Werkstudent Prototyping (m/w/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Werkstudent Prototyping (m/w/d)

Company: pdm solutions GmbH

Location: Berlin, Germany

Job Type: Internship

Category: Software Development / Prototyping

Date Posted: October 1, 2025

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on rapid prototyping of new software products for Small and Medium-sized Businesses (KMUs), emphasizing speed and data-driven user-centric development.

• You will be responsible for bringing interactive prototypes, landing pages, and sales funnels online within days, not months.

• The position involves working with modern web development frameworks and integrating AI tools to accelerate the development cycle.

• Close collaboration with a dedicated team lead and testing architect within a rapid iteration framework is a key aspect of this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is an internship position specifically focused on rapid prototyping and MVP development, distinct from traditional software engineering roles. The emphasis is on speed, experimentation, and direct impact on real product testing.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and execute small-scale prototyping projects, including the development of click dummies, sales funnels, and landing pages.

• Actively support the team in the development and testing of Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) and pilot projects.

• Utilize modern development frameworks such as React/Next.js, Node.js, and Supabase for prototype construction.

• Integrate AI APIs, including Large Language Models (LLMs), HuggingFace, and LangChain, to enhance prototype functionality (optional but a strong plus).

• Leverage AI-powered coding assistants like GitHub Copilot, Cursor, and Cline to boost development efficiency and code quality.

• Engage in direct, day-to-day collaboration with the Team Lead and Testing Architect within a fast-paced, iterative development cycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibility is to translate product ideas into functional, testable prototypes with extreme speed. This requires a "maker" mentality and a willingness to experiment, rather than a focus on long-term, enterprise-grade software architecture.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Solid understanding and practical application of web and app development principles.

• Proficiency in modern JavaScript frameworks, with a strong preference for React/Next.js. Familiarity with Svelte or Vue.js is also valued.

• A "Maker" mindset: the ability to quickly build, experiment, and learn, prioritizing action over perfection.

• Independent and pragmatic approach to problem-solving and task execution.

• Fluent German language proficiency (written and spoken).

Preferred Skills:

• Interest in and exposure to AI tools and APIs, such as LLMs and integration frameworks like LangChain.

• Experience with backend development tools like Node.js and database solutions like Supabase.

📝 Enhancement Note: While formal experience is less critical than a demonstrable passion for building and experimenting, strong foundational knowledge in modern JavaScript frameworks and a proactive, self-directed approach are paramount for success in this fast-paced prototyping environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of personal or academic projects demonstrating rapid prototyping capabilities, including click dummies, landing pages, or functional MVPs.

• Evidence of iterative development and the ability to quickly implement feedback into prototypes.

• Examples of utilizing modern web development frameworks and tools in practical applications.

Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation might be less emphasized due to the rapid prototyping nature, candidates should be prepared to articulate their development process for prototypes.

• Ability to describe how they approach translating requirements into functional prototypes efficiently.

• Understanding of how prototypes are used in testing cycles and how feedback is incorporated.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an internship role focused on prototyping, a traditional "portfolio" of extensive, polished projects is less important than a collection of quickly built, functional examples that showcase a candidate's ability to execute and experiment. The focus will be on the speed of iteration and the tangible output of their work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As this is a Werkstudent (student working student) position in Germany, compensation will align with industry standards for interns in Berlin, typically paid hourly or as a monthly lump sum based on hours worked. Based on typical German Werkstudent roles in tech and the specified location (Berlin), a range of €12-€18 per hour is a reasonable estimate, depending on specific skills and hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on average Werkstudent compensation in Berlin for tech-related roles, considering the entry-level nature of the position. Actual compensation will be confirmed by the employer.

Benefits:

• Own Projects: Opportunity to work on and develop your own prototypes from day one.

• Direct Impact: Your work will be immediately integrated into real product testing scenarios.

• Startup Spirit: Experience a dynamic, agile environment with minimal corporate bureaucracy in a growing Berlin unit.

• Learning Curve: Exposure to cutting-edge AI tools and a modern SaaS technology stack.

• Team Proximity: Close collaboration and knowledge sharing with product and testing teams.

• Performance Bonus: Potential for additional recognition and rewards based on the success of your prototypes.

