Working student UX design (d/m/f/x)

Mercedes-Benz Tech Innovation
Full-timeUlm, Germany

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Working Student UX Design (d/m/f/x)

Company: Mercedes-Benz Tech Innovation

Location: Ulm, Germany (with potential for hybrid/remote flexibility)

Job Type: Part-Time, Intern

Category: UX/UI Design, Product Development Operations

Date Posted: May 07, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (Working Student)

Remote Status: Hybrid (with remote options)

🚀 Role Summary

  • Support user-centered decision-making by analyzing insights from UX research, usability tests, and data sources to inform digital product and in-car experience development.

  • Translate complex UX research findings into clear, actionable insights for teams and stakeholders to facilitate informed product decisions.

  • Actively contribute to UX initiatives by developing key artifacts like personas, user journeys, and hypotheses.

  • Collaborate on concrete design and solution approaches, driving the development of user-friendly and meaningful digital experiences.

  • Contribute to creating clarity, priorities, and decision readiness through compelling UX artifacts, presentations, and decision-making materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is for a "Working Student UX Design," the emphasis on analyzing insights, preparing them for stakeholders, and contributing to product development aligns with foundational aspects of Product Operations and GTM Operations, particularly in ensuring user feedback informs product strategy and go-to-market readiness. The requirement for excellent German and English skills, coupled with a focus on detailed documentation and clear communication, positions this role as a crucial support function in a fast-paced tech innovation environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Conduct and analyze user research, including usability testing, to identify user needs, pain points, and opportunities for product improvement.

  • Synthesize qualitative and quantitative data from various sources (research, analytics, feedback) into comprehensive insights reports.

  • Develop and present UX artifacts such as personas, user journey maps, user flows, wireframes, and prototypes to communicate design concepts and user needs.

  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers, engineers, and other designers, to integrate user insights into product roadmaps and design iterations.

  • Prepare and deliver compelling presentations and decision-making materials to stakeholders, ensuring alignment and buy-in on UX strategies and design recommendations.

  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of UX processes and methodologies within the team.

  • Assist in defining and documenting user experience requirements for new features and digital products.

  • Support the creation of compelling UX narratives that articulate the value proposition of proposed solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong connection to operations by focusing on data analysis, insight synthesis, stakeholder communication, and process contribution. This student role is positioned to provide foundational support that directly impacts product development and, by extension, the go-to-market strategy for new digital features.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program in UX/UI Design, Communication Design, Interaction Design, Information Design, Media Informatics, or a closely related field.

Experience: Ideally, possesses initial experience with UX methods (e.g., user research, usability tests, wireframes, prototypes) and professional collaboration within a business environment.

Required Skills:

  • Demonstrably excellent German and English language proficiency (written and spoken).

  • Strong understanding of user-centered design principles and methodologies.

  • Familiarity with core UX research techniques (e.g., user interviews, surveys, usability testing).

  • Ability to create basic UX artifacts like wireframes and user flows.

  • Proficiency in preparing and delivering presentations.

  • Enrolled student status with a valid enrollment certificate.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).

  • Understanding of interaction design principles.

  • Experience in information architecture or content strategy.

  • Familiarity with data analysis tools and techniques for synthesizing research findings.

  • Prior internship or working student experience in a tech or automotive environment.

  • Ability to translate complex technical concepts into understandable user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "demonstrably excellent German and English skills" and the requirement for a "complete application" (cover letter, CV, transcript of records, certificate of enrollment, and work authorization if applicable) are critical for this role, reflecting a stringent hiring process common in established German corporations. The preference for prior business environment collaboration indicates a need for students who can quickly adapt to professional workflows.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Demonstrable examples of UX artifacts created during academic projects or previous internships, such as wireframes, user flows, and concept sketches.

  • Case studies detailing the process from problem identification to solution proposal, highlighting user-centered design thinking.

  • Documentation of research methodologies applied (e.g., how usability tests were conducted or user interviews were structured).

Process Documentation:

  • Ability to document the steps taken in a UX design or research project, from initial brief to final deliverable.

  • Understanding of how to articulate the decision-making process behind design choices.

