Summer Intern - Advanced UX Engineering

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Summer Intern - Advanced UX Engineering

Company: HARMAN International

Location: Novi, Michigan, United States

Job Type: Internship

Category: UX Engineering / Product Development

Date Posted: April 13, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Internship)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Contribute to the conceptualization, prototyping, and documentation of innovative, multisensory in-car user experiences that leverage audio, light, haptics, and mechanical elements.

• Integrate audio, software, lighting, and innovation teams to consolidate components and systems into cohesive user experiences within the automotive domain.

• Conduct research into emerging audio, acoustic, and AI technologies to inform new concepts and prototypes for future automotive applications.

• Develop user stories and document new innovations in collaboration with brand teams and customer-facing departments to address automaker and consumer pain points.

• Collaborate closely with UI/UX designers, industrial designers, and acoustic engineers to craft intuitive and engaging user interfaces and experiences across HARMAN's diverse brand portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for an internship focused on "Advanced UX Engineering," indicating a strong emphasis on cutting-edge user experience design within the automotive sector, particularly concerning audio and integrated technologies. The "Advanced" qualifier suggests a focus on future-forward concepts and technologies beyond standard UX practices.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design creative, multisensory in-car experiences incorporating sound, light, mechanics, and haptics to enhance the driving and passenger journey.

• Collaborate with audio, software, lighting, design, and innovation teams to integrate diverse components and systems, defining unified user experiences.

• Prototype novel in-car experiences and meticulously document them as potential product opportunities, detailing user flows and interaction models.

• Research and evaluate new audio, acoustic, and AI technologies, identifying opportunities to incorporate them into innovative concepts and prototypes for automotive applications.

• Document user stories, define user journeys, and articulate new innovations in clear, concise product opportunity documents for brand and product teams.

• Analyze automaker and consumer pain points through dedicated research, driving innovative solutions that inform concept and product design strategies.

• Engage with sales and customer success teams to gather insights and translate customer needs into actionable design solutions.

• Develop and present new brand experiences that align with HARMAN's extensive portfolio of automotive audio brands.

• Partner with UI/UX designers, industrial designers, and acoustic engineers to ensure a holistic and high-quality user interface and experience design.

• Foster collaboration with internal teams across HARMAN's divisions, including EPIC, Car Audio, Automotive, and other HARMAN and Samsung entities, to ensure alignment and leverage cross-functional expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design, technical research, cross-functional collaboration, and product ideation, all centered around enhancing the in-car user experience through advanced technologies. The emphasis on "multisensory" experiences and a broad range of technologies (audio, light, haptics, AI) indicates a forward-thinking and innovative role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor's Degree program or higher at an accredited institution.

• Must have completed the sophomore year or later.

• Must be taking at least one class in the semester/quarter prior to the internship.

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Audio Engineering Fundamentals: Proficiency in core audio engineering principles, including signal flow design, sound card configuration, and basic understanding of acoustic, electronic, computer, and/or software engineering as they relate to audio.

• Passion for Audio: Demonstrated genuine interest and enthusiasm for audio engineering and its applications.

• Communication Proficiency: Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to confidently present information and ideas to senior leaders and executives.

• Collaboration & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent collaboration abilities, with strong interpersonal skills and a proven capacity for building positive working relationships.

• Problem-Solving & Persistence: Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, with the tenacity to overcome technical challenges and drive solutions forward.

Preferred Skills:

• Automotive Industry Acumen: Knowledge of the automotive business and engineering landscape, including current trends and future directions.

• Multidisciplinary Technical Background: Experience or education in audio, acoustics, human factors, user experience (UX) design, system engineering, system integration, automotive networking, AI/ML engineering, computer science, or product development.

• Creativity and Innovation: A creative spirit capable of merging artistic vision with scientific principles to develop unique and memorable brand experiences.

• Acoustic Expertise: Knowledge of acoustic theory, sound reproduction principles, and sound system tuning techniques.

• Automotive Enthusiasm: A strong passion for the automotive industry, its experiences, and evolving technologies.

• Recording Arts Knowledge: Familiarity with recording arts and technologies, which can inform audio design and implementation.

• Strong Recommendations: Positive recommendations from academic or industry mentors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize foundational engineering and soft skills critical for internship success, while preferred skills point towards candidates with a broader, more specialized interest in automotive UX and emerging technologies. The GPA and academic standing requirements are standard for internships.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• User Experience Case Studies: Showcase projects demonstrating the design process from research to final concept, highlighting problem identification, user needs analysis, and solution development.

• Prototyping Examples: Include examples of prototypes created, whether digital (e.g., wireframes, interactive mockups) or physical, demonstrating the ability to bring concepts to life.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Documentation: If possible, include examples or descriptions of how you've collaborated with different disciplines (e.g., design, engineering) on a project, detailing your role and contributions.

• Demonstration of Technical Skills: If applicable, showcase projects that highlight specific technical skills mentioned in requirements, such as audio signal flow diagrams, basic code snippets for interactive elements, or system integration diagrams.

Process Documentation:

• User Research Synthesis: Provide examples of how you synthesize user research findings into actionable insights and design requirements.