Working Hours:

• Flexible working hours, accommodating study schedules, with an expectation of approximately 15-20 hours per week during the semester, potentially more during university breaks. The role requires on-site presence in Berlin.

📝 Enhancement Note: Werkstudent roles in Germany are designed to balance work and study. The benefits listed highlight the practical, hands-on learning and direct impact inherent in this specific prototyping role, along with the attractive aspects of a startup environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Software Development / Technology Consulting, focusing on KMU solutions.

Company Size: Small to Medium-sized (likely under 50 employees, given the startup-like description). This implies a close-knit team and direct interaction with leadership.

Founded: pdm solutions GmbH was founded to develop new software products for Small and Medium-sized Businesses (KMUs) with a focus on rapid, data-driven, and user-centric approaches.

Team Structure:

• The Prototyping team is a small, agile unit within pdm solutions GmbH.

• You will report directly to a Team Lead and work closely with a Testing Architect.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on rapid iteration, Minimum Viable Products (MVPs), and iterative testing.

• Data-driven decision-making and user-centric design principles guide product development.

• Agile methodologies are core to the rapid development and deployment of prototypes.

Company Website: http://pdm-solutions.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is characterized by speed, innovation, and a pragmatic approach to product development, aiming to deliver value to KMUs quickly through modern technology and agile processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship position, specifically a "Werkstudent" role designed for students to gain practical experience. It is a stepping stone into product development or software engineering.

Reporting Structure: You will be working under the direct supervision of a Team Lead, with close collaboration with a Testing Architect. This provides a supportive and hands-on learning environment.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "Revenue Operations" role, the impact is direct on the product development lifecycle. Your prototypes will be instrumental in testing market viability, user adoption, and feature effectiveness, thereby influencing future product direction and potential revenue streams.

Growth Opportunities:

• Prototyping Mastery: Develop advanced skills in rapid prototyping tools, frameworks, and methodologies.

• AI Integration Expertise: Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI tools and APIs, becoming proficient in their application for product development.

• Product Development Exposure: Learn the entire lifecycle of bringing new software products to market, from ideation to testing and iteration.

• Career Foundation: Build a strong foundation for future roles in software engineering, product management, or UX/UI design within the tech industry.

• Networking: Establish connections within a dynamic startup environment and with experienced professionals in the field.

📝 Enhancement Note: This internship offers a unique opportunity to specialize in rapid prototyping and AI-driven development, providing practical experience that is highly relevant for future roles in fast-paced tech environments.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The description implies a modern, agile office environment, likely an open-plan or collaborative workspace suitable for a startup.

Office Location(s): Berlin, Germany. Specific details regarding accessibility or amenities would need to be confirmed directly.

Workspace Context:

• The environment fosters close collaboration and direct communication, essential for the rapid iteration cycles.

• Access to modern technology, including AI coding assistants and a state-of-the-art SaaS stack, will be provided.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with team members, the Team Lead, and the Testing Architect to facilitate knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours are offered, fitting around university commitments, typically around 15-20 hours per week during the semester. This schedule supports the integration of work and study, allowing for focused development sprints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is designed to be dynamic and supportive, encouraging innovation and hands-on learning. It’s a place where your contributions are visible and have a direct impact on product development.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, CV, and any provided project examples to assess foundational skills and alignment with the "maker" mindset.

• Technical Assessment/Discussion: Likely involves a discussion about your past projects, your understanding of web development, and your interest in prototyping and AI tools. You may be asked to walk through a personal project.

• Practical Exercise (Potential): A small, timed coding or prototyping challenge to assess your ability to quickly build a functional component or prototype.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion with the Team Lead or other team members to evaluate your communication style, problem-solving approach, and fit with the agile, collaborative startup culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Speed & Iteration: Highlight projects where you moved quickly from idea to execution and incorporated feedback.

• Showcase "Maker" Projects: Prioritize personal projects, hackathon entries, or university assignments that demonstrate initiative and practical skill application.

• Explain Your Process: Be ready to articulate how you approach building a prototype, from understanding requirements to implementation and testing.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Clearly show your experience with React/Next.js, Node.js, and any other relevant technologies mentioned. If you have AI tool experience, showcase it.

• Highlight Problem-Solving: Be prepared to discuss challenges you faced in projects and how you overcame them.

Challenge Preparation:

• Rapid Prototyping: Brush up on core web development skills (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and your preferred JS framework (React/Next.js).

