Internship in UX/UI for Automotive Software Development

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Internship in UX/UI for Automotive Software Development

Company: Bosch Group (ETAS GmbH)

Location: Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Job Type: Full-time Internship

Category: UX/UI Design, Automotive Software

Date Posted: March 26, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Internship)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship focuses on applying UX/UI design principles to the development of cutting-edge automotive software solutions, contributing to the realization of software-defined vehicles.

• The role involves hands-on experience in user research, design ideation, prototyping, and collaboration with engineering teams to translate complex requirements into intuitive user interfaces.

• Candidates will have the opportunity to work with modern design tools and explore the integration of AI in design workflows within the automotive sector.

• This position offers a dynamic environment at ETAS GmbH, a subsidiary of Bosch, contributing to their mission of "Empowering Tomorrow's Automotive Software."

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided description is for an internship, this enhancement will frame it with a focus on the operational aspects of design and development within a large automotive software context, highlighting the value of UX/UI for product success and user adoption.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive user research to understand the needs and behaviors of automotive software users, including drivers, developers, and system integrators.

• Develop detailed user personas, user journeys, and user flows to map out critical interaction points and identify areas for design improvement.

• Create high-fidelity wireframes, interactive prototypes, and visually appealing UI designs for automotive software applications, ensuring consistency with brand guidelines and usability standards.

• Collaborate closely with software developers, product managers, and automotive engineers to ensure design feasibility, seamless implementation, and adherence to technical specifications.

• Participate actively in design critique sessions, providing constructive feedback and iterating on designs based on input from peers, stakeholders, and user testing results.

• Present design concepts, rationales, and user research findings effectively to internal stakeholders, including product teams and leadership.

• Explore and experiment with AI-powered design tools and integrate AI into design workflows to enhance efficiency and innovation.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and methodologies within the automotive software development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities have been expanded to include more specific UX/UI activities relevant to software development and to emphasize the collaborative and iterative nature of the design process in a professional setting.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Academic or personal projects demonstrating a strong understanding and application of user-centered design principles and methodologies.

Required Skills:

• User Research: Ability to plan, conduct, and analyze user research to inform design decisions.

• UX/UI Design: Proficiency in creating user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity UI designs.

• Design Tools: Hands-on experience with industry-standard design software like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD.

• User-Centered Design: Deep understanding of user-centered design principles and their application in software development.

• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within a cross-functional team environment.

• Communication: Strong written and spoken English proficiency is mandatory for clear communication.

Preferred Skills:

• Automotive Software Domain: Familiarity with the automotive industry or software development lifecycles for complex systems.

• AI in Design: Experience or keen interest in utilizing AI-powered design tools or integrating AI into design workflows.

• Usability Testing: Experience in planning and conducting usability tests to gather user feedback.

• Agile Methodologies: Understanding of agile development processes and how UX/UI fits into them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications have been structured to clearly delineate required versus preferred skills, emphasizing practical application through a portfolio and detailing the specific design tools expected. The educational requirements have been broadened to include relevant technical fields.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing at least 3-5 distinct UX/UI design projects. Projects should demonstrate a clear design process from research to final design.

• Include examples of user research artifacts (e.g., personas, journey maps), wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity UI designs.

• For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the design process followed, key decisions made, and the outcomes or learnings.

• Showcase proficiency in at least one industry-standard design tool (Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD), with examples of complex features or interactions designed.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate an understanding of design documentation best practices, including the creation of style guides, component libraries, and design specifications for developer handoff.

• Ability to articulate design rationales and user-centered design principles clearly, explaining why specific design choices were made.

• Familiarity with user testing methodologies and how feedback is incorporated into iterative design improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Specific guidance on portfolio content and structure is provided, focusing on demonstrating a robust design process and the ability to articulate design decisions, which is crucial for UX/UI roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Opportunity to gain practical experience in UX/UI design within the automotive software industry at a leading global technology company.

• Mentorship and guidance from experienced UX/UI designers and engineering teams.

• Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and the development of software-defined vehicles.

• Networking opportunities within the Bosch Group and ETAS GmbH.

