Undergraduate/Graduate (Year-Round) Intern - UX Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Undergraduate/Graduate (Year-Round) Intern - UX Design

Company: National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR)

Location: Golden, CO, United States

Job Type: Intern (Fixed Term)

Category: User Experience (UX) Design, Research & Development

Date Posted: April 27, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level (Internship)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship offers hands-on experience in User Experience (UX) Design within a leading applied research environment.

• The role focuses on applying user-centered design methodologies to software applications that address complex energy-related questions.

• Interns will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of UX Designers, UX Researchers, Product Managers, and Software Engineers.

• Responsibilities include supporting the creation of design artifacts, contributing to user flow definition, and synthesizing user feedback for design iteration.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically tailored for students or recent graduates interested in gaining practical UX design experience in a scientific research setting, emphasizing the application of design principles to complex data and systems.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support the creation of wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes to visualize design solutions.

• Contribute to defining user flows and identifying friction points within existing user experiences.

• Assist in organizing and synthesizing user feedback from usability interviews and research activities to inform design iterations.

• Communicate design ideas, concepts, and rationale through clear visuals and presentations.

• Collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team of designers, researchers, and developers in an agile environment.

• Maintain organized design files and meticulously document design decisions and rationale.

• Participate in design critiques and brainstorming sessions to foster innovation and problem-solving.

• Explore and apply user-centered design principles to real-world applications within the energy sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of tactical design execution (wireframing, prototyping) and analytical contributions (user feedback synthesis, friction point identification), all within a collaborative research and development context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Undergraduate: Must be enrolled as a full-time student in a bachelor’s degree program from an accredited institution, with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Post-undergraduate candidates must have earned their bachelor's degree within the past 12 months and be eligible for an internship period of up to one year.

• Graduate: Must be enrolled as a full-time student in a master’s or PhD program from an accredited institution. Post-graduate candidates must have earned their degree within the past 12 months and be eligible for an internship period of up to one year.

• Applicants are responsible for uploading official or unofficial school transcripts.

• A letter of recommendation will be required if selected for the position.

Experience:

• Demonstrated interest in UX design through coursework, personal projects, or previous internships.

Required Skills:

• Currently pursuing (or recently completed) a degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Psychology, Cognitive Science, or a closely related field.

• Familiarity with design and prototyping tools such as Figma (or similar alternatives like Sketch, Adobe XD).

• Strong curiosity, a proactive learning attitude, and a willingness to iterate and receive constructive feedback.

• Ability to clearly communicate design ideas and concepts both verbally and visually.

Preferred Skills:

• Exposure to user-centered design methods including wireframing, usability testing, and journey mapping.

• Interest in data visualization, geospatial tools, or the design of complex systems.

• Awareness of accessibility principles, such as Section 508 or WCAG guidelines.

• Experience working on team-based projects, whether academic or professional.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a foundational understanding of UX principles and tools, coupled with a strong desire to learn and contribute within a scientific research environment. The preference for accessibility awareness and data visualization interest points to the nature of the projects at NLR.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 projects demonstrating the UX design process from concept to completion.

• Projects should highlight problem identification, user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and user testing phases.

• Clearly articulate the user needs, design challenges, and the rationale behind design decisions.

• Quantify impact where possible, detailing how the design addressed user pain points or achieved project goals.

Process Documentation:

• For each portfolio project, provide a brief overview of the UX methodologies employed.

• Document the iterative nature of the design process, including how feedback was incorporated.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how UX design integrates with broader product development lifecycles.

• Explain the tools and software used throughout the design process, with specific mention of Figma or similar.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is an internship, the portfolio requirements are focused on demonstrating process and potential rather than extensive project completion. The emphasis is on understanding and applying UX methodologies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The annual salary range for this internship position is $44,500 - $71,200, based on a full-time, 40-hour work week.

• NLR considers a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel, external market value, internal pay alignment, seniority, and merit systems when determining the final salary.

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with an employer match (based on eligibility rules).

• Sick leave, as required by law.

• Eligibility for performance-, merit-, and achievement-based awards (not guaranteed).