• Problem Decomposition: Practice breaking down a simple requirement into actionable development steps.

• AI Tool Familiarity: If possible, gain basic familiarity with tools like Copilot, Cursor, or even simple AI API integrations to showcase your interest.

• Communication: Practice articulating your technical decisions and thought processes clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process will likely prioritize practical skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to learn quickly over extensive formal experience. Your portfolio should reflect your passion for building and experimenting.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Frontend Frameworks: React/Next.js (primary), Svelte/Vue.js (secondary).

• Backend Development: Node.js.

• Database: Supabase.

• AI Coding Assistants: GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Cline.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this prototyping role, but understanding how prototypes feed into broader product development and sales funnels is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in modern JavaScript frameworks, particularly React/Next.js, is essential. Experience with Node.js, Supabase, and a willingness to adopt AI coding tools are highly valued and will be key to success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Speed & Agility: Prioritizing quick execution and rapid iteration over lengthy planning phases.

• User-Centricity: Building products with the end-user's needs and experience at the forefront.

• Data-Driven: Using data from prototype testing to inform product decisions and improvements.

• Pragmatism: Adopting a "get things done" attitude, focusing on functional solutions rather than perfection.

• Continuous Learning: Embracing new technologies, especially AI, and constantly seeking to improve skills and processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, with direct and frequent communication between team members, Team Lead, and Testing Architect.

• Openness to feedback and a willingness to iterate based on input from colleagues and testing results.

• A culture of shared learning and mutual support in a dynamic startup environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture emphasizes a hands-on, experimental approach to product development, where individuals are empowered to build, test, and learn quickly in a supportive and agile environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Pace: Keeping up with the fast-paced nature of rapid prototyping and iteration can be demanding.

• Ambiguity: Working with new product ideas often involves dealing with initial ambiguity and evolving requirements.

• Technical Breadth: Quickly adapting to and utilizing various modern frameworks and AI tools.

• Balancing Study and Work: Effectively managing time to meet both academic and work responsibilities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Tool Mastery: Become an expert in using AI coding assistants and integrating AI APIs into prototypes.

• Full-Stack Prototyping: Develop end-to-end prototyping skills, from frontend interfaces to backend logic and data handling.

• Product Lifecycle Understanding: Gain deep insight into how new software products are conceived, developed, tested, and iterated upon.

• Startup Experience: Develop valuable skills and a network within the dynamic Berlin startup scene.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a steep but rewarding learning curve, offering significant opportunities for skill development in cutting-edge areas of software development and product innovation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Prototyping Approach: Be ready to explain how you would approach building a specific type of prototype (e.g., a landing page with a signup form, a simple SaaS feature) given limited time.

• Problem Solving: Prepare to discuss how you tackle technical challenges in development, emphasizing your iterative and pragmatic approach.

• AI Tool Usage: Discuss your experience or interest in using AI coding assistants and how they can accelerate development.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: Articulate why you are interested in rapid prototyping and working for pdm solutions GmbH specifically.

• "Maker" Mindset: Provide examples of how you've demonstrated initiative, self-directed learning, and a passion for building things.

• Teamwork: Discuss your experience working in teams and how you contribute to a collaborative environment.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Walk through 1-2 of your most relevant projects, explaining the problem, your solution, the technologies used, and what you learned.

• Focus on Iteration: If possible, show how a project evolved or how you incorporated feedback.

• Highlight Speed: Emphasize the speed at which you completed projects or components.

• Technical Clarity: Be prepared to explain technical decisions and trade-offs, especially regarding framework choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for enthusiasm, a strong foundational understanding of web development, and a clear demonstration of your "maker" mentality and ability to learn quickly.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Werkstudent Prototyping position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on join.com.

• Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant projects, coursework, and any experience with React/Next.js, Node.js, or prototyping tools. Emphasize your "maker" mindset and self-driven learning.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 1-3 of your strongest personal, academic, or hackathon projects that best demonstrate your rapid prototyping and web development skills. Be ready to present them.

• Research pdm solutions GmbH: Understand their focus on KMUs and rapid, data-driven product development.

• Practice Explaining Your Work: Be prepared to articulate your development process, technical choices, and the lessons learned from your projects.

⚠️ 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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