Werkstudent (w/m/div.) im Bereich UX / UI Design

Keenfinity
Full-timeAachen, Germany

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Werkstudent (w/m/div.) im Bereich UX / UI Design

Company: Keenfinity

Location: Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Job Type: Teilzeit (Part-time)

Category: UX/UI Design, Product Design

Date Posted: February 06, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Entry-Level/Student)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • This role is a student position (Werkstudent) focused on User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design, specifically within the domain of safety-critical systems.

  • The position involves active participation in the end-to-end UX process, from foundational user research to the validation of design concepts within an agile development framework.

  • Responsibilities include contributing to UX and Design Thinking workshops, and the creation of essential design artifacts such as wireframes and interactive prototypes.

  • While no programming knowledge is required, familiarity with design tools like Figma or Adobe XD, and graphic software such as Illustrator, is considered beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title specifies "UX/UI Design," the context of "safety-critical systems" and "security solutions" implies a need for a strong emphasis on usability, clarity, and error prevention in the design process. The "Werkstudent" designation indicates this is an entry-level role for currently enrolled students.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Actively participate in the User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design lifecycle for security and communication solutions, focusing on safety-critical systems.

  • Support the entire UX process, from conducting user research to validating design concepts, in collaboration with agile development teams.

  • Assist in the facilitation and execution of UX and Design Thinking workshops to foster collaborative ideation and problem-solving.

  • Develop and iterate on design prototypes, including wireframes and click-through prototypes, to visualize and test user flows and interface designs.

  • Contribute to the maintenance and development of the company's design system or style guides, ensuring consistency and efficiency in design application.

  • Conduct user research activities to gather insights into user needs, behaviors, and pain points relevant to safety-critical system interfaces.

  • Collaborate with product managers, developers, and other stakeholders to translate requirements into intuitive and effective user interface designs.

  • Participate in concept validation sessions to gather feedback on design solutions and iterate based on user input.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on role where a student will gain practical experience across the entire design process. The mention of "agile setup" and "Design Thinking workshops" suggests a dynamic and collaborative work environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently enrolled in a university program with a focus on Digital Media Communication, Communication Design, Technical Communication, Psychology, Media Informatics, or a comparable field of study.

Experience: Prior experience in prototyping (e.g., with Figma, Adobe XD) or graphic design software (e.g., Illustrator) is advantageous but not a mandatory requirement. No programming skills are necessary for this role.

Required Skills:

  • Currently enrolled as a student in a relevant degree program.

  • Very good written and spoken German and English language proficiency.

  • Strong attention to detail and a commitment to reliability.

  • Eagerness to learn and adapt to new technologies and methodologies.

  • Demonstrated passion for customer and user-centric design processes.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with prototyping tools such as Figma or Adobe XD.

  • Familiarity with graphic design software like Adobe Illustrator.

  • Understanding of user research methodologies and their application.

  • Exposure to agile development environments.

  • Foundation in Design Thinking principles.

  • Knowledge of design systems or style guide development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize academic enrollment and language skills, with a clear indication that practical design tool experience is a plus but not a prerequisite. This positions the role as an excellent opportunity for students to gain foundational experience in UX/UI design within a specialized industry.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • While not explicitly required for initial application, candidates with existing design projects (e.g., academic projects, personal portfolios) showcasing wireframes, prototypes, or UI designs will have a distinct advantage.

  • Portfolio pieces should ideally demonstrate an understanding of user-centric design principles and problem-solving approaches.

  • For candidates with prior experience, showcasing projects that involved user research or concept validation would be highly beneficial.

Process Documentation:

  • Familiarity with documenting design processes, including user research findings, design decisions, and prototype iterations, is beneficial.

  • Understanding of how to articulate the rationale behind design choices during workshops and reviews.

  • Ability to follow and contribute to documented design workflows within an agile setup.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is a student role, a formal, extensive portfolio is not expected. However, the emphasis on learning and practical application means that any prior design work, even from academic projects, will be valuable for demonstrating potential and understanding of design principles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a "Werkstudent" (student working student) position, compensation will be in line with German student employment regulations and typical student wages for part-time roles in the Aachen region. This typically ranges from €12-€15 per hour, depending on the exact hours and duration of employment.

Benefits:

  • Practical, hands-on experience in UX/UI design within a professional, international technology company.

  • Opportunity to work on safety-critical systems, providing unique design challenges and learning experiences.

  • Mentorship and guidance from experienced design professionals.

  • Exposure to agile development methodologies and Design Thinking workshops.

  • Flexible working hours (9-15 per week, to be agreed upon) to accommodate academic schedules.

  • A chance to contribute to innovative security and communication solutions.

  • Opportunity to gain experience with industry-standard design tools (Figma, Adobe XD, Illustrator).

  • Potential for future opportunities within Keenfinity for outstanding performers.

Working Hours: 9-15 hours per week, negotiable. The role requires availability for at least 6 months, with a minimum of 1 year of study remaining.

