Product Associate UX / Intern / Working Student

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Associate UX / Intern / Working Student

Company: alago

Location: München, Germany

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design / UX Operations

Date Posted: September 15, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Define and design the user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) for a construction AI-powered project management software, focusing on making complex data actionable and intuitive for daily use by construction teams.

• Own the end-to-end product design process for core product areas, from initial concept ideation through to high-fidelity UI design and collaboration with engineering teams for implementation.

• Shape the integration and user interaction with AI features within the product, addressing the unique challenge of making AI feel intuitive and valuable in the construction industry.

• Drive user discovery through direct customer interviews and research, translating insights into tangible design concepts and contributing to product strategy and roadmap development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Product Associate" with UX/Intern/Working Student focus, indicating an entry-level to early-career position. The responsibilities heavily lean towards Product Design and UX, with an emphasis on user-facing aspects of a B2B SaaS product in the construction technology sector. The "Operations" aspect comes from the need to streamline complex workflows, manage data effectively, and ensure seamless user adoption, which are core to operational efficiency in a software product.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop high-fidelity UI mockups and interactive prototypes using Figma, translating user needs and product requirements into intuitive and visually appealing interfaces.

• Lead user discovery initiatives by conducting customer interviews, analyzing user feedback, and researching competitor products to identify pain points and opportunities for product enhancement.

• Define and evolve the AI user experience, establishing how AI features are presented and interacted with to ensure clarity, trust, and actionable insights for construction professionals.

• Contribute to the growth and maintenance of the company's design system by creating reusable components in Figma and collaborating with engineers to ensure consistent implementation across the platform.

• Develop product specifications and documentation to support the engineering team in rapid and efficient feature development and deployment.

• Design outward-facing product materials, including branding elements, landing pages, and launch collateral, to ensure a cohesive and professional product presentation.

• Collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, and founders to iterate on designs based on user feedback, technical constraints, and business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role with significant user interaction and cross-functional collaboration. The emphasis on "designing the product," "making AI feel right," and "growing the design system" points to a strategic contribution beyond just executing designs. The focus on user discovery and prototyping in Figma underscores the importance of a structured design process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Media Informatics, Architecture, or a closely related technical or design field.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in UX/UI design, product design, or a related field, preferably within a startup or B2B SaaS environment. Experience gained through internships, academic projects, or personal side projects will be considered.

Required Skills:

• Figma Proficiency: Demonstrated expertise in using Figma for component design, prototyping, and systems thinking.

• User Research & Discovery: Ability to conduct user interviews, gather requirements, and translate findings into actionable design concepts.

• Technical Aptitude: Sufficient understanding of how web applications function to collaborate effectively with software engineers.

• German Language (C1 Level): Fluent verbal and written communication skills in German to engage directly with German construction project managers and stakeholders.

• Systems Thinking: Ability to understand and design within a complex product ecosystem, considering the interconnectedness of features and components.

• Prototyping Skills: Experience in creating interactive prototypes to test and communicate design ideas.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for AI-powered products, with a clear perspective on generative feature interaction.

• Strong product sense and critical evaluation skills, with the ability to articulate opinions on product design choices.

• Familiarity with AI tools such as Claude, Cursor, or Lovable.

• Prior exposure to B2B SaaS platforms or complex enterprise software.

• Interest or experience in animation tools like Rive or Lottie, iconography, or illustration.

• A portfolio showcasing personal side projects that demonstrate a commitment to design craft and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of core design skills, technical understanding, and strong communication abilities, particularly in German. The "Must-haves" are essential for immediate contribution, while "Bonus points" indicate areas where candidates can further differentiate themselves and align with the company's forward-thinking approach to AI and complex B2B products.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Process-Oriented Presentation: Showcase your design process for at least one significant UX problem you've solved, detailing your approach from research and ideation to final design and iteration.

• Figma Work Examples: Include examples of your work in Figma, demonstrating proficiency in component creation, prototyping, and the application of design systems.

• AI Design Considerations: If applicable, present case studies or examples that illustrate your approach to designing user experiences for AI-driven features.

