate through a system.
• Highlight contributions to UI design systems, style guides, or component libraries, if applicable.

Process Documentation:

• For each project, clearly outline the design process followed, emphasizing how user needs were identified and addressed.
• Detail any user testing or feedback mechanisms employed, and how insights from these activities influenced design iterations.
• Provide examples of how design decisions were justified, linking them back to user goals or business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is a co-op role, the portfolio should emphasize process and potential over extensive experience. The ability to clearly articulate the "why" behind design decisions and demonstrate a structured approach to problem-solving will be key. Projects that show an understanding of complex systems or industrial applications, even if conceptual, would be highly beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Co-op positions typically offer a competitive hourly wage. For a UX/UI Co-op in the Wilmington, MA area with entry-level experience, an estimated hourly rate would range from $20 to $30 per hour, depending on the specific academic year and demonstrated skills.

Benefits:

• Paid hourly wage.
• Opportunity to gain significant professional experience in a leading automation technology company.
• Mentorship from experienced UX/UI designers and industry professionals.
• Access to Symbotic's co-op program events, including Lunch and Learns, social outings, and volunteer opportunities.
• Potential for networking and career development within Symbotic.
• Exposure to cutting-edge AI and robotics technology.

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry averages for co-op positions in the technology sector in the Boston metropolitan area, considering the entry-level nature of the role. Benefits are standard for internship/co-op programs, with a strong emphasis on learning and professional development opportunities.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Industrial Automation, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Supply Chain Technology. Symbotic operates at the intersection of advanced software and hardware engineering, focusing on transforming the logistics and supply chain industry. Company Size: Symbotic is a rapidly growing company, evidenced by its increasing employee count and significant presence in the automation technology market. This size implies a dynamic environment with opportunities for impact, but also requires individuals who can adapt to change and contribute to scaling processes. Founded: Symbotic was founded with a vision to revolutionize supply chain automation. Understanding its founding principles can provide insight into its core values of innovation, efficiency, and forward-thinking technology adoption.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI team likely operates within a larger Product Development or Engineering organization.
• The team structure probably includes senior designers, principal designers, UX researchers, and potentially design operations specialists, with co-op students integrated to support ongoing projects.
• Collaboration is expected to be cross-functional, involving close partnerships with software engineers, product managers, and operations specialists.

Methodology:

• Symbotic emphasizes an AI-powered, end-to-end system approach, suggesting a data-driven and iterative methodology in product development.
• The adoption of Design Thinking and Lean Design principles by the UX/UI team indicates a commitment to user-centricity and efficiency in the design process.
• A focus on observation of operations points to a qualitative, ethnographic approach to understanding user needs and system complexities.

Company Website: www.symbotic.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Symbotic's focus on AI and robotics places it at the forefront of technological innovation. The company culture likely values problem-solving, continuous improvement, and a collaborative spirit to tackle complex engineering challenges. For a UX/UI co-op, understanding the company's mission to revolutionize supply chains will be crucial for aligning design work with business objectives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level Co-op position designed for students to gain foundational experience in UX/UI design within a real-world operational technology setting. It's a stepping stone for future roles in design, product development, or related fields. Reporting Structure: The co-op will report to a Senior UX/UI Designer or a Design Lead, who will provide guidance, mentorship, and project oversight. They will likely work within a broader UX/UI team and collaborate with other functional groups like engineering and product management. Operations Impact: While a co-op role, the work directly impacts the usability and efficiency of Symbotic's internal tools and potentially customer interfaces. By improving user experience, the co-op contributes to smoother operations, reduced errors, and enhanced productivity for users interacting with Symbotic's complex automation systems.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen expertise in user-centered design, Design Thinking, Figma/Sketch, and UI design systems. Gain practical experience in user testing and design critique.
• Industry Exposure: Immerse in the cutting-edge field of AI-powered warehouse automation and supply chain technology.
• Networking: Build professional relationships with experienced designers, engineers, and product managers at a leading tech company.
• Potential for Future Employment: Successful co-op performance can lead to future internship or full-time opportunities within Symbotic.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth within this co-op role is primarily focused on skill acquisition and practical application in a specialized industry. The impact is indirect but significant, contributing to the overall effectiveness of Symbotic's technological solutions by enhancing user interaction.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Symbotic's headquarters in Wilmington, MA, likely offers a modern office environment designed for collaboration and innovation. This includes dedicated workspaces for design teams, meeting rooms, and potentially access to testing facilities or labs where hardware and software are integrated. Office Location(s): The primary location for this co-op is Wilmington, MA - HQ. This location provides proximity to Symbotic's core operations, research, and development activities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is designed to foster teamwork, with opportunities for designers to interact with engineers, researchers, and product managers. Open-plan areas and collaborative meeting spaces are likely features.
• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD), project management tools (JIRA, Confluence), and potentially specialized hardware/software for observing operations.
• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional project discussions will be integral to the daily work, providing ample opportunities for learning and contribution.

