UX Design Intern - Summer 2026

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Design Intern - Summer 2026

Company: CACI International

Location: Ashburn, VA, United States

Job Type: Part-Time, Intern

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Engineering

Date Posted: April 03, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level / Intern (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship focuses on bridging the gap between UX design principles and front-end development within CACI's Agile Solution Factory (ASF) Center of Excellence.

• The role involves hands-on application of UX design, interaction design, and front-end development to create intuitive and impactful user interfaces for cutting-edge solutions.

• Interns will collaborate closely with UX designers, product managers, and development teams in a dynamic, team-oriented environment.

• Key activities include translating design mockups into functional code, implementing UI components, conducting user testing, and contributing to process documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw listing is for a "UX Design Intern," the description explicitly mentions "UX Engineer Intern" and responsibilities that blend design with front-end development. This suggests a hybrid role focused on implementing and refining user interfaces at a technical level, rather than purely conceptual design. The "Part-Time On-Call" employment type is unusual for an internship and might indicate flexibility or a specific project-based engagement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Assist in the execution of UX initiatives by applying established best practices within the Agile Solution Factory (ASF) Center of Excellence.

• Collaborate effectively with UX designers, product managers, and software development teams to translate high-fidelity design mockups and prototypes into functional, high-quality, and performant code.

• Implement and maintain user interface (UI) components, ensuring seamless interactions and adherence to detailed design specifications.

• Plan, conduct, and analyze results from user testing sessions to gather actionable feedback for iterative design improvements and product enhancements.

• Contribute to the creation and maintenance of comprehensive documentation for design processes, development workflows, and system architecture.

• Support the development of interactive prototypes and wireframes to visualize user flows and test design concepts before full implementation.

• Participate in Agile ceremonies (e.g., daily stand-ups, sprint reviews) to ensure alignment with project timelines and development goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on role that requires translating designs into code, implying a need for practical front-end development skills alongside UX understanding. The emphasis on user testing and documentation suggests a comprehensive approach to the UX lifecycle.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Previous internship experience in UX design, front-end development, or a related technical field is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Foundational knowledge of UX design principles, interaction design patterns, and user-centered design methodologies.

• Proficiency with core front-end technologies: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

• Familiarity with at least one modern front-end framework such as React, Angular, or Vue.js.

• Experience with design and prototyping tools like Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar platforms.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail in both design and code.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and technical concepts.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with back-end technologies, such as Node.js or Python, is considered a plus.

• Exposure to or experience with Agile development methodologies (Scrum, Kanban).

• Understanding of version control systems, particularly Git.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements clearly indicate a blend of design and development skills. The "Required" section emphasizes core front-end and design tool proficiencies, while "Desired" skills point towards a more integrated engineering mindset and familiarity with modern development practices. The academic background requirement is broad, allowing for candidates from various technical and design disciplines.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A portfolio showcasing projects that demonstrate a strong understanding of UX design principles and their practical application.

• Examples of implemented user interfaces, highlighting front-end development skills and the ability to translate designs into functional code.

• Case studies detailing the user research, ideation, design, and testing phases of projects, emphasizing problem-solving and iterative improvements.

• Documentation of UI components and interaction patterns developed, showcasing attention to detail and adherence to design specifications.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to contribute to and understand the documentation of design and development processes. This includes:

• Workflow design and optimization for UI development.

• Implementation of user interface components according to established standards.

• Measurement of user experience and performance metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an intern role blending design and development, the portfolio is crucial. It should not only showcase visual design but also the technical execution of those designs. The emphasis on process documentation suggests that CACI values structured approaches to development and design, and expects interns to contribute to this.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $45,900 - $91,900 annually

Benefits:

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage.

• Wellness programs and resources.

• Financial planning and support services.

• Retirement savings plans.

• Family support benefits, including parental leave and resources.

• Continuing education and professional development opportunities.