  • Familiarity with creating clear and concise documentation to support project communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a working student role, the portfolio expectations are geared towards academic projects and basic professional outputs rather than fully realized product launches. The focus is on showcasing an understanding of the UX process and the ability to articulate design rationale and research findings in a structured manner, which is a key operational skill for any product-related role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: An attractive salary is offered, commensurate with academic progress and the responsibilities of a working student role within a leading tech company. While specific figures are not provided, industry benchmarks for working student positions in Germany, particularly in the Stuttgart region for a company of this caliber, typically range from €12-€18 per hour, depending on experience and specialization.

Benefits:

  • Pro rata 30 vacation days per year, providing ample time for study and personal pursuits.

  • Flexible working hours that can be coordinated with team needs and academic schedules.

  • Opportunity for remote work, offering flexibility in work location.

  • Attractive salary package.

  • Individual onboarding process with a dedicated direct contact person.

  • Flat hierarchies and an appreciative, open-minded work atmosphere.

  • Opportunity to work on innovative projects at the forefront of technology.

  • Becoming a full-fledged member of the team from the start, with responsible tasks.

  • Potential to contribute to award-winning "Great Place to Work" environments.

Working Hours: The role is part-time, with the total weekly hours to be agreed upon with the team and contact person, allowing for flexibility alongside academic commitments. The standard full-time equivalent is 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical working student compensation in Germany's tech sector and the explicit mention of an "attractive salary." The benefits are directly extracted from the provided text, highlighting the company's commitment to employee well-being and professional development, which are key considerations for operations professionals seeking a supportive work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Automotive, Mobility Solutions, Software Development. Mercedes-Benz Tech Innovation is at the forefront of defining the future of mobility through technology, operating as the largest tech company within the Mercedes-Benz Group AG.

Company Size: Approximately 2,500 employees, indicating a substantial yet agile organization with dedicated tech hubs. This size allows for significant resources and impact while fostering a collaborative environment.

Founded: While the founding date of Mercedes-Benz Tech Innovation (MBTI) isn't explicitly stated, its role as a key tech arm of Mercedes-Benz Group AG implies a strong heritage and a forward-looking mission.

Team Structure:

  • The UX Design team is part of a larger technology innovation group, likely comprising product managers, software engineers, researchers, and other design specialists.

  • Reporting structure is characterized by flat hierarchies, promoting direct communication and collaboration.

Methodology:

  • User-centered design is the primary methodology, ensuring that user needs and feedback are central to product development.

  • Data-driven decision-making is encouraged, leveraging insights from UX research, usability tests, and analytics.

  • Agile development practices are likely employed, facilitating iterative design and rapid prototyping.

  • Emphasis on creating clear, compelling artifacts and presentations to facilitate understanding and decision-making across teams.

Company Website: http://www.mercedes-benz-techinnovation.com/de/uber-uns

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of MBTI as the "largest tech company of Mercedes-Benz Group AG" and its focus on "technology trends of tomorrow's mobility" positions it as a leader in automotive innovation. The emphasis on "enthusiasm for innovation," "latest technologies," "individual freedom," and "personal responsibility" paints a picture of a dynamic and empowering work culture, which is highly relevant for operations professionals seeking roles where they can drive change and contribute strategically.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level, working student position focused on gaining practical experience in UX design and product development operations. It serves as a foundational step for individuals aspiring to roles in UX/UI design, product management, or operations within the tech or automotive industries.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a team lead or a senior UX designer within the product development or innovation department. Direct interaction with team members and cross-functional stakeholders is expected.

Operations Impact: While primarily a learning role, the working student's contributions to analyzing UX insights and creating design artifacts directly impact the product development lifecycle. This influence helps ensure that digital products and in-car experiences are user-centered, which is critical for product adoption, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, market success – key metrics for GTM and Product Operations.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Skill Development: Deepen expertise in UX research methodologies, usability testing, wireframing, prototyping, and user journey mapping. Gain practical experience with industry-standard design tools.

  • Industry Exposure: Learn about cutting-edge technology trends in mobility and automotive innovation within a leading global company.

  • Professional Networking: Build relationships with experienced professionals in UX design, product management, and engineering.

  • Career Path Exploration: Gain insights into potential career paths within UX/UI design, product development, or operations roles at Mercedes-Benz Tech Innovation or the broader Mercedes-Benz Group.

  • Potential for Future Roles: Successful interns may be considered for future opportunities within the company, depending on performance and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are framed to highlight how this foundational role can lead to broader career development within product operations and GTM, emphasizing skill acquisition, industry exposure, and the potential for future advancement within a large, innovative organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role requires regular on-site work in Stuttgart, suggesting a modern office environment designed for collaboration and innovation. It's likely a hybrid setup, allowing for remote work flexibility.

