STAGE 2026 / UX-UI (f/h)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: STAGE 2026 / UX-UI (f/h) Company: Airbus Location: Toulouse - Saint-Martin, France Job Type: Internship Category: User Experience (UX) / User Interface (UI) Design, Product Design, Engineering Date Posted: October 21, 2025 Experience Level: Student (0-2 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This is a 6-month internship opportunity focused on the design and prototyping of future cockpit user interfaces (UI) and human-machine interactions (HMI) within the aerospace sector.
• The role requires hands-on experience with industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Figma and Protopie to develop advanced cockpit mock-ups.
• The intern will contribute to building a library of reusable UI components and rapid prototyping solutions for advanced cockpit development.
• This position offers significant exposure to digital design for aeronautical HMIs, fostering skill development under the guidance of an experienced tutor.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for an internship ("STAGE" in French), targeting students pursuing a Bac+5 (Master's equivalent) degree. The focus on "future cockpit" implies innovative and forward-thinking design challenges. The "f/h" designation indicates the role is open to all genders.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and prototype diverse cockpit Human-Machine Interaction (HMI) use cases to enrich an existing prototyping library.
• Utilize and expand the UI kits library within Figma to create detailed cockpit mock-ups.
• Implement these mock-ups in Protopie, ensuring they are integrated into the CockpitLab rapid prototyping space.
• Contribute to the exploration and implementation of rapid prototyping solutions for advanced cockpit development.
• Collaborate closely with a designated tutor to define professional objectives and enhance personal skill development throughout the internship.
• Gain practical experience in digital design principles specifically applied to aeronautical HMIs.
• Participate in the testing and validation of developed cockpit simulator interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design tasks (prototyping, mock-up creation) and technical implementation (using Figma, Protopie, and potentially basic programming for tangible design elements). The emphasis on a "CockpitLab" suggests a dedicated environment for rapid iteration and testing of HMI concepts.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently pursuing a Master's degree (Bac+5 equivalent) in Human-Machine Interaction (HMI), UX/UI Design, Informatics, or Digital Design.

Experience:

• Prior experience or strong academic foundation in UX/UI design principles and methodologies.
• Familiarity with design thinking, user-centered design, and iterative prototyping processes.

Required Skills:

• Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency in Figma for UI design and collaborative workflows.
  • Expertise in Protopie for creating interactive prototypes.
  • Basic understanding of Arduino for tangible design or interactive elements.
  • Experience with visual design software.
  • Familiarity with prototyping tools and methodologies.
  • Foundational knowledge of basic programming skills (e.g., JavaScript, Python, or similar for scripting interactive elements).
  • Experience with tangible design concepts.
  • Understanding of co-creation methodologies.
• Soft Skills:
  • High degree of autonomy and self-management.
  • Proactive approach to tasks and problem-solving.
  • Strong interpersonal skills for effective collaboration.
• Linguistic Skills:
  • Advanced English proficiency (written and spoken).

Preferred Skills:

• Previous internship experience in UX/UI design, especially within complex systems or regulated industries.
• Experience with aerospace HMI standards or aviation-related design challenges.
• Familiarity with user research methodologies and usability testing.
• Knowledge of animation and motion design principles in prototyping.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "basic programming skills" and "tangible design" suggests that this role goes beyond purely digital interface design, potentially involving physical interactions or hardware integration for the cockpit simulator. The advanced English requirement is crucial for collaborating within a multinational organization like Airbus.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of proficiency in Figma and Protopie through case studies or project examples.
• Examples of interactive prototypes that showcase user flow and interaction design.
• Visual design work illustrating an understanding of aesthetics, usability, and brand consistency.
• Projects involving tangible design or basic programming for interactive elements, if applicable.
• Evidence of applying co-creation methodologies or user feedback loops in design processes.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate the design process from initial concept to final prototype, highlighting problem definition, ideation, design iterations, and testing.
• Documentation of how user needs and technical constraints were addressed in design decisions.
• Examples of workflow optimization through efficient prototyping and design tool utilization.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a formal portfolio submission requirement, the nature of a UX/UI role, especially in a company like Airbus, implies that candidates are expected to present their work. The "CockpitLab" environment suggests a need for candidates who can contribute to a shared repository of design assets and prototypes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As an internship position (STAGE), compensation will be in line with French internship regulations and industry standards for Bac+5 level internships in the aerospace sector in Toulouse. Based on current market data for similar roles in France, an estimated monthly gross salary range would be between €1,000 and €1,500, potentially higher based on specific qualifications and Airbus's internal policies.