📝 Enhancement Note: Compensation for "Werkstudent" roles in Germany is typically hourly and capped by the number of hours worked per week to maintain student employment status. The provided range is a standard estimate for such positions in Germany. The benefits are tailored to attract students seeking practical experience and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Security Solutions, Communication Solutions. Keenfinity operates in a dynamic sector requiring continuous innovation and a strong focus on reliability and user trust, especially given the "safety-critical systems" aspect.

Company Size: Approximately 4,000 employees in over 50 countries, indicating a large, global organization with established processes and a significant market presence.

Founded: While the founding date is not specified, the company's scale suggests it is a well-established entity with a long-term vision.

Team Structure:

  • The UX/UI Design team likely operates within or in close proximity to agile development teams responsible for safety-critical systems.

  • Collaboration is expected across various departments, including product management, engineering, and potentially quality assurance.

  • The "Werkstudent" will report to a designated supervisor or team lead, likely Dr. Sonja Kwee-Meier (as indicated by the contact information), who provides guidance and oversees daily tasks.

Methodology:

  • The team operates within an agile setup, suggesting iterative development cycles, regular stand-ups, and a flexible approach to project management.

  • Design Thinking workshops are utilized for ideation and problem-solving, fostering a user-centric and collaborative design culture.

  • Emphasis is placed on data-driven insights from user research to inform design decisions, ensuring solutions meet user needs and system requirements.

  • Continuous improvement and learning are core tenets, encouraging experimentation and adaptation.

Company Website: keenfinity-group.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture description is inferred from the provided text, highlighting innovation, global reach, employee well-being, and a strong team spirit. The "safety-critical systems" context implies a high degree of professionalism, precision, and responsibility.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Student Position. This role is designed for individuals actively pursuing higher education and seeking to gain practical, real-world experience in UX/UI design. It's an excellent stepping stone for a career in product design, user experience, or related fields.

Reporting Structure: The student will report to a manager or senior team member (e.g., Dr. Sonja Kwee-Meier) who will provide supervision, mentorship, and task assignments. This structure ensures adequate support and learning opportunities.

Operations Impact: While the student's direct operational impact will be focused on contributing to design projects, their work directly influences the usability and user-friendliness of safety-critical systems. Successful design contributions can enhance user adoption, reduce errors, and improve overall system performance and security.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Skill Development: Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard UX/UI tools (Figma, Adobe XD, Illustrator) and design methodologies (User Research, Prototyping, Design Thinking).

  • Industry Exposure: Learn about the unique design challenges and considerations within the security and communication technology sector, particularly for safety-critical applications.

  • Professional Networking: Build relationships with experienced professionals and expand your professional network within a global company.

  • Potential for Future Roles: Successful "Werkstudenten" may be considered for further opportunities within Keenfinity, such as internships or entry-level positions, upon graduation.

  • Portfolio Building: Develop a strong portfolio of design work that can be leveraged for future career opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis focuses on the developmental aspect of the student role, highlighting how it serves as a foundation for future career growth in design and technology fields.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role requires the student to be present "1-2 times on-site" per week, indicating a hybrid work model. The primary work location is an office environment where collaboration and access to resources are available.

Office Location(s): Charlottenburger Allee, 52068 Aachen, Germany. This location is a key hub for Keenfinity's operations.

Workspace Context:

  • The office environment likely fosters collaboration, with opportunities to interact with design colleagues, developers, and product managers.

  • Access to necessary design software and potentially hardware will be provided.

  • The on-site presence is designed to facilitate team integration, workshop participation, and direct mentorship.

  • The hybrid model offers a balance between focused independent work and collaborative team engagement.

Work Schedule: Flexible work hours (9-15 hours per week) are arranged to align with the student's academic commitments. The on-site days will be scheduled in coordination with the team to maximize collaborative benefits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key aspect, balancing the need for on-site collaboration with the flexibility required for a student's schedule.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Application Review: Submission of CV, current transcript, enrollment certificate, examination regulations, and potentially visa/work permits.

  • Screening Call: A brief conversation to assess basic qualifications, interest, and fit for the "Werkstudent" role.

  • Technical/Design Assessment (Potential): This might involve a small design task or a discussion about existing design work to evaluate UX/UI skills and understanding.

  • Interview with Hiring Manager: A more in-depth discussion with Dr. Sonja Kwee-Meier to explore your experience, motivations, and how you align with the team's needs and company culture. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions.

  • Final Decision: Based on the overall assessment of qualifications, skills, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • If you have prior design work (academic or personal), prepare to discuss 1-2 key projects.

  • Focus on explaining your design process: How did you approach the problem? What research did you conduct? What were your design decisions and why?

  • Showcase your understanding of user needs and how your design addresses them.

  • Be ready to talk about the tools you used (e.g., Figma, Adobe XD) and your proficiency level.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Be prepared to discuss your understanding of UX/UI principles, especially in the context of complex or critical systems.