Office Location(s): Primarily Stuttgart, with other tech innovation hubs located in Ulm, Berlin, and Karlsruhe, and international tech hubs. This provides potential exposure to different work environments within the company.

Workspace Context:

  • The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, with opportunities for interaction with UX designers, product managers, and engineers.

  • Access to necessary tools and technology for UX design and research is expected.

  • The environment is likely dynamic, fast-paced, and focused on innovation, encouraging a proactive approach to tasks.

  • Emphasis on an appreciative atmosphere, open communication, and flat hierarchies contributes to a positive and productive work setting.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours are a key benefit, allowing students to balance their academic responsibilities with their work commitments. The part-time nature of the role further supports this flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of a "modern office environment designed for collaboration and innovation" and the emphasis on "flat hierarchies" and "appreciative atmosphere" are key indicators of a supportive and progressive work culture, which is often a significant draw for operations professionals who value teamwork and efficient processes.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Application Submission: Submit a complete application package including cover letter, CV, transcript of records, certificate of enrollment, and any applicable work authorization. A complete application is crucial for consideration.

  • Initial Screening: Review of submitted documents to assess qualifications, skills, and fit with the role requirements.

  • First Interview: Likely a behavioral and technical interview, potentially with a UX lead or hiring manager, to discuss your background, motivation, and understanding of UX principles. Be prepared to discuss academic projects and any prior professional experiences.

  • Portfolio Review/Presentation: You may be asked to present selected projects from your portfolio, demonstrating your design process, problem-solving skills, and ability to articulate your work.

  • Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet potential team members and assess cultural alignment. Questions might focus on teamwork, collaboration, and your approach to working in a professional environment.

  • Final Decision: Based on the overall assessment of your qualifications, interview performance, and portfolio.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 strong projects that best showcase your skills and understanding of the UX process. Prioritize projects relevant to digital products or user experience in complex environments.

  • Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you were trying to solve, your role, the methodologies you used, your design decisions, and the outcomes or learnings.

  • Highlight Process: Emphasize your thought process, research methods, and how you translated user insights into design solutions. Showcase artifacts like user flows, wireframes, and personas.

  • Quantify Impact (if possible): If you have any data or metrics related to the success or impact of your designs (even from academic projects), present them clearly.

  • Showcase Communication Skills: Be prepared to clearly and concisely explain your work, answer questions, and discuss your design rationale. Practice your presentation beforehand.

Challenge Preparation:

  • UX Fundamentals: Refresh your knowledge of core UX principles, design thinking, and common UX methodologies.

  • Problem-Solving: Anticipate potential UX challenges related to digital products or in-car experiences and think about how you would approach them systematically.

  • Company Research: Understand Mercedes-Benz Tech Innovation's mission, focus areas, and the types of technologies they are developing. Tailor your responses to align with their innovative goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "complete application" and the structured interview process are critical operational details for applicants. The portfolio review tips are tailored to a student role, focusing on demonstrating process and understanding rather than extensive professional achievements, which is a key differentiator for operations-focused roles where documentation and clear communication are paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • UX/UI Design Software: Proficiency in at least one industry-standard design tool such as Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD is highly desirable.

  • Prototyping Tools: Experience with tools for creating interactive prototypes (often integrated within design software or standalone like InVision).

  • Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Confluence, or similar for project management and documentation, which are crucial for operations alignment.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

  • While not directly a CRM role, an understanding of how user feedback and product usage data feed into broader customer relationship management or product improvement cycles is beneficial. Familiarity with workflow concepts and how tools enable efficient processes is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools mentioned are standard for UX design but also connect to broader operational needs. Proficiency in collaboration and project management tools is particularly relevant for operations roles, as it signifies an understanding of how design work integrates into larger development and deployment processes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • User-Centricity: A fundamental commitment to understanding and serving user needs in all design and development efforts.

  • Innovation: A drive to explore and implement new technologies and approaches to shape the future of mobility.

  • Collaboration: A belief in the power of teamwork, open communication, and cross-functional partnerships to achieve collective goals.

  • Excellence: A dedication to high-quality work, attention to detail, and continuous improvement in processes and outcomes.

  • Responsibility: Encouraging individual ownership and accountability for tasks and contributions.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: Designers work closely with product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders throughout the product development lifecycle.