Benefits:

• Mentorship: Dedicated support and guidance from an experienced tutor.
• Professional Development: Opportunity to develop specialized skills in aviation HMI and UX/UI design.
• Networking: Exposure to a leading global aerospace company and its professionals.
• Work Environment: Access to modern design tools and facilities, including the CockpitLab.
• Meal Vouchers (Tickets Restaurant): Common benefit for employees in France, likely extended to interns.
• Partial Travel Reimbursement: Potential for partial coverage of commuting costs.
• Access to Company Facilities: Depending on company policy, may include access to company restaurants or sports facilities.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically 35-40 hours per week, with potential for some flexibility in scheduling as is common for internships. The role is primarily on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical French internship compensation for a Bac+5 level within a large, established company like Airbus in Toulouse. Official figures will be provided by the company. The benefits listed are common for internships in France and at large corporations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace, Defense, Aviation Technology Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees) Airbus is a global leader in the aerospace industry, known for its commitment to innovation, engineering excellence, and sustainable aviation solutions. The company fosters a culture of collaboration, diversity, and continuous improvement. As a large enterprise, Airbus offers structured career paths and extensive resources for employee development.

Founded: 1970 Airbus has a rich history of pioneering aviation technologies and has evolved into a multinational corporation that shapes the future of air travel and defense. This long-standing presence signifies stability and a deep-rooted expertise in complex engineering and design.

Team Structure:

• The intern will join the 1YAK department, which is specifically responsible for the design of the aircraft cockpit. This implies a focused team of specialized engineers, designers, and HMI experts.
• The team operates within a larger engineering or product development division, likely involving close collaboration with other departments such as software engineering, systems engineering, and flight operations.
• The reporting structure will likely involve a direct manager for the department and a dedicated internship tutor who will provide day-to-day guidance and mentorship.

Methodology:

• User-Centered Design (UCD): The focus on UX/UI and HMI suggests a strong adherence to UCD principles, ensuring that designs meet the needs and capabilities of pilots.
• Agile/Iterative Development: The mention of "rapid prototyping solutions" and "CockpitLab" points towards agile methodologies, emphasizing quick iterations, feedback loops, and continuous refinement.
• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated for this internship, large organizations like Airbus often leverage data from simulations, user testing, and operational feedback to inform design decisions.
• Systems Engineering Approach: The integration of HMI within complex aircraft systems necessitates a holistic systems engineering perspective.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Airbus's culture is characterized by its global reach, emphasis on innovation, and rigorous engineering standards. For an intern, this means an environment that values precision, collaboration, and a forward-thinking mindset. The specific department (1YAK) indicates a highly specialized and focused team.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Intern (Student) This role is an entry-level internship designed for students to gain practical experience and apply academic knowledge in a real-world engineering and design context. It serves as a foundational step for a career in UX/UI design, HMI engineering, or product development within the aerospace sector.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report to a designated tutor within the 1YAK department, who will provide direct supervision, training, and feedback. The tutor will act as the primary point of contact for day-to-day tasks and professional development guidance. The intern's work will also be reviewed by the department manager or lead designer.

Operations Impact: While an intern's direct impact is typically developmental, the work on future cockpit interfaces contributes to Airbus's ongoing innovation and competitive edge in the aerospace market. Successful prototyping and design concepts developed during the internship can influence the direction of future product development, ultimately impacting pilot experience, flight safety, and operational efficiency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX/UI design, HMI development, and prototyping tools (Figma, Protopie) within a specialized domain (aerospace cockpits).
• Industry Exposure: Gain invaluable insights into the aerospace industry, its design challenges, and regulatory landscape.
• Networking: Build professional connections with experienced engineers and designers at a world-renowned company.
• Potential for Future Employment: Successful interns may be considered for future graduate positions or further internships within Airbus.
• Project Contribution: Contribute tangible assets to a critical innovation project for Airbus's future cockpit development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This internship is positioned as a significant learning opportunity. Airbus, as a major employer, often uses its internship programs as a pipeline for future talent, making performance and engagement crucial for potential long-term career prospects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate Office / R&D Facility The role is situated within Airbus's facilities in Toulouse, France, a major hub for aerospace engineering and innovation. This environment is typically characterized by modern office spaces, dedicated R&D labs, and collaborative work areas.