• Impact Metrics: Where possible, quantify the impact of your design solutions, e.g., through user feedback, adoption rates, or efficiency improvements.

Process Documentation:

• User Journey Mapping: Demonstrate an understanding of mapping user journeys to identify pain points and design opportunities within complex workflows.

• Wireframing & Prototyping: Provide examples of wireframes and interactive prototypes used to test and validate design concepts before high-fidelity development.

• Design System Contribution: Illustrate how you have contributed to or utilized design systems, showing an understanding of component-based design and scalability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role, not just for showcasing final designs but for understanding the candidate's problem-solving methodology, design thinking, and ability to articulate their process. The emphasis on Figma and process documentation aligns with the need for structured and collaborative design work in a fast-paced startup environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €17 - €20 per hour (as a Working Student/Internship rate). Based on the provided salary data, this role offers an hourly rate typical for student positions (Werkstudent) in Germany, aligning with the specified experience level.

Benefits:

• Direct Mentorship: Work closely with Ann, the CPO, who will provide guidance on product thinking and UX craft.

• User Access: Opportunity to participate in customer interviews and observe user interactions with your designs.

• Rapid Impact: Experience seeing your work go live quickly and receiving immediate feedback for rapid iteration.

• Vibrant Office Culture: Enjoy a dynamic work environment in a central Munich office, fostering collaboration and innovation.

• Flexible Work Arrangement: A hybrid model offering at least two days per week in the office, with flexibility for remote work.

• Wellness Support: Access to EGYM Wellpass for physical and mental well-being activities.

• Career Progression: Potential to transition into a full-time design role upon graduation, based on mutual fit and performance.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time internship or working student role, with flexibility in remote work days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits are tailored to early-career professionals, emphasizing learning, direct impact, and career development. The hybrid work model and wellness benefits reflect a modern approach to employee well-being and work-life balance. The hourly rate is competitive for student roles in Germany.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction Technology (ConTech), SaaS, Artificial Intelligence.

Company Size: Small (approx. 15 employees), indicating a close-knit team where individual contributions have a significant impact.

Founded: Alago was founded with a mission to modernize the construction industry through AI-powered project management, addressing the outdated software landscape. The company has secured €1M+ in pre-seed funding from leading VCs and a major project developer.

Team Structure:

• The team is lean and agile, comprising approximately 15 individuals.

• The Product Associate will report directly to Ann, the Chief Product Officer (CPO), who will serve as a primary mentor.

• Collaboration is expected to be highly cross-functional, involving close interaction with founders, engineers, and potentially sales and customer success teams. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Product Development: Emphasis on using data from user interactions and customer feedback to inform product decisions and design iterations.

• Agile Workflow: Focus on rapid prototyping, shipping features quickly, and iterating based on real-world user feedback.

• AI Integration: A core aspect of the company's strategy is to leverage AI to provide predictive insights and early warnings for construction projects.

Company Website: https://alago.ai

📝 Enhancement Note: Alago operates in a disruptive niche within the construction industry, aiming to bring modern technology and AI to a sector often perceived as traditional. The small team size means this role offers a high degree of visibility and influence. The company's funding and customer base suggest a strong market validation and growth potential.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at the Intern/Working Student/Associate level, focused on foundational UX/Product Design skills. It's an excellent entry point for individuals looking to build a career in product design within the B2B SaaS and technology sector. The responsibilities are hands-on, involving direct contribution to product development rather than strategic oversight.

Reporting Structure: The Product Associate will report directly to Ann, the CPO. This provides an opportunity for direct mentorship and learning from a senior product leader.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role, the Product Associate's work directly impacts the operational efficiency of construction projects by making software more intuitive and AI insights more accessible. A well-designed product reduces user error, speeds up task completion, and improves data accuracy, all of which contribute to the smoother operation of construction projects managed through alago.

Growth Opportunities:

• Product Design Mastery: Deepen expertise in UX/UI design, prototyping, and design systems through practical application and mentorship.