• Potential eligibility for relocation expense reimbursement for specific positions.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time internship position, requiring 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a year-round intern position in a specialized research field. Benefits are comprehensive for a full-time intern role, with specific exclusions for part-time interns. The salary is presented transparently, aligning with equal pay legislation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Scientific Research and Development, Energy Systems, Information Technology.

Company Size: NLR is a large organization, employing a significant number of scientists, engineers, and support staff, fostering a robust research ecosystem.

Founded: National Laboratory of the Rockies has a long-standing history in energy research, contributing to national energy innovation and security.

Team Structure:

• The Innovative Data Energy Applications (IDEA) Group is a multidisciplinary unit within the Strategic Energy Analysis Center.

• It comprises experienced UX Designers, UX Researchers, Product Managers, and Software Engineers.

Methodology:

• The IDEA Group employs user-centered design principles and agile development methodologies.

• Focus is on applying rigorous scientific research methods to create usable and impactful software solutions for energy analysis.

• Emphasis on data-driven design decisions and iterative development based on user feedback.

Company Website: https://www.nlr.gov/ (Note: The provided URL was for a job board; a placeholder for the actual company site is used here).

📝 Enhancement Note: NLR positions itself as a leader in energy innovation, attracting top talent to solve complex national challenges. The IDEA Group's structure suggests a strong focus on bridging the gap between scientific research and practical, user-friendly software applications.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship role designed for students and recent graduates to gain foundational experience in UX Design within a specialized R&D setting. It serves as a stepping stone for future careers in UX, product design, or research.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report to a senior member of the IDEA Group, likely a UX Designer or UX Researcher, who will provide mentorship and guidance.

Operations Impact: The work directly influences the usability and effectiveness of software tools used for critical energy analysis and research, thereby impacting the efficiency and outcomes of national energy initiatives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen understanding and practical application of UX design principles, research methodologies, and prototyping tools.

• Industry Exposure: Gain experience in a leading national laboratory environment, working on impactful projects related to energy systems.

• Mentorship: Receive guidance from experienced professionals in UX design and research, fostering professional development.

• Networking: Build connections with scientists, engineers, and designers working on cutting-edge research.

• Potential for Future Roles: Successful interns may be considered for future opportunities within NLR or related organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This internship is structured to provide significant learning and growth opportunities, focusing on skill acquisition and exposure to a unique research environment. The impact is framed within the context of advancing national energy goals through improved software usability.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site at the National Laboratory of the Rockies in Golden, Colorado. This implies a professional research and development facility environment.

Office Location(s): Golden, Colorado, situated in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, offering a scenic and potentially inspiring work location.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative workspaces designed to foster teamwork among designers, researchers, and developers.

• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and technology necessary for UX design and research.

• Opportunities for informal and formal interactions with team members to discuss projects and share insights.

• A dynamic environment that balances focused individual work with collaborative problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, typical for a full-time internship.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the internship in Golden, Colorado, suggests a structured work environment that prioritizes in-person collaboration and access to specialized research facilities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit a resume, cover letter, and transcripts.

• Initial Screening: HR reviews applications to ensure basic qualifications are met.

• Hiring Manager/Team Review: UX team members will review portfolios and resumes for relevant skills and project experience.

• Interview Rounds: Typically includes:

  • A screening interview with a hiring manager or team lead to discuss background, motivations, and general fit.
  • A technical/portfolio review session where candidates present their work, discuss their design process, and answer questions about their projects and UX knowledge.
  • Potentially a behavioral interview focusing on teamwork, problem-solving, and learning agility.

• Offer: For successful candidates.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project. For each project, clearly state the problem, your role, the process, your solutions, and the outcome.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, mockups, user flows) to illustrate your design process and final deliverables.

• Highlight Your Process: Explain why you made certain design decisions, referencing user research, data, or design principles. For an internship, showing your thought process and learning is crucial.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with the responsibilities, such as working with data, complex systems, or user research.

• Be Ready to Discuss: Prepare to talk through your projects in detail, including challenges faced and lessons learned.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to design problems and how you would tackle specific UX challenges relevant to energy applications or data analysis.

• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely.