• Potential for future career opportunities or further internships within the company.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time internship hours, approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility potentially available based on project needs and university schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: A salary range has been estimated based on regional internship standards for technical roles in Germany. Benefits are tailored to highlight the learning and development aspects of an internship.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Software Development, Vehicle Technology, Embedded Systems, Cybersecurity. ETAS GmbH specializes in vehicle basic software, middleware, and development tools, enabling the creation of software-defined vehicles.

Company Size: ETAS GmbH is a wholly owned subsidiary of Robert Bosch GmbH, a global technology and services provider with over 400,000 employees worldwide. ETAS itself operates internationally with numerous sales offices.

Founded: ETAS GmbH was founded in 1994. The Robert Bosch GmbH was founded in 1886.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI team likely operates within a larger product development or software engineering department at ETAS GmbH.

• Interns will collaborate closely with UX/UI designers, user researchers, product managers, software developers, and potentially system architects.

Methodology:

• Agile Development: Projects are likely managed using agile methodologies (e.g., Scrum, Kanban), requiring iterative design and close collaboration with development sprints.

• User-Centered Design: A strong emphasis on understanding user needs and incorporating feedback throughout the design process.

• Data-Driven Decisions: Utilizing user research, analytics, and testing to inform design choices and measure impact.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Close partnerships between design, engineering, and product management teams.

Company Website: https://www.bosch-et.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context has been enriched with details about ETAS's role within Bosch and their specific focus on automotive software, providing a clearer picture of the work environment for an operations-minded candidate.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an internship role, designed for individuals early in their career, typically pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree. It provides foundational experience in UX/UI design within a professional, corporate setting.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report to a senior member of the UX/UI design team, likely a Lead UX/UI Designer or a Design Manager, who will provide guidance and oversight. This structure allows for direct learning and feedback.

Operations Impact: While an intern's direct operational impact is limited, the work contributes to the overall success of automotive software products by ensuring user-friendliness, intuitiveness, and adherence to design standards. Positive UX/UI design directly impacts user adoption, efficiency, and satisfaction, which are key operational metrics for product success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen expertise in UX/UI design principles, user research methodologies, and proficiency with industry-standard design tools.

• Industry Exposure: Gain invaluable experience in the automotive software sector, understanding its unique challenges and opportunities.

• Networking: Build professional relationships with experienced designers, engineers, and product managers at a leading technology firm.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Create significant portfolio pieces that can be leveraged for future job applications.

• Potential for Future Roles: Successful interns may be considered for future internships, co-op positions, or even entry-level roles within ETAS GmbH or the broader Bosch Group.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Career Level" is defined specifically for an internship, emphasizing its foundational nature. The "Operations Impact" section clarifies how even intern contributions align with broader operational goals related to product success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a hybrid role, meaning a combination of remote work and on-site presence at the Stuttgart office. The office environment is expected to be professional and collaborative, typical of a large technology corporation.

Office Location(s): Borsigstraße 24, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany. This location is a key operational hub for ETAS GmbH.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Space: The office will offer collaborative spaces designed for teamwork, brainstorming, and design critiques, facilitating interaction with team members.

• Technology & Tools: Interns will have access to the necessary workstations, software licenses (e.g., Figma, Adobe Creative Suite), and other tools required for UX/UI design tasks.

• Team Integration: Opportunities to integrate with the design team through regular meetings, stand-ups, and project discussions, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

• Hybrid Work: The hybrid model offers flexibility, allowing for focused individual work at home and collaborative, in-person interaction at the office.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is typically full-time, around 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement allows for some flexibility in structuring the workdays, balancing on-site and remote responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Work Environment" section is tailored to a hybrid internship, emphasizing the blend of remote and on-site collaboration and the resources available to an intern.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit a CV, transcript of records, enrollment certificate, examination regulations, and work/residence permit if applicable.

• Portfolio Review: Initial screening will involve a thorough review of your submitted UX/UI design portfolio. This is the most critical part of the application.

• Initial Interview (Phone/Video): A discussion with a recruiter or hiring manager to assess your background, motivation, and initial fit.

• Technical/Design Interview: A more in-depth interview, potentially including a design exercise or a detailed walkthrough of your portfolio projects. This will assess your design process, problem-solving skills, and technical proficiency.

• Team/Manager Interview: Meeting with potential team members or the direct supervisor to evaluate cultural fit, collaboration potential, and readiness for the internship's responsibilities.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Don't just show final designs. Clearly articulate your thought process, the problems you solved, and the user research that guided your decisions.

