PreMaster (m/w/d) im Bereich User Experience (UX) Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: PreMaster (m/w/d) in User Experience (UX) Design Company: SYNTEGON Location: Crailsheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany Job Type: Full-time Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Operations Support Date Posted: December 09, 2025 Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This PreMaster role focuses on enhancing User Experience (UX) design for industrial machinery, contributing to system and process optimization.
• It involves hands-on design work, including the creation of prototypes, redesign of Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and the development of icons and illustrations.
• The position emphasizes a human-centered design approach, incorporating user research, prototyping, and testing to strengthen customer orientation.
• You will play a role in evolving design systems and guidelines for icons and illustrations, ensuring consistency across product lines.
• This is an excellent opportunity for a recent Bachelor's graduate to gain practical experience before pursuing a Master's degree, with significant exposure to industrial design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title suggests a "PreMaster" role, the description clearly outlines responsibilities and qualifications typical of an entry-level UX/UI Designer or Graphic Designer within an industrial/manufacturing context, with a specific program structure designed for post-bachelor's development. The role is framed as a preparatory step for a Master's degree, blending practical work experience with academic pursuit.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Actively contribute to the optimization of User Experience (UX) and the advancement of systems and processes within the company's product portfolio.
• Independently design prototypes, undertake the redesign of Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and tackle various other design-related tasks.
• Participate in user research initiatives, prototyping, and testing phases to enhance customer-centricity and product usability.
• Revise and independently create new icons and illustrations for use in the HMI of process and filling machines, adhering to the established Design System.
• Support the further development of guidelines for the design of icons and illustrations, as well as the overall Design System, leveraging your graphic expertise.
• Actively participate in the planning, execution, and evaluation of human-centered design process methodologies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure design solutions align with technical constraints and business objectives.
• Document design decisions, processes, and specifications for future reference and team alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design execution and process involvement, typical for operations-adjacent roles that bridge product development and user interaction. The emphasis on HMI, icons, and design systems points to a need for structured, repeatable design processes within an industrial engineering environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A successfully completed Bachelor's degree in Graphical Design, Industrial Design, Information Design, Interface Design, Interaction Design, Communication Design, Illustration, or a comparable design-focused field is required.

Experience:

• Initial experience in creating icons, illustrations, wireframes, and designs/click-dummies is desirable, particularly within a technical context.
• Familiarity with complex design systems is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Strong expertise in Visual/Graphic Design principles and applications.
• Solid understanding of Usability and User Experience (UX) best practices.
• Proficiency in Design Thinking methodologies and their practical application.
• Expert-level skills in common design tools such as Figma and Adobe Illustrator.
• Excellent German language proficiency (C1 level) and English language proficiency (C1 level) are mandatory.
• High degree of creativity and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong sense of process orientation and a refined aesthetic sensibility for design.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• High motivation and a proactive, self-initiating work attitude.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with industrial machinery HMIs or complex technical interfaces.
• Familiarity with Gestalt laws and their application in visual design.
• Experience contributing to or working within established Design Systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualification requirements are specific to design roles but emphasize technical application and process adherence, suggesting the company seeks designers who can translate creative vision into functional, user-friendly interfaces for industrial products. The dual language requirement (German C1, English C1) is critical for effective collaboration within a global company.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of design projects that demonstrate your ability to create intuitive and visually appealing HMIs for technical products.
• Include examples of icon creation and illustration work, highlighting your understanding of visual language and consistency within a design system.
• Present wireframes, mockups, or click-dummies that illustrate your prototyping capabilities and user flow design.
• Demonstrate projects where you applied user research or usability testing to inform design decisions and improve user outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of involvement in defining or adhering to design processes, such as human-centered design, Design Thinking, or Agile UX methodologies.
• Examples of how you have documented design specifications, style guides, or Design System components.
• Showcase projects where you collaborated with engineering or product teams, illustrating your ability to integrate design into broader development workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio is crucial to demonstrate practical design skills and process understanding. The emphasis should be on projects that showcase problem-solving within a technical context and adherence to established design frameworks like Design Systems.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a PreMaster program with a clear structure leading into a Master's degree, a specific salary range is not provided in the listing. However, based on industry standards for PreMaster/trainee positions in Germany (Baden-Württemberg region) and considering the required Bachelor's degree and Master's progression, a competitive monthly stipend or salary is expected. This would typically range from €1,500 to €2,500 gross per month during the initial 12-month practical phase, with potential adjustments upon commencement of the Master's studies.