• Design Iteration Documentation: Show evidence of iterative design processes, including initial concepts, feedback incorporation, and refined designs.

• Technical Specification Outlines: For projects involving technical components, demonstrate an ability to outline or document basic technical specifications or integration points.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific "system" requirements are less emphasized for an internship, the focus is on demonstrating a structured approach to UX design, prototyping, and the ability to communicate technical and user-centric concepts effectively. The portfolio should reflect the candidate's potential to grow within advanced UX engineering.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Freshman: $21.00 per hour

• Sophomore: $23.00 per hour

• Junior: $25.00 per hour

• Senior: $27.00 per hour

• Master's Student: $32.00 per hour

• Doctoral Student: $38.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid sick leave

• Medical benefits

Working Hours:

• 40 hours per week.

• The internship is scheduled from May 18, 2026, through August 7, 2026.

• Must be willing to work in a hybrid office environment in Novi, Michigan.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is tiered based on the student's academic level, reflecting the increasing foundational knowledge and potential contributions of more senior students. The "Pay Transparency" section provides clear hourly rates for different educational stages. Benefits are standard for internships, with specific offerings potentially varying.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Technology, Consumer Electronics, Audio Systems, Software Development. HARMAN is a subsidiary of Samsung, operating at the intersection of these dynamic sectors.

Company Size: HARMAN International is a large global organization, part of the Samsung Electronics conglomerate. This means access to extensive resources, diverse projects, and a broad professional network.

Founded: HARMAN was founded in 1953. Its long history in audio and electronics, combined with its integration into Samsung, positions it as a leader in innovation and established market presence.

Team Structure:

• Advanced Experiences Team: This specific team likely comprises individuals focused on future technologies and innovative user experiences, working closely with product development and R&D.

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires integration with multiple teams including audio engineering, software development, lighting design, innovation, UI/UX design, industrial design, and acoustic engineering.

• Reporting: The intern reports to the Director, Advanced Experiences, indicating a level of senior oversight and strategic direction for the team's work.

Methodology:

• User-Centric Design: A strong emphasis on understanding and addressing automaker and consumer pain points to drive innovative solutions.

• Technology Exploration: Continuous research and integration of new technologies (audio, AI, haptics) into product concepts and prototypes.

• Collaborative Development: A methodology that relies heavily on cross-functional teamwork and shared expertise to achieve complex design goals.

• Documentation and Prototyping: A structured approach to documenting user stories, product opportunities, and creating prototypes to validate concepts.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: HARMAN's culture is characterized by innovation, a focus on enriching lives through technology, and a strong emphasis on teamwork. As part of Samsung, it benefits from a global reach and significant investment in R&D. The "Advanced UX Engineering" role within this context suggests an environment that encourages forward-thinking and experimental design.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship role, designed for students to gain practical experience in advanced UX engineering within the automotive industry. It serves as a foundational step for aspiring professionals in UX design, audio engineering, and product development.

Reporting Structure: The intern reports to the Director, Advanced Experiences. This provides direct mentorship from a senior leader in the field, offering exposure to strategic thinking and high-level project management within UX innovation.

Operations Impact: While an intern's direct impact is typically focused on project contributions and learning, the work on advanced UX concepts and prototypes can significantly influence future product roadmaps and user experience strategies for HARMAN's automotive products and brands.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Gain hands-on experience in multisensory design, prototyping, user research synthesis, and cross-functional collaboration within a leading automotive tech company.

• Industry Exposure: Deepen understanding of the automotive industry, emerging technologies (AI, haptics), and the product development lifecycle in a global enterprise.

• Networking: Build professional connections with engineers, designers, and leaders across HARMAN and potentially Samsung, fostering future career opportunities.

• Career Exploration: Test interest and aptitude for UX engineering, audio design, and the automotive sector, informing future academic and career decisions.

• Potential for Future Opportunities: Successful interns may be considered for future internship cycles or even entry-level positions upon graduation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This internship is positioned as a significant learning and development opportunity, providing crucial exposure to advanced UX concepts and the automotive industry. The direct reporting line to a Director offers valuable mentorship and insight into strategic decision-making within the UX innovation space.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid office environment. This means a mix of in-office work for collaboration and hands-on activities, and potentially some remote flexibility, though the primary location is specified as Novi, Michigan.

Office Location(s): Novi, Michigan, USA. This location is a hub for automotive engineering and technology development, offering proximity to industry partners and talent.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The hybrid environment suggests access to shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and potentially labs equipped for prototyping and testing multisensory experiences.

• Technology & Tools: Interns will likely have access to standard office technology, specialized UX design software, and potentially audio/haptic prototyping equipment relevant to their projects.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with the Advanced Experiences team, as well as other engineering and design departments, fostering a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

• The internship requires full availability for 40 hours per week.

• The internship duration is fixed from May 18, 2026, through August 7, 2026.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the work environment at the Novi, Michigan facility suggests a balance between in-person collaboration and the flexibility afforded by modern work arrangements. This setup is designed to facilitate both focused individual work and dynamic team interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, resume, and academic qualifications against internship requirements.