• Showcase Variety: Include diverse projects that demonstrate your range of skills (e.g., mobile, web, desktop applications, complex data visualization).

• Quantify Impact: If possible, mention any measurable outcomes or learnings from your projects, even if academic.

• Tailor to Automotive: If you have any projects related to automotive, technology, or complex software, highlight them prominently.

• Clarity and Conciseness: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and that your contributions are clearly defined, especially if it's a group project.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential design challenges that mimic real-world scenarios, such as redesigning a specific feature or creating a user flow for a new automotive function.

• Practice articulating your design decisions and rationale clearly and concisely.

• Research ETAS GmbH and their current product offerings to understand the context of the automotive software they develop.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review tips are specifically geared towards UX/UI internships, emphasizing the importance of a strong portfolio and the ability to articulate design thinking.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD (proficiency in at least one is mandatory).

• User Research Tools: Tools for surveys, interviews, and usability testing (e.g., Maze, UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms).

• Collaboration & Communication: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Jira, Confluence (common in corporate environments for project management and communication).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the core UX/UI intern responsibilities, but understanding how user data is managed within CRM systems could provide context for user research.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is focused on the tools essential for UX/UI design and collaboration in a corporate setting, aligning with the role's requirements.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A core value is placing the user at the center of all design and development decisions.

• Innovation: Encouraging the exploration of new technologies and methodologies, including AI, to push the boundaries of automotive software.

• Excellence: Striving for high quality in design, implementation, and user experience.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team environment where open communication and shared knowledge are paramount.

• Efficiency: Designing intuitive and streamlined user experiences that improve operational efficiency for users.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close working relationships between design, engineering, and product management teams are essential for successful product development.

• Agile & Iterative: A culture that embraces agile methodologies, with regular feedback loops and iterative design improvements.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share insights, best practices, and learnings through design critiques, internal presentations, and documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are framed around operational excellence in design, emphasizing user-centricity, innovation, and collaboration as key drivers of success within ETAS GmbH.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Requirements: Understanding and simplifying complex automotive software functionalities into intuitive user interfaces.

• Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: Integrating user requirements with the technical limitations and specifications of automotive systems.

• Working in a Hybrid Environment: Effectively collaborating and maintaining productivity while working both remotely and on-site.

• Adapting to Industry Standards: Learning and adhering to the specific design standards and protocols of the automotive industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from experienced UX/UI professionals.

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to focus on specific areas of UX/UI, such as user research, interaction design, or visual design.

• Industry Insight: Gaining a deep understanding of the automotive software development lifecycle and market trends.

• Tool Proficiency: Mastering industry-standard design and prototyping tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified with a focus on the practical operational aspects of UX/UI design in the automotive sector, and growth opportunities are framed around skill acquisition and industry immersion.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a challenging UX/UI project from your portfolio and how you overcame obstacles." (Focus on your process, problem-solving, and resilience).

• "How do you approach user research for a new product or feature?" (Highlight your methodology, tools, and how you translate findings into design).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in an internship at ETAS GmbH/Bosch, specifically in automotive software UX/UI?" (Show genuine interest and research into the company's mission and technology).

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?" (Emphasize your openness to feedback and iterative improvement).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps project by project, or by skill area.

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a story: the problem, your approach, the solution, and the outcome/learnings.

• Visuals: Ensure your visuals are clear, high-resolution, and effectively showcase your design work.

• Keep it Concise: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most impactful projects and key takeaways.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, your role in team projects, and your understanding of UX principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to a UX/UI internship, focusing on portfolio presentation, design process articulation, and understanding the specific context of automotive software.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this internship position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.smartrecruiters.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, highlights relevant UX/UI projects (especially any related to technology or complex systems), and clearly articulates your design process.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your educational background, relevant coursework, design tool proficiency, and any project experience that demonstrates your UX/UI skills. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare for Portfolio Walkthrough: Be ready to discuss your portfolio projects in detail during interviews, explaining your design decisions and methodologies. Practice presenting key projects concisely.

• Research ETAS & Bosch: Understand ETAS GmbH's role within Bosch, their focus on software-defined vehicles, and their mission. This will help tailor your application and interview responses.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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