Working Hours:

• Part-Time On-Call: This suggests a flexible schedule where hours may vary based on project needs and availability, potentially up to 40 hours per week during the summer internship period.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is broad for an intern position, potentially reflecting the "Part-Time On-Call" nature or the hybrid UX Engineer responsibilities. The compensation likely aligns with entry-level engineering or specialized design roles in the Ashburn, VA area, considering industry benchmarks for tech internships. The extensive benefits package is noteworthy for an intern role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Information Technology & Defense Contracting

Company Size: Large (10,000+ employees)

Founded: 1962 (CACI International)

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Agile Solution Factory (ASF) Center of Excellence (COE). This implies a specialized team focused on agile development methodologies and creating innovative solutions.

• The team likely comprises experienced UX designers, UX engineers, product managers, and software developers working collaboratively.

Methodology:

• The team operates under Agile development methodologies, emphasizing iterative development, collaboration, and rapid response to changing requirements.

• A strong focus on data-driven decision-making, user feedback integration, and continuous improvement in design and development processes.

• Emphasis on building robust, scalable, and user-friendly solutions that meet critical mission objectives for CACI's clients.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: CACI is a major player in defense and government IT solutions. The "Agile Solution Factory" designation suggests a forward-thinking, agile development environment focused on delivering high-quality software. The company's mission-driven culture and emphasis on integrity are key aspects for candidates to understand.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Internship / Early Career. This role is designed for students to gain practical experience and exposure to professional UX engineering practices.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report to a designated mentor or team lead within the Agile Solution Factory (ASF) Center of Excellence. Close collaboration with senior UX designers, UX engineers, and product managers is expected.

Operations Impact: While an intern role, the work directly contributes to the development of user interfaces for critical government and defense solutions. Success in this role can lead to valuable experience in product development, user advocacy, and technical implementation within a large-scale, mission-oriented organization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Gain hands-on experience in UX design, front-end development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, frameworks), user testing, and agile methodologies.

• Industry Exposure: Learn about the specific challenges and requirements of UX/UI design and development within the defense and government contracting sector.

• Networking: Build professional connections with experienced designers, engineers, and project managers at a leading technology company.

• Potential for Future Employment: Exceptional performance during the internship may lead to opportunities for future roles or further internships within CACI.

📝 Enhancement Note: This internship is positioned as a foundational step for students interested in UX engineering. The growth opportunities focus on practical skill acquisition, industry insight, and potential career pathways within CACI, a large and stable organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. The role is based in Ashburn, VA, and while the exact split isn't detailed, the "Hybrid" designation implies a mix of on-site work and remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): Ashburn, Virginia, United States. This location is part of the Northern Virginia technology corridor, offering a vibrant ecosystem for tech professionals.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative and innovative work environment within the Agile Solution Factory (ASF) Center of Excellence.

• Access to modern design and development tools, including industry-standard software and potentially specialized hardware.

• Opportunities for direct interaction and mentorship from experienced professionals in UX design and front-end engineering.

Work Schedule:

• Part-Time On-Call, with an estimated 40 hours per week during the summer term. This suggests a degree of flexibility, but also the need for availability during core working hours as dictated by project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role offers a balance, but the "on-call" aspect might require more proactive communication and availability than a standard part-time role. The Ashburn location is strategic for tech talent.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Technical Assessment: Potential for a technical screening or coding challenge focused on front-end development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and UX principles.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions assessing problem-solving skills, collaboration abilities, communication style, and cultural fit with CACI's values.

• Portfolio Review: In-depth discussion of selected projects from the candidate's portfolio, focusing on design process, technical implementation, problem-solving, and lessons learned.

• Team/Manager Interview: Final interview with the hiring manager or team lead to discuss role expectations, provide project context, and assess overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase the Process: Clearly articulate your design thinking, research methodologies, and iterative design process for each project.

• Highlight Technical Execution: For this hybrid role, demonstrate how you translated designs into functional code. Include code snippets or links to live projects if possible.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics or user feedback to demonstrate the success and impact of your designs and implementations.

• Tell a Story: Structure your portfolio presentation to narrate the journey of each project, from problem identification to solution implementation and outcomes.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with CACI's focus on government solutions, defense, and enterprise software.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss common UX challenges (e.g., designing for accessibility, optimizing user flows, gathering user feedback) and how you would approach them.