  • Think about how you would approach user research for a new feature or system.

  • Consider how you would translate user needs and technical requirements into design solutions.

  • Research Keenfinity and its products to understand their domain and potential design challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes academic documentation, with portfolio review being more about demonstrating potential and understanding rather than a formal requirement for extensive professional work.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Prototyping Tools: Figma, Adobe XD (Experience with these is preferred).

  • Graphic Design Software: Adobe Illustrator (Familiarity is a plus).

  • Collaboration Platforms: Likely internal tools for team communication and project management (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Slack).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

  • CRM systems are unlikely to be a direct tool for this role, but an understanding of how design integrates with customer-facing platforms can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core tools revolve around design and prototyping. The mention of "safety-critical systems" suggests a need for meticulousness and a structured approach to using these tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Innovation: Keenfinity fosters a culture of developing cutting-edge security and communication solutions.

  • Customer & User Centricity: A strong emphasis on understanding and meeting the needs of both customers and end-users in all design and development efforts.

  • Reliability & Trust: Given the focus on safety-critical systems, reliability, precision, and building trust are paramount.

  • Team Spirit & Collaboration: Working together across departments and geographies to achieve common goals, with a foundation of mutual appreciation and support.

  • Ownership & Responsibility: Encouraging employees to take initiative and responsibility for their work, with good support provided.

Collaboration Style:

  • Agile and Iterative: Design work is integrated into agile development sprints, requiring close collaboration with development teams.

  • Workshop-Based: Design Thinking and UX workshops encourage cross-functional participation and idea sharing.

  • Mentorship-Driven: Senior team members provide guidance and support to junior members and students, fostering a learning environment.

  • Open Communication: Encouraging open feedback and discussion to refine designs and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values, particularly "Reliability & Trust" and "Customer & User Centricity," are especially important given the domain of safety-critical systems.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Designing for Safety-Critical Systems: This requires a deep understanding of user needs, potential risks, and the need for extreme clarity and error prevention in the interface design.

  • Balancing Academic Commitments with Work: Managing time effectively to meet both study requirements and work responsibilities in a part-time role.

  • Learning New Tools and Methodologies: Quickly adapting to Keenfinity's specific design tools, processes, and the technical domain.

  • Collaborating Across Disciplines: Effectively communicating design ideas and understanding technical constraints when working with engineers and product managers.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Hands-on Experience: Direct involvement in real-world UX/UI design projects for a global technology company.

  • Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX research, UI design, prototyping, and potentially design systems.

  • Industry Knowledge: Gain insights into the security and communication technology sector.

  • Professional Mentorship: Benefit from guidance from experienced designers and product professionals.

  • Portfolio Enhancement: Build a robust portfolio with tangible project contributions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge and growth opportunity lie in applying design principles within a highly specialized and critical domain, offering a unique learning curve.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • Be prepared to discuss your understanding of User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design principles. How do they differ, and when is each most critical?

  • How would you approach understanding the needs of users for a safety-critical system? What methods would you use for user research?

  • Describe your experience with prototyping tools like Figma or Adobe XD. What are the benefits of prototyping?

  • How do you ensure a design is user-friendly and intuitive, especially for complex systems?

Company & Culture Questions:

  • What interests you about Keenfinity and its work in security and communication solutions?

  • Why are you interested in UX/UI design, and what aspects of this role appeal to you?

  • How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs?

  • Describe a time you had to learn a new skill or tool quickly.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • If you have a portfolio, be ready to walk through 1-2 projects.

  • For each project, explain the problem statement, your role, the design process you followed (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), your key design decisions, and the outcome.

  • Clearly articulate the user-centric aspects and how your design addressed specific user needs.

  • Be prepared to discuss your design tools and techniques.

  • Even if you don't have a formal portfolio, be ready to discuss design concepts or academic projects that demonstrate your thinking and skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a foundational understanding of UX/UI, a willingness to learn, and an appreciation for the critical nature of the company's products.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters, ensuring all required documents are attached: your CV, current transcript, enrollment certificate, examination regulations, and any applicable work/residence permits.

  • Portfolio Customization: If you have design projects (academic or personal), select 1-2 that best showcase your UX/UI thinking, prototyping skills, and understanding of user-centric design. Prepare to briefly discuss these.

  • Resume Optimization: Highlight any relevant coursework, projects, or prior experiences that demonstrate your interest in design, technology, and your ability to learn quickly. Emphasize your strong German and English language skills.

  • Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, understanding of UX/UI principles, and your motivation for pursuing this specific role at Keenfinity. Research the company and its offerings.

  • Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Keenfinity's mission, products, and the industries they serve. Understand the importance of security and communication solutions and the role of design in this context.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Candidates must be currently enrolled in a degree program related to digital media communication, communication design, media informatics, or psychology, and must possess very good written and spoken German and English skills. Prior experience with prototyping tools like Figma or Adobe XD is ideal but not mandatory, and no programming skills are required.