Work Schedule: The schedule is structured around a full-time, 40-hour work week (Monday-Friday), typical for co-op programs. While primarily on-site, occasional travel (up to 10%) may be required for site observations or team meetings at different facilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on on-site work and observation of operations indicates a preference for immersive learning. The workspace context suggests an environment where practical application and collaboration are paramount, crucial for understanding the nuances of industrial automation design.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of the resume and portfolio to assess foundational UX/UI skills and alignment with the role's requirements.
• Technical Interview: Likely includes a discussion of design principles, methodologies, and problem-solving approaches. Candidates may be asked to walk through their portfolio projects in detail.
• Design Challenge/Case Study: A practical exercise or a review of a past project to evaluate design thinking, problem-solving abilities, and ability to articulate design rationale. This might involve a hypothetical scenario related to Symbotic's operations.
• Behavioral/Team Fit Interview: Assessing collaboration skills, communication style, coachability, and cultural fit with Symbotic's innovative and fast-paced environment. This may involve meeting with potential mentors or team members.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a hiring manager or senior leader to discuss overall fit and career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate the journey from problem identification to solution. Highlight your thought process, research, and iterations.
• Showcase Problem-Solving: Demonstrate how you tackled design challenges, even in academic or personal projects. Explain the constraints and how you overcame them.
• Highlight Collaboration: If projects involved teamwork, explain your role and how you collaborated with others.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Use high-quality mockups and prototypes.
• Tailor to Symbotic: If possible, include projects that show an interest in complex systems, industrial design, or technology that has operational implications.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Symbotic's Business: Research Symbotic's products, services, and mission. Consider the types of users and operational contexts they serve.
• Practice Design Thinking: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a design problem from understanding user needs to ideation and testing.
• Articulate Design Rationale: Practice explaining why you made specific design choices, referencing UX principles and user goals.
• Prepare Questions: Have thoughtful questions ready for the interviewers about the team, projects, and company culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a co-op role, the interview process will heavily weigh potential and a strong foundation in design principles and processes. The portfolio is critical for demonstrating this potential. Emphasizing adaptability and a willingness to learn will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (primary expectation), Sketch, Adobe XD. Candidates are expected to be proficient in at least one of these.
• Project Management & Documentation: JIRA, Confluence (familiarity expected for task management and team collaboration).
• Collaboration Tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams (standard for team communication).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this co-op, familiarity with how user data and analytics inform design decisions is a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM/automation tool requirements listed for this specific role, but an understanding of how UX/UI integrates with broader software systems is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is highly recommended given its prevalence in modern UX/UI design workflows. Familiarity with JIRA and Confluence is important for understanding how design tasks are managed within agile development environments.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A drive to develop novel solutions for complex supply chain challenges through AI and robotics.
• Efficiency: A core principle in optimizing warehouse operations and product delivery.
• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork across diverse disciplines to achieve ambitious goals.
• User-Centricity: A commitment to understanding and serving the needs of end-users, whether internal operators or external clients.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data and insights to inform design and product development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work closely with engineers, product managers, and operations specialists to ensure designs are technically feasible and meet operational needs.
• Open Communication: Encouraging direct and transparent communication, including constructive design critiques and feedback sessions.
• Agile & Iterative: Embracing an iterative design process that allows for continuous improvement based on feedback and testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: Symbotic's values likely mirror those of a fast-paced, technology-driven company. For a co-op, demonstrating a willingness to learn, adapt, and contribute positively to a collaborative team environment is paramount. Understanding how design contributes to operational efficiency will be key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Operations: The primary challenge will be understanding and translating the intricate workflows and physical operations of a sophisticated warehouse automation system into intuitive and effective user interfaces.
• Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: Designing for a complex technical environment often involves balancing ideal user experiences with the practical limitations of hardware, software integration, and operational realities.
• Working with Ambiguous Requirements: As a co-op, navigating projects with evolving or partially defined requirements will be a learning opportunity.
• Contributing to a Design System: Effectively contributing to a living design system requires understanding its architecture, consistency, and scalability.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Hands-on Design Experience: Gaining practical experience across the entire UX/UI design lifecycle.
• Industry-Specific Knowledge: Developing a deep understanding of the automation and supply chain technology sector.
• Mentorship: Receiving guidance from experienced design professionals.
• Exposure to AI/Robotics: Working with a company at the forefront of AI and robotics innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to designing for complex operational technology. The growth opportunities are significant for a co-op, offering exposure to a cutting-edge industry and practical design skills development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design for a complex system or process. What was your approach?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and user consideration.)
• "How do you approach user research, even if informally, for a project?" (Highlight methods for understanding user needs.)
• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio. What was the problem, your role, your process, and the outcome?" (Be prepared to discuss design decisions and rationale.)
• "How would you incorporate feedback from engineers or product managers into your design?" (Demonstrate collaboration and flexibility.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Symbotic and our mission to transform supply chain automation?" (Research Symbotic's goals and express genuine interest.)
• "How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs?" (Emphasize coachability and a growth mindset.)
• "Describe your ideal team environment for a co-op." (Align your answer with Symbotic's collaborative and innovative culture.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the narrative: the problem, your role, the challenges, your process, the solution, and the impact.
• Focus on Your Contribution: Be specific about your responsibilities within team projects.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use clear visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes) to illustrate your design solutions.
• Explain Your 'Why': Be ready to justify every design decision based on user needs, business goals, or UX principles.
• Keep it Concise: Respect the interviewer's time. Practice presenting your key projects efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for a co-op role should focus on demonstrating a strong grasp of design fundamentals, a proactive learning attitude, and the ability to articulate one's thought process. Highlighting any experience with complex systems or a genuine interest in Symbotic's industry will be advantageous.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Co-op UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Symbotic careers portal via the provided link.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest design projects that best showcase your understanding of user-centered design principles, your design process, and your proficiency with design tools. Ensure it is well-organized and easily accessible (e.g., a link to a personal website or PDF).
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight relevant coursework, academic projects, any previous internships or volunteer work, and specific UX/UI skills. Use keywords from the job description such as "user-centered design," "Design Thinking," "Figma," and "prototyping."
• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice walking through your portfolio projects, focusing on your problem-solving approach, design decisions, and lessons learned. Be ready to discuss your interest in Symbotic and the automation industry.
• Research Symbotic: Understand the company's mission, products, and its role in revolutionizing supply chain automation. This will help you tailor your responses and ask insightful questions.

⚠️ 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.

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