Mercury Marine: UX/UI Design Intern

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Design Intern

Company: Brunswick Corporation (Mercury Marine)

Location: Fond du Lac, WI, United States

Job Type: Full-time Internship

Category: Design & Technology Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-24

Experience Level: Entry Level / Intern

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship focuses on User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design within the marine industry, specifically for Mercury Marine products.

• The role involves hands-on application of design principles to create intuitive and desirable user experiences for both on and off-boat applications.

• Interns will collaborate with experienced industrial designers, UI designers, and usability professionals to enhance product intuitiveness and customer satisfaction.

• The position offers a structured learning environment with opportunities to develop skills in user research, prototyping, and cross-functional collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is listed as "UX/UI Design Intern," the responsibilities and required skills indicate a strong emphasis on digital product design and user-centered methodologies. This role can be a stepping stone into broader "Product Operations" or "GTM Operations" roles if the candidate develops skills in process integration and user feedback loops into product development lifecycles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute functional designs with a focus on maximizing customer desire and market success through superior usability.

• Enhance product usability and intuitiveness by applying user-centered design principles and best practices.

• Act as a champion for user research, deeply understanding customer needs and translating them into design solutions.

• Develop empathy for the customer experience throughout the product lifecycle.

• Create rapid, low-fidelity prototypes to quickly iterate on design concepts and gather early feedback.

• Frame and effectively communicate user stories to articulate design rationale and user journey.

• Utilize visual communication skills to present design concepts and solutions clearly and compellingly.

• Engage in radical collaboration with cross-functional teams, including industrial designers, software engineers, and usability professionals.

• Drive design execution by acting as a liaison across various organizational departments.

• Contribute to the development of helm-to-stern experiences for both on and off-boat applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a practical, hands-on approach to design, focusing on iterative development and user advocacy. This aligns with operations roles that require continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making to enhance product and process efficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, UX/UI Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), or a closely related field.

• Must have completed a minimum of 48 college credits, typically equivalent to sophomore status. Experience:

• Prior experience or demonstrated coursework in User Interface (UI) design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) design, and/or lo-fidelity prototyping is required.

• Experience with design software such as Figma, Sketch, and the Adobe Creative Cloud suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) is essential.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite for documentation and presentations.

• Familiarity with development processes is a plus. Required Skills:

• UX/UI Design: Strong understanding of user-centered design principles and methodologies.

• Graphic Design Software: Proficiency in Figma, Sketch, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator.

• Prototyping: Ability to create lo-fidelity prototypes for concept validation.

• User Storytelling: Skill in articulating user journeys and design rationale effectively.

• Design Critique: Capability to provide clear, insightful, and actionable feedback on designs.

• Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment.

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Microsoft Office Proficiency: Competency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Skills:

• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI): Deeper understanding of HCI principles and their application.

• User Research: Experience conducting user interviews, surveys, or usability testing.

• Industrial Design Principles: Basic understanding of industrial design concepts relevant to physical products.

• Development Process Knowledge: Familiarity with software development lifecycles (e.g., Agile, Waterfall).

• Visual Design: Strong aesthetic sense and ability to create visually appealing interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific software tools like Figma and Sketch, along with Adobe Creative Cloud, is critical for any applicant. For operations roles, the ability to translate technical specifications into user-friendly interfaces and document processes is analogous to the skill set required for this internship.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A portfolio showcasing user interface design projects, demonstrating proficiency in Figma, Sketch, or similar tools.

• Examples of lo-fidelity prototypes and user journey mapping to illustrate the design process.

• Projects that highlight the ability to translate user needs into functional and intuitive designs.

• Visual communication artifacts that demonstrate an understanding of aesthetics and branding within a product context.

• Case studies or project descriptions that articulate the problem, process, and solution for each design. Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated for an intern, demonstrating an understanding of design process documentation (e.g., user flows, wireframes, style guides) will be beneficial.

• Ability to follow and document established design workflows within a team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an intern role, the portfolio is less about demonstrating extensive process optimization and more about showcasing fundamental design skills and a structured approach to problem-solving. The ability to follow and document processes is crucial for future operations roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $18.00 - $27.50 per hour.

• The actual hourly rate will be determined based on factors such as year in school, completed credits, degree program, job-related knowledge, relevant experience, business needs, and geographic location.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: This range is typical for design internships in the US Midwest, reflecting the cost of living and the entry-level nature of the role. It's important for candidates to note that compensation is usually not at the top of the range, especially for internships.

Benefits:

• Hands-on experience in a professional design and engineering environment.

• Opportunity to work with experienced professionals and mentors.

• Exposure to real-world projects and contributions to company goals.

• Development of essential skills in UX/UI design, user research, and collaboration.