  • Open Communication: Flat hierarchies and an appreciative atmosphere foster an environment where ideas can be shared freely, and feedback is constructively given and received.

  • Process-Oriented: While creative, the team values structured approaches to design and research to ensure clarity, efficiency, and consistent quality.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to learn from colleagues and share insights through team meetings and collaborative sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style described align well with operational principles, emphasizing structure, efficiency, cross-functional alignment, and a commitment to quality. This suggests a culture where process and user advocacy are both highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Translating Complexities: Effectively translating intricate automotive technology and digital product features into intuitive and user-friendly experiences.

  • Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Integrating diverse requirements and feedback from various stakeholders (product, engineering, business) while maintaining a strong user focus.

  • Pace of Innovation: Staying abreast of rapid technological advancements in mobility and UX design to ensure products remain competitive and cutting-edge.

  • Data Synthesis: Learning to effectively analyze and synthesize large volumes of qualitative and quantitative data into actionable design recommendations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • UX Methodology Mastery: Gaining hands-on experience and formal training in a wide array of UX research and design techniques.

  • Industry Insight: Deep understanding of the automotive technology sector and the unique challenges and opportunities within it.

  • Professional Skill Development: Enhancing presentation, communication, and collaboration skills within a corporate environment.

  • Mentorship: Benefit from guidance and feedback from experienced UX professionals and product leaders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in product development operations, requiring analytical skills, effective communication, and the ability to adapt to evolving technological landscapes. The learning opportunities are framed to build skills directly applicable to operational roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • User-Centered Approach: "Describe a time you had to advocate for the user. How did you gather insights, and how did you communicate those insights to others?" (Preparation: Prepare a case study from an academic project where you prioritized user needs.)

  • Problem-Solving: "Imagine we are designing a new feature for in-car infotainment. What would be your first steps in understanding user needs and designing a solution?" (Preparation: Outline a systematic UX process, focusing on research and ideation.)

  • Collaboration: "How do you approach working with engineers or product managers who may have different priorities or perspectives?" (Preparation: Discuss your experience with cross-functional teamwork and conflict resolution.)

Company & Culture Questions:

  • Motivation: "Why are you interested in UX design at Mercedes-Benz Tech Innovation, specifically?" (Preparation: Research MBTI's mission, recent projects, and connect your interests to their work.)

  • Culture Fit: "What kind of work environment do you thrive in? How do you contribute to a positive team culture?" (Preparation: Reference the company's values of collaboration, innovation, and flat hierarchies.)

  • Learning & Growth: "What do you hope to learn and achieve during this working student role?" (Preparation: Align your learning goals with the role's responsibilities and growth opportunities.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, your process, key decisions, and outcomes.

  • Visualize Your Process: Use mockups, wireframes, user flows, and personas to visually represent your design journey.

  • Be Concise and Clear: Focus on the most impactful aspects of your work. Avoid jargon unless necessary and explain technical terms.

  • Highlight Learnings: Discuss what you learned from each project, including any challenges and how you overcame them. This shows critical thinking and adaptability.

  • Engage Your Audience: Be prepared to answer questions thoughtfully and demonstrate enthusiasm for your work and the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice focuses on demonstrating a structured, user-centric, and collaborative approach, which are core competencies for operations roles. The portfolio presentation strategy emphasizes clear communication and process articulation, crucial for operations professionals who often need to convey complex information to diverse audiences.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this working student position:

  • Submit your complete application package through the provided career portal link. This must include your cover letter, CV, transcript of records, certificate of enrollment, and any necessary work authorization.

  • Tailor your cover letter to specifically address why you are interested in UX design at Mercedes-Benz Tech Innovation and how your skills and academic background align with the role's requirements and the company's innovative focus.

  • Optimize your CV to highlight any relevant academic projects, UX methodologies you've learned or applied, and any prior professional or collaborative experiences, using keywords from the job description.

  • Prepare your portfolio by selecting 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your UX design process, problem-solving skills, and understanding of user-centered design. Be ready to articulate your process and design decisions clearly.

  • Research Mercedes-Benz Tech Innovation thoroughly. Understand their mission, their focus areas in mobility technology, and their company culture. Prepare to discuss how your values and aspirations align with theirs.

⚠️ 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

Must be an enrolled student in UX/UI, interaction, or media informatics with excellent German and English skills. Previous experience with UX methods and professional collaboration in a business environment is preferred.