Office Location(s):

• Toulouse - Saint-Martin M01, France. Toulouse is a major city in the Occitania region, well-connected by public transport and offering a vibrant urban lifestyle.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The presence of a "CockpitLab" indicates a dedicated space for hands-on prototyping and collaborative design sessions, fostering interaction among team members.
• Tools & Technology: Access to high-performance workstations equipped with the necessary design software (Figma, Protopie), potentially with specialized hardware for prototyping and simulation.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities to work closely with experienced UX/UI designers, HMI engineers, and potentially simulation specialists. Regular team meetings and design reviews are expected.

Work Schedule:

• The internship is full-time, implying a standard 35-40 hour work week. While on-site presence is required, Airbus generally fosters a culture that supports flexible working arrangements where feasible, though specific flexibility for this internship will depend on departmental needs and tutor guidance. Emphasis is placed on completing project milestones effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is typical for internships involving hands-on work with specialized equipment or collaborative R&D environments. The Toulouse location is significant, as it's a global center for aerospace innovation.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Application Submission: Submit CV and cover letter (if applicable) through the Airbus careers portal.
2. Recruiter Review: An initial screening by a recruiter to assess alignment with basic qualifications and role requirements.
3. Video Interview: If shortlisted, candidates will complete a brief video interview to articulate their background, motivations, and career aspirations. This is an opportunity to showcase communication skills and initial understanding of the role.
4. Manager Review & Interview: Promising candidates from the video interview stage will have their applications forwarded to the hiring manager (within the 1YAK department). This will be followed by a more in-depth interview, likely with the hiring manager and potentially the assigned tutor.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Tool Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your skills in Figma and Protopie. Include interactive prototypes that highlight your ability to create realistic user flows and engaging interactions.
• Highlight Design Process: For each project, articulate your design process: problem statement, user research (if any), ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and testing. Explain why you made certain design decisions.
• Quantify Impact (if possible): Even for academic projects, try to quantify the results or improvements achieved. For example, "reduced user task completion time by X%" or "improved user satisfaction scores by Y%."
• Tailor to Aerospace: If you have any experience or projects related to complex systems, HMI design, or the aerospace industry, highlight them prominently. If not, explain how your general UX/UI skills are transferable.
• Visual Appeal & Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Use clear language and concise descriptions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss specific design challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
• Anticipate questions about your understanding of HMI in complex environments like aircraft cockpits.
• Think about how you would approach designing a specific HMI feature for a future cockpit, considering factors like safety, usability, and information density.
• Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the team, the project scope, and growth opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The inclusion of a video interview early in the process is common for large organizations like Airbus to efficiently screen a high volume of applicants. The focus on process and problem-solving in subsequent interviews is standard for design roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, wireframing, and collaborative design system management. Proficiency is a core requirement.
• Protopie: Critical for creating high-fidelity, interactive prototypes that simulate real-world user experiences, especially for complex interactions.
• Arduino: Required for potential tangible design elements or basic hardware prototyping, indicating an interest in interactive physical interfaces.
• Visual Design Software: General proficiency in tools like Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) for asset creation and visual refinement.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned for this internship, in a professional setting, tools like Jira or Confluence might be used for project tracking and documentation. Data from user testing and simulator performance would be analyzed.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this UX/UI design internship role; these tools are typically used in sales and marketing operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified tools—Figma, Protopie, and Arduino—clearly define the technical expectations for this role. The inclusion of Arduino suggests a unique approach to prototyping, potentially involving physical components or interactive dashboards beyond standard screen interfaces.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Engineering Excellence: A strong commitment to precision, technical rigor, and high-quality design solutions, reflecting Airbus's core engineering heritage.
• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas, embracing cutting-edge technologies, and consistently pushing the boundaries of what's possible in aviation.
• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-functional teamwork is essential for success.
• Integrity & Responsibility: Upholding high ethical standards and demonstrating accountability in all aspects of work, crucial for safety-critical systems like aircraft cockpits.