• AI Product Design Specialization: Gain specialized experience in designing user experiences for AI features, a highly sought-after skill.

• Industry Expertise: Develop a strong understanding of the construction technology sector and its unique operational challenges.

• Full-Time Conversion: Opportunity to transition into a full-time Product Designer or similar role upon graduation, with potential for career advancement within a growing startup.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Learn about product management, engineering workflows, and startup operations through daily interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is designed as a stepping stone. The "Associate" title, combined with "Intern/Working Student," suggests a structured learning environment with a clear path for growth, potentially leading to a full-time position. The impact is indirect but significant, contributing to the usability and efficiency of a critical business tool.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model with a significant presence in a vibrant, central Munich office. The company emphasizes in-person collaboration for at least two days a week.

Office Location(s): Central Munich, Germany. This location offers excellent accessibility and a dynamic urban environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The Munich office is designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and team cohesion, providing a space for brainstorming and cross-functional interaction.

• Modern Tools: Access to industry-standard design tools like Figma, and potentially other AI and collaboration platforms, supporting efficient design workflows.

• Direct Interaction: Opportunities for daily interaction with a lean, passionate team, including founders and engineers, facilitating quick feedback loops and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule: The role is structured around a full-time commitment (approx. 40 hours/week), with flexibility in scheduling for remote work days. This allows for focused work sessions and accommodates academic commitments where applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model balances the need for focused individual work with the benefits of in-person collaboration and team building. The central Munich location is a significant draw for employees seeking a dynamic urban work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• 1. Submit Your Story: Initial application requires submitting a portfolio that details your design process and includes a case study of a UX problem you've solved.

• 2. Intro Call (30 min): A brief introductory call with a team member to discuss your background, interests, and learn more about alago's vision.

• 3. Design Challenge (90 min): A practical exercise where you'll solve a real UX problem from the alago product, demonstrating your problem-solving approach and design thinking skills.

• 4. Offer 🎉: A decision and offer will be extended within 24 hours of the final interview stage.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Focus on demonstrating your process – research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and iteration – rather than just presenting polished final screens.

• Tell a Story: Frame your case studies as narratives, clearly articulating the problem, your role, the solutions you explored, the reasoning behind your choices, and the outcomes achieved.

• Highlight Figma Skills: Be prepared to walk through your Figma files, showcasing your proficiency with components, auto-layout, prototyping features, and design system thinking.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs. For this role, focus on how your designs make complex data actionable or AI interactions intuitive.

• Tailor to Construction & AI: If you have experience or a strong perspective on designing for complex B2B domains or AI features, ensure this is clearly highlighted.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Research alago, the construction industry's challenges with software, and the role of AI in project management.

• Focus on Problem-Solving: The challenge will assess your ability to break down a problem, explore solutions, and justify your design decisions logically.

• Time Management: Be mindful of the 90-minute timeframe. Prioritize key aspects of the design process and be prepared to present your approach concisely.

• Communicate Your Thinking: Clearly articulate your thought process and design rationale throughout the challenge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to be efficient and provide a strong assessment of practical design skills and problem-solving abilities. The emphasis on a "story" and "process" in the portfolio and challenge preparation is crucial for candidates to stand out.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and design system management. Proficiency is a mandatory requirement.

• AI Tools (Potential): Familiarity with AI tools like Claude, Cursor, or Lovable is a plus, indicating an interest in and understanding of AI-driven design workflows.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned, expect to work with product analytics tools to understand user behavior and validate design hypotheses. Familiarity with general analytics concepts will be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the Product Associate's day-to-day design tasks, but understanding how CRM and automation tools fit into the broader B2B SaaS ecosystem can provide context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on design tools, particularly Figma. The mention of specific AI tools suggests the company is embracing modern AI technologies, and candidates with exposure to these are likely to be well-received.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Craftsmanship & Detail: A strong emphasis on design quality, attention to detail, and creating polished, user-friendly interfaces, especially in the context of complex B2B software.

