Werkstudent (w/m/d) im Bereich User Experience (UX) (SS26)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Werkstudent (w/m/d) im Bereich User Experience (UX) (SS26)
Company: TRUMPF
Location: Schramberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Job Type: Part-Time
Category: User Experience (UX) / Design Operations
Date Posted: January 22, 2026
Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)
Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This part-time Werkstudent (working student) role focuses on supporting the User Experience (UX) team in enhancing product interfaces and user interactions.
• The position involves hands-on involvement in user research, usability evaluations, and the creation of design assets such as mockups and prototypes.
• Candidates will gain practical experience in a high-tech, innovative environment, contributing to the development of future technologies within TRUMPF.
• This role is ideal for students seeking to bridge academic learning with real-world application in UX design and human-computer interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary focus is UX design, the integration into a high-tech manufacturing company like TRUMPF suggests a strong emphasis on applying UX principles to industrial products, machinery interfaces, and potentially digital solutions for manufacturing. The "Operations" aspect comes from supporting the operational workflow of the UX department and ensuring design consistency through styleguides and icon selection.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct user studies and usability evaluations to gather insights into user behavior and identify areas for design improvement.
• Perform user research activities, including user interviews and contextual inquiries, to understand user needs and usage patterns.
• Create and refine mockups and interactive prototypes to visualize design concepts and test user flows.
• Assist in determining the usage context and user requirements for new and existing product features.
• Contribute to the continuous development and testing of the company's style guide to ensure design consistency across all platforms.
• Support the evaluation and selection of icons to maintain a clear and intuitive visual language.
• Collaborate closely with experienced colleagues and project teams to integrate UX findings into product development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a supportive role within the UX team, focusing on data gathering, design asset creation, and maintaining design standards. This is typical for a Werkstudent position where the intern is expected to assist senior designers and researchers, gaining exposure to various UX processes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently pursuing a degree in Engineering Psychology, Human Factors, User Experience Design, Media Design, Product Ergonomics, Graphic Design, or Communication Design.
Experience: Entry-level; prior internship or project experience in UX/UI design is beneficial but not strictly required.

Required Skills:

• Strong understanding of UX principles and design thinking methodologies.
• Proficiency in conducting user studies, usability evaluations, and user research.
• Experience in creating mockups and interactive prototypes using design tools.
• Familiarity with context analysis and user requirement gathering techniques.
• Knowledge of styleguide development and maintenance.
• Experience with icon evaluation and selection processes.
• Good knowledge of MS Office, particularly MS Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Excellent German language skills (written and spoken).
• Good English language skills (written and spoken).
• Structured and independent work approach.
• Strong analytical and conceptual abilities.
• High level of initiative and self-motivation.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific UX/UI design software (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).
• Familiarity with agile development methodologies.
• Basic understanding of industrial design or product development cycles in a manufacturing context.
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative user research methods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application in UX. The emphasis on MS Office and Excel, alongside German and English language proficiency, points to the need for strong communication and data handling capabilities within a professional German work environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of user research methodologies applied, detailing the process from planning to insight generation.
• Include case studies demonstrating the creation of mockups and interactive prototypes, highlighting problem-solving and design iteration.
• Present examples of style guide contributions or icon system development, emphasizing consistency and usability.
• Demonstrate the ability to analyze user feedback and translate it into actionable design recommendations, showcasing analytical skills.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document user study findings, usability test results, and research insights clearly and concisely.
• Understanding of how to contribute to and maintain design system documentation, including style guides and component libraries.
• Familiarity with the process of translating user requirements into design specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Werkstudent role, the portfolio expectations are typically focused on demonstrating foundational skills and a willingness to learn rather than extensive, end-to-end project ownership. The emphasis should be on the process, methodology, and the candidate's thought process behind their work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a Werkstudent position (working student), compensation will be in line with German labor laws and industry standards for student roles, typically paid hourly. Based on the location in Schramberg and the current market for student positions in Germany, an estimated range would be €12-€16 per hour, depending on the specific semester and prior experience.

Benefits:

• Flexible working hours (Gleitzeit) to accommodate academic schedules.
• Hybrid work arrangement allowing for a balance between on-site collaboration and remote work.
• Access to a highly modern work environment equipped with the latest technology.
• A respectful and appreciative company culture that values employee contributions.
• Sports and fitness offers to promote employee well-being.
• Comprehensive onboarding process and opportunities for early responsibility and varied tasks.