• Customer Focus: Designing with the end-user (pilots) in mind, ensuring usability, safety, and efficiency in every design decision.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with HMI engineers, software developers, systems engineers, and potentially simulation specialists. Effective communication across these disciplines is key.
• Iterative Feedback: A culture of continuous feedback and design reviews, utilizing tools and processes to share progress and incorporate input from team members and tutors.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, design techniques, and learnings within the team and the broader design community at Airbus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Airbus's values are deeply embedded in its engineering-centric culture. For an intern, understanding and aligning with these values, particularly regarding precision, innovation, and collaboration, will be crucial for integration and success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Aerospace Systems: Designing for aircraft cockpits involves understanding intricate systems, strict safety regulations, and high-stakes operational environments.
• Rapid Prototyping Integration: Effectively integrating diverse prototyping tools (Figma, Protopie, Arduino) to create cohesive and functional prototypes.
• Balancing Innovation with Constraints: Developing novel UX/UI concepts while adhering to stringent aviation standards, certifications, and existing system architectures.
• Cross-Disciplinary Communication: Effectively translating design ideas and requirements between design, engineering, and operational teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized HMI/UX Training: Gain in-depth knowledge specific to aeronautical HMI design principles and best practices.
• Advanced Tool Mastery: Become highly proficient in industry-leading design and prototyping software.
• Industry Insight: Develop a comprehensive understanding of the aerospace product development lifecycle and the role of design within it.
• Mentorship Program: Benefit from structured guidance from experienced professionals, accelerating skill acquisition and career understanding.
• Contribution to Future Technology: Play a role in shaping the user experience of next-generation aircraft cockpits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the unique demands of working in the aerospace sector. The growth opportunities emphasize the significant learning potential and the chance to contribute to impactful, future-oriented projects.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Methodology: "Describe your process for designing a new HMI feature for a complex system. Walk me through a project where you used Figma and Protopie." Be prepared to discuss your approach to user research, ideation, prototyping, and testing.
• Problem-Solving & Innovation: "Imagine you need to display critical flight information on a limited screen space in a cockpit. How would you approach this design challenge, prioritizing clarity and safety?" Focus on your thought process, constraints you'd consider, and potential solutions.
• Tool Proficiency & Application: "How have you used Arduino or tangible design in your projects? How could this be applied to cockpit interaction?" Be ready to discuss practical applications of your technical skills.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in an internship at Airbus and specifically in the 1YAK department?" Research Airbus's mission, values, and recent innovations in cockpit design. Connect your aspirations to the company's goals.
• "How do you handle working in a team with diverse skill sets (e.g., engineers, designers)?" Emphasize your collaborative approach and ability to communicate effectively across disciplines.
• "What are your thoughts on the future of cockpit design in aviation?" Show your awareness of industry trends and your passion for innovation.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or tool used. Start with your strongest, most relevant projects.
• Storytelling: For each project, tell a story. What was the problem? What was your role? What was your process? What were the key decisions? What was the outcome?
• Interactive Demos: Use live demos of your Figma and Protopie prototypes whenever possible. Be ready to navigate through them smoothly and explain specific interactions.
• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out how your work demonstrates the required technical skills (Figma, Protopie, Arduino, basic programming) and soft skills (autonomy, proactivity, interpersonal skills).
• Conciseness: Be concise and focused. The interviewers are busy; get to the point quickly while still providing sufficient detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating practical application of design skills, understanding of the aerospace context, and alignment with Airbus's culture of innovation and engineering excellence.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the official Airbus careers portal via the provided URL. Ensure your CV is up-to-date and tailored to the requirements of this internship.
• Craft a compelling cover letter (if optional, highly recommended) that articulates your specific interest in UX/UI design within the aerospace industry, your motivation for interning at Airbus, and how your skills align with the role's responsibilities.
• Prepare your portfolio for potential review. Curate your best UX/UI and prototyping projects, ensuring they highlight your proficiency in Figma, Protopie, and any relevant tangible design or basic programming experience. Be ready to present your design process and outcomes clearly.
• Research Airbus and the aerospace industry. Understand Airbus's values, recent projects in cockpit innovation, and the general landscape of aviation HMI. This knowledge will be invaluable for your video interview and subsequent discussions.
• Practice articulating your motivations and career goals clearly and concisely, as you will be asked to do this in the initial video interview. Be ready to explain why this specific internship is a critical step in your professional journey.

⚠️ 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.