• Performance feedback and reviews to support professional growth.

• Potential for future career opportunities within Brunswick Corporation.

• Relocation assistance may be provided. Working Hours:

• Full-time commitment, expected to be 40 hours per week.

• The internship duration is specified as May through December of 2027, indicating a significant project-based engagement.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: A consistent 40-hour work week is standard for internships, allowing for deep immersion in projects and team integration. This level of commitment is also valued in operations roles where consistent effort is key to driving process improvements.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marine Manufacturing, Technology, Consumer Goods. Brunswick Corporation is a global leader in the marine industry, focusing on marine propulsion systems, boats, and related products and services.

Company Size: Large Enterprise. Brunswick Corporation is a publicly traded company with a significant global presence.

Founded: 1845. Brunswick has a long history, evolving from billiard tables to becoming a dominant force in marine recreation.

Team Structure:

• The intern will join the Mercury Marine UX/UI Design team.

• This team is composed of highly qualified industrial designers, user interface designers, and usability professionals.

• Collaboration extends to software engineers and other cross-functional departments involved in product development.

• The reporting structure will likely involve a direct manager or lead designer who oversees the intern's projects and development. Methodology:

• Emphasis on user-centered design principles, with a focus on research, empathy, and iterative prototyping.

• Commitment to innovation and transforming visions into reality, aligning with Brunswick's "Next Never Rests™" philosophy.

• Collaboration is key, fostering an environment where diverse thoughts and experiences contribute to groundbreaking solutions.

• Design execution is driven through cross-functional partnerships.

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

Specific Division: Mercury Marine (https://www.mercurymarine.com/)

📝 Enhancement Note: Brunswick's long history and focus on innovation suggest a culture that values both tradition and forward-thinking. For operations professionals, this implies a stable yet dynamic environment where process improvements can be implemented within established frameworks.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship position designed for students to gain foundational experience in UX/UI design. It's a critical first step for those aspiring to careers in design, product development, or related technology fields.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report to a designated manager or lead within the Mercury Marine design team, receiving guidance and mentorship throughout the internship.

Operations Impact: While this is an internship, the work directly contributes to the usability and market success of Mercury Marine products. By improving customer experiences, the intern's contributions indirectly impact customer satisfaction, brand loyalty, and ultimately, revenue.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Intensive learning in UX/UI design software, user research methodologies, prototyping techniques, and cross-functional collaboration within a corporate setting.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining firsthand experience in the marine industry and understanding the product development lifecycle of a leading global brand.

• Networking: Building professional relationships with designers, engineers, and leaders at Brunswick Corporation.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Creating tangible projects and case studies for a professional portfolio, a critical asset for future job applications.

• Potential for Future Employment: Successful interns may be considered for future full-time roles or extended internships within Brunswick.

📝 Enhancement Note: This internship provides a structured path to develop core design competencies. For individuals interested in operations, the skills learned in user research, feedback gathering, and iterative design can be directly applied to understanding user needs for internal tools and optimizing operational workflows.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site work environment at Mercury Marine's facility in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. This suggests a professional office setting designed for collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): Mercury Plant 10, Fond du Lac, WI, United States.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is described as supportive, collaborative, and conducive to learning.

• Interns will work alongside experienced professionals, fostering an exchange of knowledge and best practices.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology will be provided.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with the design and engineering teams. Work Schedule:

• Full 40-hour work week, Monday through Friday.

• The internship is scheduled for an extended period (May through December 2027), allowing for significant project involvement and skill development.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is typical for roles that involve direct collaboration and access to specialized equipment or environments. For operations roles, on-site work can be crucial for process observation, team integration, and hands-on system interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and academic standing to ensure basic qualifications are met.

• Portfolio Submission/Review: Candidates will likely be asked to submit a portfolio showcasing relevant design work.

This is a critical component for evaluating design skills, creativity, and process.

• Interviews: Expect multiple rounds of interviews, potentially including:

  • Hiring Manager/Lead Designer Interview: To assess technical skills, design approach, and cultural fit.
  • Team Interview: Interaction with other designers or engineers to evaluate collaboration style and communication.
  • Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where the candidate presents their portfolio, explaining their design choices, process, and outcomes.

• Skills Assessment: May include a design challenge or task to evaluate problem-solving abilities and practical application of skills.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your best 3-5 projects that align with UX/UI design and demonstrate the required skills (Figma, Sketch, Adobe CC, prototyping).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the design process you followed (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), your design decisions, and the final outcome or learnings.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your approach to user research, empathy mapping, wireframing, prototyping, and iterating based on feedback.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates proficiency with the specified tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite).

• Professional Presentation: Organize your portfolio logically and present it professionally, whether digitally or in person. Be prepared to discuss your work in detail.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for potential design challenges that might involve sketching, wireframing, or problem-solving a specific UI/UX scenario.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely.