Working Hours: Part-time, with flexible hours (Gleitzeit) typically expected to align with academic commitments, not exceeding the standard part-time hours for a Werkstudent. The total expected hours per week are not explicitly stated but are common for such roles to be around 15-20 hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical Werkstudent compensation in Germany, which is often regulated by collective bargaining agreements or company policy for student roles. The benefits are directly listed from the job description, highlighting flexibility and a supportive work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Machine Tools, Laser Technology, Electronics, Medical Technology. TRUMPF is a global leader in high-tech manufacturing equipment.
Company Size: Large Enterprise (approx. 19,000 employees worldwide). Being part of a large, established company means access to significant resources, structured processes, and opportunities for professional development.
Founded: 1923. TRUMPF has a long history of innovation and stability, building a strong foundation for its technological advancements and global presence.

Team Structure:

• The UX team likely operates within a larger product development or engineering division.
• It will include experienced UX/UI designers, researchers, and potentially interaction designers.
• Collaboration is expected with product managers, software engineers, and hardware designers.
• Reporting structure would likely be to a UX Lead or Head of Design.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on user-centered design principles and data-driven decision-making.
• Integration of UX processes into agile development workflows.
• Focus on innovation, continuous improvement, and adopting new technologies.
• Values collaboration, mutual trust, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Company Website: https://www.trumpf.com/de_DE/

📝 Enhancement Note: TRUMPF's reputation as a high-tech, family-run company suggests a culture that balances tradition with forward-thinking innovation. The company's global reach and diverse product portfolio mean the UX team likely works on complex, international projects with significant impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level / Student Position. This role is designed for students to gain initial practical experience in User Experience and Design Operations. It serves as a foundational step for careers in UX/UI design, human-computer interaction, or related fields.
Reporting Structure: The Werkstudent will report to a senior member of the UX team, likely a UX Designer, UX Researcher, or Head of UX/Design. This provides direct mentorship and guidance.
Operations Impact: While a Werkstudent role has a supportive capacity, contributions to user studies, prototype testing, and style guide maintenance directly impact the usability and user-friendliness of TRUMPF's products. This indirectly influences customer satisfaction, adoption rates, and the overall perception of TRUMPF's technological solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen understanding and practical application of UX research methods, prototyping tools, and design system principles.
• Industry Exposure: Gain invaluable experience in the high-tech manufacturing sector, understanding the unique UX challenges of industrial products and complex machinery.
• Networking: Build connections with experienced professionals in the UX field and within a leading technology company.
• Potential for Future Roles: Successful completion of this internship can serve as a strong reference for future internships, thesis projects, or even full-time entry-level positions at TRUMPF or other companies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth potential for a Werkstudent is primarily through learning and exposure. The role is structured to provide a rich learning experience rather than immediate career advancement, focusing on building a strong foundation for future opportunities in UX and design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern office environment within TRUMPF's facilities in Schramberg.
Office Location(s): Schramberg, Germany. This location is a key site for TRUMPF, indicating a well-established operational presence.

Workspace Context:

• A highly modern workspace equipped with the latest technology, facilitating hands-on design and research activities.
• Opportunities for collaboration with a dedicated UX team and cross-functional departments, fostering a dynamic and interactive work environment.
• Access to tools and resources necessary for conducting user studies, creating prototypes, and maintaining design consistency.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours (Gleitzeit) are offered, allowing students to balance their academic responsibilities with their work at TRUMPF. This flexibility is crucial for students managing coursework, exams, and other academic commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "modern work environment" and "latest technology" suggests that the UX team is well-equipped, and candidates will have access to professional tools and a supportive setup for their tasks.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application documents, focusing on academic background, relevant coursework, and any prior project experience.
• First Interview: Likely a conversation with the hiring manager (Florian Müller) to assess motivation, understanding of UX principles, and fit with the team's needs. This may include questions about relevant projects or academic work.
• Skills Assessment/Case Study (Potential): Depending on the role's specific needs, candidates might be asked to complete a small design exercise or present a past project from their portfolio to demonstrate practical skills.
• Final Interview: Potentially a discussion with other team members or a more in-depth technical interview to evaluate problem-solving abilities and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by showcasing a range of skills (research, wireframing, prototyping, UI design).
• Process Focus: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the methodologies you used (user research, testing), your design decisions, and the outcome or learnings. TRUMPF values a structured approach.
• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals, including mockups, prototypes (if possible, provide links or interactive demos), and user flow diagrams.
• Conciseness: Keep descriptions brief and to the point, allowing your work and process to speak for themselves. Highlight key contributions.
• Relevance: If possible, tailor your portfolio to showcase projects that align with industrial design, complex interfaces, or problem-solving in technical contexts.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your understanding of UX principles and how they apply to product design, especially in a B2B or industrial context.
• Practice articulating your design process and rationale clearly and concisely.
• Research TRUMPF's products and industry to understand potential UX challenges they face.
• Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the team, projects, and the company culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is a Werkstudent role, the interview process will likely focus more on potential, enthusiasm, and foundational understanding rather than deep experience. The portfolio review will be crucial for demonstrating raw talent and a structured approach to design.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• MS Office Suite: Specifically MS Excel for data analysis, reporting, and potentially tracking study progress. Word for documentation and PowerPoint for presentations.
• Design Tools (Likely): While not explicitly stated, candidates should be familiar with common UX/UI design software such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar tools for creating mockups and prototypes.
• Prototyping Tools: Tools like InVision, Axure, or built-in features within design software for interactive prototypes.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Understanding of how to interpret data from user studies and usability tests.
• Ability to contribute to reports summarizing findings and recommendations.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this UX role, but an understanding of how UX impacts user engagement with products that might have associated CRM or automation platforms is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of MS Excel highlights its importance for data handling in this role. Familiarity with standard UX design tools is essential for practical contributions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Forward-Thinking: TRUMPF encourages challenging the status quo and exploring new ideas. This applies to UX as well, seeking innovative solutions to user challenges.
• Collaboration & Mutual Trust: The company culture emphasizes working together and relying on colleagues, fostering a supportive team environment for UX projects.
• Quality & Precision: As a high-tech manufacturer, there's an inherent value placed on precision and high-quality output, which translates to meticulous design work and thorough user testing.
• Customer Focus: Understanding and meeting user needs is paramount, driving the user-centered approach within the UX team.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional: Working closely with engineers, product managers, and other stakeholders to ensure UX is integrated throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Mentorship-driven: As a Werkstudent position, there will be a strong emphasis on learning from experienced team members.
• Feedback-oriented: Openness to constructive feedback on designs and research findings to drive iterative improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at TRUMPF, as described, suggests a dynamic and collaborative environment where innovation is encouraged, and user needs are central. This provides a strong foundation for a UX team to thrive.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Academic Theory and Industrial Practice: Applying theoretical UX knowledge to the specific, often complex, requirements of industrial machinery and high-tech products.
• Data Interpretation: Effectively analyzing and synthesizing data from user studies and usability tests to derive actionable insights.
• Design Consistency: Contributing to the maintenance and evolution of a comprehensive style guide and icon system across diverse product lines.
• Stakeholder Communication: Clearly articulating UX recommendations and design rationale to team members with diverse technical backgrounds.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Practical UX Application: Gaining hands-on experience in a professional UX setting, from research to prototyping.
• Industry Exposure: Understanding the unique UX considerations for B2B products and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Tool Proficiency: Enhancing skills in industry-standard design and prototyping tools.
• Professional Networking: Building relationships with experienced UX professionals and contributing to real-world projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed to highlight learning opportunities, emphasizing the growth potential inherent in overcoming these hurdles within a supportive environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• UX Fundamentals: "Describe your understanding of User Experience design and its importance in product development." "How would you approach understanding the user needs for a new industrial control panel?"
• Process & Methodology: "Walk me through a UX project you've worked on (academic or personal). What was your process, and what were the key challenges?" "How do you go about conducting a usability evaluation?"
• Tools & Skills: "What design tools are you most proficient with, and why?" "How do you use Excel in your work or studies?"
• Company & Role Fit: "Why are you interested in a Werkstudent position at TRUMPF, and specifically in UX?" "What do you hope to learn during this internship?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about TRUMPF and our industry?"
• "How do you approach teamwork and collaboration?"
• "Describe a time you had to take initiative to solve a problem."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as narratives – the problem, your approach, your solution, and the outcome/learnings.
• Process Emphasis: Highlight the steps you took, the methodologies employed, and your reasoning behind design decisions.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your visuals are clear and well-annotated. If presenting prototypes, be ready to demonstrate key user flows.
• Conciseness: Practice presenting each project within a limited timeframe (e.g., 5-10 minutes per key project).
• Q&A Readiness: Be prepared to answer specific questions about your work, your design choices, and how you handled challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of UX fundamentals, a structured approach to problem-solving, and genuine enthusiasm for TRUMPF and the UX field.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Werkstudent position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on TRUMPF's careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Review your existing projects and select 2-3 that best showcase your UX research, prototyping, and design thinking skills. Ensure you can clearly articulate the process and your contributions.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant coursework, academic projects, and any practical experience in design or research. Emphasize your skills in MS Office, German/English proficiency, and analytical abilities.
• Interview Preparation: Practice answering common UX interview questions and prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in detail. Research TRUMPF's products and industry to demonstrate informed interest.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with TRUMPF's mission, values, and recent technological advancements. Understand their position in the high-tech manufacturing sector to better articulate your interest and potential contributions.

⚠️ 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.