• If a coding challenge is presented, practice fundamental front-end development problems and be ready to explain your thought process.

• Prepare to articulate how your skills can contribute to CACI's Agile Solution Factory and its mission-driven work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely rigorous, combining technical evaluation with an assessment of design thinking and collaborative potential. A strong, well-documented portfolio is essential, especially one that bridges design and development.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD (or similar) for wireframing, mockups, and interactive prototyping.

• Front-End Development: HTML, CSS, JavaScript are fundamental.

• Front-End Frameworks: React, Angular, Vue.js (experience with at least one is required).

• Version Control: Git is highly probable for code management and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to this UX intern role, but awareness of how UX impacts CRM and other enterprise systems could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on modern front-end development and design tools. Candidates should be comfortable with these technologies, as they will be expected to use them in practical project work.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: A core value at CACI, emphasizing honesty, ethical conduct, and accountability in all aspects of work.

• Innovation: Driving forward with new ideas and solutions, especially within the Agile Solution Factory, to meet evolving client needs.

• Customer Focus: Dedication to understanding and serving the missions of CACI's clients, often in critical defense and government sectors.

• Collaboration: Working effectively in teams, sharing knowledge, and fostering a supportive environment.

• Excellence: Striving for high performance, quality, and impact in all deliverables.

Collaboration Style:

• The ASF COE likely fosters a highly collaborative environment where designers and engineers work closely together, breaking down traditional silos.

• Expect open communication, regular feedback loops, and cross-functional team participation.

• Emphasis on teamwork to achieve shared project goals and mission objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: CACI's culture, as described, values integrity, innovation, and a strong sense of purpose. For an intern, demonstrating alignment with these values and a collaborative spirit will be key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Design and Development: Effectively translating complex design requirements into functional, high-quality code while maintaining design integrity.

• Working with Legacy Systems/Constraints: Potentially adapting designs and implementations to existing enterprise or government systems with specific technical constraints.

• Understanding Mission-Critical Needs: Grasping the unique requirements and high stakes associated with designing solutions for defense and government clients.

• Time Management: Balancing multiple project tasks, learning new tools/technologies, and meeting internship deadlines in a part-time, on-call capacity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Receiving guidance from experienced UX engineers and designers on best practices and career development.

• Skill Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific front-end frameworks or UX methodologies.

• Industry Knowledge: Gaining insights into the defense contracting and government IT landscape.

• Professional Networking: Building relationships within CACI that could lead to future career opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for roles that sit at the intersection of design and engineering, requiring adaptability and a proactive problem-solving approach. The growth opportunities are significant for an intern, offering exposure to a major industry player.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

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

• "Walk us through your process for translating a Figma mockup into functional HTML, CSS, and JavaScript." (Demonstrate your front-end implementation skills and understanding of the workflow.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about CACI and the Agile Solution Factory's mission?" (Research CACI's work in defense/government and connect it to your interests.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with team members who have different expertise (e.g., designers, developers, project managers)?" (Emphasize teamwork, communication, and respect for diverse roles.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, clearly outline: Problem Statement, Your Role, Process (Research, Design, Development, Testing), Solution, and Outcomes/Learnings.

• Technical Showcase: Be ready to discuss the specific technologies and front-end code you used. If possible, have a live demo or code repository ready.

• Visuals: Use clear, well-annotated mockups, wireframes, and screenshots of the implemented UI.

• Conciseness: Focus on the most impactful aspects of your projects and be mindful of time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical aptitude, design thinking, and cultural alignment. Being able to articulate your process and the "why" behind your decisions is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link: https://caci.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/External/job/US-VA-Ashburn/UX-Engineering-Intern---Summer-2026_322113

• Customize Your Resume: Highlight relevant coursework, projects, and any previous experience in UX design, front-end development, or related technical fields. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases a mix of design and development work, and clearly articulates your process and contributions. Select 2-3 strong projects to highlight.

• Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to briefly introduce yourself and your key qualifications, and practice walking through your portfolio projects with a focus on both design and technical execution.

• Research CACI: Understand CACI's mission, its role in defense and government contracting, and the significance of the Agile Solution Factory.

⚠️ 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.