Benefits:

• Flexible working hours with a 35-hour work week, including flextime and potential for mobile work arrangements, subject to agreement with management.
• Access to diverse further training opportunities through the digital "KEY" platform and LinkedIn Learning.
• Membership in an active student network at the Crailsheim location, fostering collaboration and social activities.
• Participation in the Student Academy, offering interdisciplinary workshops to gain insights into other departments.
• Subsidized meals at the company canteen for student employees.
• Comprehensive health management programs, including height-adjustable desks, on-site medical care, employee counseling, health lectures, gym partnerships, and a free Gymondo subscription.

Working Hours:

• Standard 35-hour work week with flextime arrangements. The role is described as hybrid, suggesting a balance between on-site work in Crailsheim and potential remote work days, to be agreed upon with the supervisor.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is presented as a stipend typical for programs designed to integrate graduates into a company before or during further academic study. The benefits are substantial and tailored towards student/early-career professionals, emphasizing development, well-being, and work-life integration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Industrial Machinery Manufacturing, serving the Pharma, Biotech, and Food Industries. Syntegon Technology GmbH in Crailsheim is a center of excellence for liquid pharmaceuticals and a key product division. Company Size: Approximately 6,900 employees worldwide. The Crailsheim site alone has around 1,300 employees and over 50 apprentices. Founded: Syntegon was established as a spin-off from Bosch Packaging Technology in 2020.

Team Structure:

• The UX Design team operates within a larger product development or engineering division, likely collaborating closely with HMI developers, software engineers, product managers, and industrial designers.
• The PreMaster role reports to a designated supervisor or mentor within the UX/design department, who will guide their development and project work.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone, with regular interaction expected with teams responsible for machine development, software integration, and product strategy.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes a human-centered approach to design, integrating user research and testing into the development lifecycle.
• Design processes are likely structured, with a focus on adherence to Design Systems and established guidelines for consistency and efficiency.
• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the focus on user research and performance metrics for HMI improvements.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Syntegon positions itself as a strategic partner to critical industries, highlighting its role in ensuring process integrity and product quality. The company culture encourages a "Du" (informal 'you') approach, fostering a collaborative and approachable environment, which is unusual for a company of this size and industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-level, developmental position within the UX Design discipline, specifically designed as a stepping stone for individuals aiming for a Master's degree. It's a foundational role focused on skill acquisition and practical application in a corporate setting.

Reporting Structure: The PreMaster will report to a designated mentor or team lead within the UX Design department, who will oversee their project work and professional development. This mentor will likely be an experienced UX professional.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "Operations" role in the sense of Revenue or Sales Operations, this UX Design position has a significant impact on the operational efficiency and user adoption of Syntegon's complex machinery. Effective HMI design directly influences operator productivity, error reduction, and overall machine performance, thereby contributing to the operational success of their clients in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and food industries.

Growth Opportunities:

• Master's Degree: The primary growth path is the completion of a Master's degree, supported by the company's PreMaster program.
• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of UX/UI design, such as HMI design for industrial applications, iconographic systems, or interactive prototyping.
• Mentorship: Benefit from dedicated mentorship from experienced design professionals, providing guidance on technical skills, career development, and industry best practices.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain exposure to various aspects of product development, from initial concept to final implementation, and understand how design integrates with engineering and business objectives.
• Networking: Build a professional network within Syntegon through the student network and Student Academy events, potentially leading to future career opportunities within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The PreMaster program structure is the core growth opportunity here, explicitly designed to facilitate academic and professional development. The role provides a unique blend of real-world industrial design experience and structured academic progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as hybrid, implying a mix of on-site work at the Crailsheim facility and remote work. The company culture encourages an informal "Du" approach, suggesting a relatively modern and collaborative office atmosphere.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Syntegon's facility at Blaufelder Straße, 74564 Crailsheim, Germany.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be equipped with standard design tools and technology, including access to software like Figma and Adobe Illustrator.
• Opportunities for collaboration with fellow designers, engineers, and product managers will be readily available within the Crailsheim office.
• The company promotes employee well-being through various health management programs, indicating a supportive physical workspace environment.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 35-hour work week is in place, with flexible flextime arrangements. This allows for some autonomy in managing daily work schedules, which can be beneficial for balancing project work with academic commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role, combined with flextime, offers a degree of work-life balance. The company's investment in employee well-being and a collaborative culture suggests a positive and supportive work environment for early-career professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application: Submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your interest in the PreMaster program and UX design.
• Portfolio Submission: Be prepared to submit a portfolio showcasing your design work, with a particular emphasis on projects related to UI design, HMI concepts, icon creation, and illustration.
• First Interview (likely HR/Recruiting): An initial screening to assess your overall suitability, motivation, and understanding of the PreMaster program.
• Technical Interview (with Hiring Manager/Team Lead): This interview will focus on your design skills, technical proficiency (e.g., Figma, Adobe Illustrator), understanding of UX principles, and problem-solving abilities. You may be asked to walk through specific portfolio pieces.
• Case Study/Design Challenge (potential): You might be given a small design task or asked to present a case study from your portfolio that best demonstrates your approach to a design problem.
• Final Interview: Potentially a discussion with higher management or a broader team to assess cultural fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills required for this role (UX/UI, HMI, icons, illustration, prototyping).
• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the design process you followed (research, ideation, iteration), your tools, and the final outcome.
• Highlight Technical Application: Emphasize any experience with technical interfaces or industrial design contexts. If you don't have direct industrial experience, explain how your transferable skills apply.
• Demonstrate Design System Understanding: If you have experience with or knowledge of Design Systems, clearly articulate it, perhaps with an example of how you've used or contributed to one.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Principles: Refresh your knowledge of fundamental design principles, Gestalt laws, and human-centered design methodologies.
• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience and potentially demonstrate your skills in Figma and Adobe Illustrator.
• Problem-Solving: Think about how you approach design challenges, your iterative process, and how you incorporate feedback.
• Company Research: Understand Syntegon's business, its industries, and the importance of good HMI design in industrial machinery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and specific design tools (Figma, Adobe Illustrator) is critical. Candidates should tailor their application and portfolio to highlight relevant skills for industrial UX/UI design. The PreMaster program structure suggests the interview process will also assess potential for growth and academic pursuit.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration on user interfaces and HMI elements.
• Adobe Illustrator: Crucial for creating and editing icons, illustrations, and other vector graphics.
• Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop): Potentially used for image editing or other graphic design tasks.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned for this design role, understanding how design impacts user behavior and operational efficiency might involve familiarity with analytics tools used to track user interaction with HMIs or system performance data.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but an awareness of how design integrates with broader software and system development processes is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and Adobe Illustrator is a non-negotiable requirement for this role, as these are the primary tools for the core design responsibilities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A strong emphasis on understanding and serving the needs of customers (in this case, users of Syntegon's machinery) through effective design.
• Innovation & Technology: Commitment to utilizing innovative technologies and design approaches to create advanced solutions.
• Quality & Reliability: Dedication to ensuring high quality and reliability in all design outputs, reflecting the critical nature of the industries Syntegon serves.