• User-Centricity: A commitment to understanding and solving real user problems through direct interaction and empathy.

• Innovation & AI Forward: A drive to leverage cutting-edge technologies like AI to create novel solutions and improve existing processes.

• Efficiency & Speed: A startup mentality that values rapid iteration, quick shipping, and continuous improvement based on feedback.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication and teamwork are essential in a lean startup environment, fostering a culture where ideas are shared freely.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Synergy: Expect close collaboration with engineering, product management, and leadership to ensure designs are technically feasible, strategically aligned, and meet user needs.

• Iterative Feedback Loops: A culture that embraces constructive feedback, using it to refine designs and product direction.

• Proactive Communication: Team members are encouraged to be proactive in sharing updates, insights, and potential roadblocks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to be a blend of startup agility and a deep appreciation for design quality. The emphasis on user-centricity and innovation, particularly with AI, will appeal to design professionals looking to make a tangible impact.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for a Complex Industry: Translating the intricate workflows and data requirements of the construction industry into an intuitive and user-friendly interface presents a significant design challenge.

• Making AI Accessible: Defining how AI features are integrated and perceived by users in a traditionally non-technical industry requires careful UX design and communication.

• Balancing Speed and Quality: As a startup, there's a constant need to ship features quickly, which requires careful management of design scope and quality to avoid technical debt or user frustration.

• Evolving Product Landscape: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in AI and design tools, and adapting the product design to these changes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship from CPO: Direct guidance from a senior product leader on product strategy, UX best practices, and career development.

• Hands-on Experience: Gaining practical experience in all phases of the product design lifecycle within a real-world B2B SaaS environment.

• Specialization in AI UX: Developing a niche expertise in designing user experiences for artificial intelligence features.

• Industry Insight: Deepening knowledge of the construction technology sector and its operational challenges.

• Portfolio Building: Creating impactful case studies and designs that can significantly enhance a professional portfolio for future career opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to working in a fast-growing startup disrupting a traditional industry with new technology. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a steep learning curve and the chance to develop highly marketable skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a feature from a rough idea to a high-fidelity UI in Figma." (Focus on user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and iteration.)

• "How would you approach designing the user experience for an AI feature that predicts project delays in construction?" (Discuss user needs, data visualization, trust, and actionable insights.)

• "Tell us about a time you had to collaborate with engineers on a design implementation. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?" (Highlight communication, compromise, and technical understanding.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about alago and our mission to modernize the construction industry with AI?" (Research the company's vision and relate it to your career goals.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest UX design trends and AI technologies?" (Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning.)

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you contribute to a positive team culture." (Align your values with alago's emphasis on collaboration and craftsmanship.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process you followed, key decisions made, and the outcomes or learnings.

• Emphasize Process Over Polish: While polished visuals are good, focus on showing your thinking, sketches, wireframes, and user flows to demonstrate how you arrive at solutions.

• Demo Your Figma Skills: Be prepared to share your Figma file and walk through your components, prototyping, and design system implementation.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, use metrics or user feedback to illustrate the success of your designs. For this role, focus on usability and clarity of AI features.

• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, alternative solutions you considered, and how you would handle specific feedback or constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong design process, an understanding of the construction tech domain, and a clear perspective on AI UX. Being able to articulate your thought process and showcase practical skills in Figma will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Associate UX / Intern / Working Student position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete the application form via the provided link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 1-2 strong case studies that best showcase your design process, problem-solving skills, and Figma proficiency. Tailor the presentation to highlight your approach to complex problems and any experience or insights related to AI design or B2B SaaS.

• Optimize Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly lists your relevant education, technical skills (especially Figma and German language proficiency), and any internship or project experience. Highlight achievements and responsibilities that align with the job description.

• Prepare Your Story: Be ready to articulate your design journey and explain a UX problem you've solved during the application and interview stages. Practice presenting your portfolio and design process concisely.

• Research Alago: Understand the company's mission, target industry, product offerings, and recent funding. This will help you tailor your application and demonstrate genuine interest during the interview.

⚠️ 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.