• Research NLR and the IDEA Group to understand their mission and the types of applications they develop. This will help tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the candidate's portfolio to assess practical UX skills and understanding of the design process. Preparation should focus on articulating the "why" behind design choices and demonstrating a capacity for learning and collaboration.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma is explicitly mentioned as a required tool. Proficiency in other industry-standard tools like Sketch or Adobe XD would also be beneficial.

• Collaboration Platforms: Likely use of tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or similar for team communication.

• Project Management: Tools such as Jira, Asana, or Trello may be used for task tracking and workflow management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated for the intern role, awareness of analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel) and how UX impacts metrics would be advantageous.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to this UX design internship, but understanding how user data is managed and how applications integrate into larger systems can be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is essential. Familiarity with a broad range of design and collaboration tools will be a strong asset, reflecting the typical technology stack in a modern R&D and software development environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A core value at NLR, encouraging exploration of new ideas and solutions for energy challenges.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork across disciplines to achieve complex research goals.

• Excellence: Commitment to high-quality research, design, and development.

• Impact: Focus on creating solutions that contribute to national energy security and economic growth.

• Data-Driven: Decisions are informed by research, analysis, and user feedback.

• Continuous Learning: Encouragement to develop new skills and stay abreast of advancements in UX and energy research.

Collaboration Style:

• Open and communicative, with cross-functional teams actively working together.

• Design reviews and feedback sessions are integral to the process, fostering a culture of shared improvement.

• Mentorship is a key aspect, with senior members supporting the growth of junior team members and interns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at NLR, and specifically within the IDEA Group, is characterized by a mission-driven approach, strong collaboration, and a commitment to scientific rigor and innovation in the energy sector.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Research and Usability: Translating complex scientific data and research findings into intuitive and user-friendly applications.

• Diverse User Needs: Designing for a range of users who may have varying technical expertise and specific needs related to energy research.

• Iterative Design in a Research Context: Adapting design processes to the pace and requirements of scientific research projects.

• Learning New Domains: Familiarizing oneself with the intricacies of energy systems and research methodologies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Training: Access to internal workshops or online courses related to UX, research, or energy topics.

• On-the-Job Learning: Direct experience working on real-world projects with seasoned professionals.

• Mentorship: Close guidance from experienced UX designers and researchers.

• Industry Exposure: Understanding how UX design contributes to critical national research and development efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for UX roles in scientific or technical environments, offering significant opportunities for learning and skill development in specialized areas.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a UX project where you had to balance user needs with technical constraints. How did you approach it?" (Focus on problem-solving, trade-offs, and iteration.)

• "How would you approach designing a user interface for visualizing complex energy consumption data?" (Demonstrate understanding of data visualization principles and user comprehension.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working at a national laboratory focused on energy research?" (Show genuine curiosity about NLR's mission and impact.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs?" (Demonstrate openness to feedback and a growth mindset.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose 2-3 strong projects that best showcase your UX process and skills relevant to the internship description.

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative: the problem, your approach, your specific contributions, the challenges, the solutions, and the outcomes/learnings.

• Visual Clarity: Use clear, high-quality visuals (wireframes, mockups, user flows). Ensure they are easy to understand.

• Process Emphasis: Clearly explain the UX methodologies you used (e.g., user interviews, persona development, journey mapping, usability testing) and why you chose them.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present efficiently and answer questions thoroughly. Practice your timing.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on articulating UX process, demonstrating problem-solving skills, showcasing relevant projects, and aligning personal interests with NLR's mission in energy research.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Design internship position:

• Submit your application via the provided link, ensuring you include your resume, a cover letter, and official or unofficial school transcripts.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your online or PDF portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating your UX design process, user research, wireframing, prototyping, and problem-solving skills, specifically tailoring it to the requirements of this internship.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates relevant coursework, projects, and any prior experience using keywords from the job description (e.g., UX Design, Figma, User Research, Wireframing, Prototyping). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio projects, focusing on your design process, decision-making rationale, and lessons learned. Prepare to discuss your interest in energy research and the National Laboratory of the Rockies.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research NLR, its mission, and the work of the IDEA Group. Understand their focus on energy systems research and data applications to articulate your alignment during interviews.

⚠️ 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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