• Efficiency & Process Orientation: A value placed on efficient workflows, process optimization, and adherence to design systems for consistent, high-quality results.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: A culture that promotes working together across departments and disciplines to achieve common goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Informal & Direct: The company's "Du" culture suggests an informal, approachable, and direct communication style, encouraging open dialogue.
• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to collaborate closely with engineers, product managers, and potentially sales/service teams to ensure designs meet both user needs and business requirements.
• Feedback-Driven: A culture that values constructive feedback, both giving and receiving, to continuously improve designs and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Du" culture is a significant aspect of Syntegon's workplace. Candidates should be comfortable with this informal approach to communication and collaboration. The values align with the precision and reliability required in the industries Syntegon serves.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Technical Requirements into User-Friendly Designs: Designing intuitive HMIs for complex industrial machinery requires a deep understanding of technical constraints and user workflows, which can be challenging for entry-level designers.
• Adhering to Strict Design Systems: Working within established design systems and guidelines for icons and illustrations demands precision and consistency, requiring careful attention to detail.
• Balancing Design Innovation with Practical Constraints: Finding the right balance between creative design solutions and the technical, cost, and time limitations inherent in industrial product development.
• Integrating into a Global, Technical Environment: Adapting to the specific needs and workflows of the pharmaceutical, biotech, and food industries, which have stringent quality and regulatory requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Structured PreMaster Program: The core opportunity is the 12-month practical experience combined with company-sponsored events and mentorship, paving the way for a Master's degree.
• UX/UI Specialization: Deepen expertise in industrial UX/UI design, HMI development, and the creation of comprehensive design systems.
• Industry Knowledge: Gain invaluable insights into the pharmaceutical, biotech, and food processing industries, understanding their operational challenges and regulatory landscapes.
• Professional Networking: Build connections within Syntegon through the student network and various company events, opening doors for future career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is bridging the gap between design theory and practical application in a highly technical, regulated industry. The growth opportunities are heavily structured around the PreMaster program and the subsequent Master's degree.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Describe a project where you applied a human-centered design process. What were the key steps, and what were the outcomes?" Focus on illustrating your methodology from research to final design.
• Tool Proficiency: "Can you walk me through a complex icon or illustration you created in Adobe Illustrator? What was your process, and what challenges did you overcome?" Be prepared to discuss your workflow in Figma as well.
• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a scenario where an operator struggles to find a specific function on a machine's HMI. How would you approach diagnosing and solving this usability issue?" Think about user empathy and iterative design.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about Syntegon and our role in the pharmaceutical and food industries?" Show you've researched the company and understand its impact.
• "Our company culture uses the 'Du' form. How do you feel about informal communication and collaboration styles?" Express openness and adaptability.
• "How do you see your design work contributing to the operational efficiency of our clients' manufacturing processes?" Connect your design skills to business value.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each portfolio piece, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, your specific contributions, the tools used, and the impact of your design.
• Focus on Relevance: Prioritize projects that showcase UI design, HMI concepts, icon/illustration creation, and prototyping.
• Demonstrate Process: Show your iterative design thinking, not just the final polished output. Include sketches, wireframes, and user feedback if possible.
• Be Concise and Clear: Respect time limits and articulate your points effectively. Practice your presentation beforehand.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate both their design skills and their understanding of how design contributes to operational effectiveness in an industrial context. The "Du" culture is a key aspect to be mindful of.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this PreMaster position:

• Submit your application via the provided link on jobs.smartrecruiters.com.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your Bachelor's degree in a design field, relevant coursework, and any internship or project experience in graphic design, UX/UI, or illustration. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a digital portfolio showcasing your best work, with a strong emphasis on UI design, HMI concepts, icon creation, and illustration. Ensure it's easily accessible online (e.g., personal website, Behance, PDF).
• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Clearly state your interest in the PreMaster program at Syntegon, your motivation for pursuing a Master's degree, and how your design skills align with the role's responsibilities and the company's industry. Mention your German and English language proficiency.
• Research Syntegon: Understand the company's mission, the industries it serves, and the importance of UX in industrial machinery. Familiarize yourself with their products if possible.
• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for questions related to your design process, tool proficiency, problem-solving abilities, and your understanding of human-centered design and the PreMaster program structure.

⚠️ 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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