• Understand the importance of user-centered design and how to apply it to practical problems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio presentation is crucial. For operations roles, this translates to preparing case studies that demonstrate process improvements, system implementations, or data-driven decision-making with measurable outcomes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Figma: For collaborative UI design, prototyping, and design system management.

• Sketch: Another industry-standard UI design and prototyping tool.

• Adobe Creative Cloud:

  • Photoshop: For image editing, raster graphics, and complex visual compositions.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, icons, and scalable illustrations.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Word for documentation, PowerPoint for presentations, Excel for data organization.

Collaboration & Project Management Tools:

• While not explicitly mentioned, expect to use internal company tools for project management, communication, and file sharing. This could include platforms like Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence, or other internal systems. Development Process Understanding:

• A working knowledge of development processes is required, suggesting familiarity with how designs are translated into functional software.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and Sketch is paramount. For operations professionals, a similar level of mastery is expected with CRM systems (Salesforce, HubSpot), data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI), and workflow automation platforms.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values (Inferred for a Design Team):

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the end-user's needs.

• Innovation: Continuously seeking new and better ways to solve design problems and enhance user experiences.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork and open communication across disciplines.

• Excellence: Striving for high-quality design output and attention to detail.

• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of customers and colleagues.

Collaboration Style:

• Radical Collaboration: The job description specifically mentions "radical collaboration," implying an open, honest, and direct approach to working with others.

• Cross-Functional Integration: The team works closely with industrial designers, software engineers, and other departments, requiring strong communication and partnership skills.

• Feedback Exchange: An environment where constructive feedback is given and received to improve designs and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on collaboration and user empathy within the design team mirrors the essential qualities needed for successful operations professionals who must work across departments and understand the needs of various stakeholders.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Design and Development: Translating user needs and design concepts into feasible technical implementations for marine products.

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Creating user experiences that are both desirable for customers and align with Mercury Marine's business objectives and technical constraints.

• Navigating a Large Organization: Understanding the complex structure of Brunswick Corporation and collaborating effectively across different teams and departments.

• Rapid Iteration: Working within project timelines that may require quick turnarounds on design concepts and prototypes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Hands-on Design Experience: Applying academic knowledge to real-world projects in a professional setting.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced industrial designers, UI designers, and usability professionals.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining insights into the marine industry and product development at a global leader.

• Portfolio Building: Developing a professional portfolio with tangible project results.

• Professional Skills: Enhancing communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for adaptability and problem-solving, skills that are fundamental in operations. The growth opportunities are directly tied to skill acquisition and professional development, mirroring the continuous learning required in operations roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: Be prepared to walk through your design process for a specific project in your portfolio. Explain your steps from initial problem definition to final solution.

• User Empathy: How do you ensure you understand and design for the user's needs? Provide examples.

• Tool Proficiency: Discuss your experience with Figma, Sketch, and Adobe Creative Cloud. Be ready to demonstrate your skills if asked.

• Collaboration: Describe a time you worked effectively within a team on a design project. How did you handle disagreements or differing opinions?

• Problem-Solving: How would you approach designing a user interface for a complex marine control system or a mobile app for boat maintenance?

Company & Culture Questions:

• Research Mercury Marine and Brunswick Corporation. Understand their products, mission, and values.

• Why are you interested in UX/UI design within the marine industry specifically?

• How do you think your skills align with Mercury Marine's commitment to innovation and customer experience?

• What are your expectations from this internship? Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Introduction, Problem, Your Role, Process, Solution, Outcomes/Learnings.

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals of your work, including wireframes, mockups, prototypes, and user flow diagrams.

• Storytelling: Craft a compelling narrative around each project, focusing on the user and the problem you solved.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time and focus on the most impactful aspects of your work.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, challenges, and how you would handle specific scenarios.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses heavily on demonstrating a user-centered design process and technical proficiency. For operations roles, this translates to preparing detailed case studies of process improvements or system implementations, highlighting data analysis and stakeholder management.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Design Intern position:

• Submit Application: Complete the online application through the Brunswick Corporation careers portal.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate your design portfolio to highlight 3-5 of your strongest UX/UI projects, emphasizing your use of Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Cloud, and your design process. Ensure it includes examples of lo-fidelity prototyping and user storytelling.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to clearly showcase your academic achievements, relevant coursework, any prior design experience, and proficiency in the required software tools. Highlight any contributions to team projects.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail, practice answering common UX/UI interview questions, and research Mercury Marine and Brunswick Corporation's products and values.

• Company Research: Understand Mercury Marine's position in the marine industry, their product lines (outboards, sterndrives, etc.), and their commitment to innovation and customer experience.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

---