• Technical & Behavioral Interview(s): Likely involves one or more interviews with hiring managers and/or team members. Expect questions assessing technical knowledge in audio engineering, UX principles, and problem-solving abilities, as well as behavioral questions evaluating collaboration, communication, and passion for the field.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing relevant projects, design processes, and technical skills. This is a critical part of demonstrating practical application of knowledge.

• Case Study/Challenge (Potential): Some internships may include a small design challenge or case study to assess on-the-spot problem-solving and design thinking.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Effectively: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best align with the role's requirements (UX design, audio, automotive interest, prototyping).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing), the technologies used, and the outcome or impact.

• Highlight UX Process: Emphasize your understanding of user-centered design principles, user research, wireframing, prototyping, and iteration.

• Showcase Technical Skills: If applicable, include examples of technical contributions, such as system diagrams, audio signal flows, or descriptions of prototypes built.

• Quantify Where Possible: If you have metrics or measurable outcomes, include them. For internships, qualitative impact and learning are often as important.

• Keep it Concise: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on key insights and achievements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Review Core Skills: Refresh knowledge on audio engineering fundamentals, UX design principles, and common automotive technologies.

• Practice Problem-Solving: Be ready to tackle hypothetical design challenges related to in-car experiences, focusing on your thought process and approach.

• Articulate Your Thinking: Practice explaining your design decisions and technical rationale clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for internships often balances academic qualifications with demonstrated practical skills and potential. A strong portfolio that clearly illustrates the candidate's design process, technical capabilities, and passion for UX and automotive technology is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX/UI Design Software: Proficiency in tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar for wireframing, prototyping, and UI design.

• Prototyping Tools: Experience with interactive prototyping tools (e.g., InVision, Principle, or built-in features of design software).

• Audio Engineering Software: Familiarity with Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) like Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, or audio analysis tools may be beneficial.

• 3D Modeling/CAD Software (Bonus): Experience with tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or Blender could be advantageous for conceptualizing physical interfaces.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools (Basic): While not a primary focus for UX engineering, understanding how to interpret user feedback or basic analytics to inform design decisions is valuable.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this UX Engineering internship role.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is focused on UX Engineering, a strong foundation in design and prototyping tools is essential. Familiarity with audio-specific software and a willingness to learn new technologies are key. Experience with tools that bridge design and engineering (e.g., CAD) would be a significant plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A drive to explore new technologies and create novel user experiences that push boundaries.

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and addressing the needs and pain points of both automakers and end consumers.

• Collaboration: A belief in the power of teamwork and cross-functional partnerships to achieve ambitious goals.

• Passion for Audio & Automotive: A genuine enthusiasm for the products and industry, fostering a dedicated and engaged work environment.

• Excellence: Striving for high-quality design and engineering outcomes that enhance lives through technology.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively working with diverse teams (audio, software, design, innovation) to synthesize ideas and create cohesive experiences.

• Open Communication: Encouraging clear and honest dialogue to share insights, provide feedback, and resolve challenges effectively.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes learning from each other, sharing expertise, and fostering collective growth.

• Iterative Design Culture: Embracing feedback loops and iterative development to refine concepts and solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: HARMAN's culture, as reflected in this role, values individuals who are not only technically proficient but also creative, collaborative, and passionate about improving user experiences through cutting-edge technology, particularly in the automotive and audio space.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Art and Science: Effectively merging creative design concepts with complex technical realities of automotive systems and audio engineering.

• Rapid Technology Evolution: Keeping pace with and integrating rapidly advancing technologies like AI and advanced acoustics into user experiences.

• Multisensory Integration: Designing cohesive and intuitive experiences that seamlessly blend audio, light, haptics, and other sensory inputs.

• Cross-Disciplinary Communication: Navigating and effectively communicating with diverse engineering and design teams, each with its own jargon and priorities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX Techniques: Gaining practical experience in designing for complex, integrated automotive environments.

• Emerging Technology Exposure: Hands-on work with AI, advanced acoustics, and haptic feedback systems.

• Industry Best Practices: Learning from experienced professionals in UX, audio engineering, and product development within a global leader.

• Professional Networking: Building valuable connections within the automotive and technology sectors.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Developing significant project work that can be showcased in future career applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: This internship is designed to expose interns to the forefront of automotive UX innovation, presenting challenges that foster significant professional growth and provide a strong foundation for a career in advanced technology design.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex user experience you've designed or encountered. How did you approach understanding the user needs and what were the key design considerations?" (Focus on your UX process, empathy, and problem-solving.)

• "Imagine you need to integrate a new AI-driven audio feature into a car. What are the first steps you would take to conceptualize and design the user experience?" (Demonstrate your approach to integrating new technology, user flow, and potential challenges.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about HARMAN's work in advanced UX engineering, and what do you hope to contribute during your internship?" (Research HARMAN's recent innovations and tailor your answer.)

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with individuals from different technical backgrounds. How did you ensure effective communication and achieve a common goal?" (Highlight your interpersonal and collaboration skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline: 1. The Problem/Opportunity, 2. Your Role & Responsibilities, 3. Your Process (Research, Ideation, Design, Testing), 4. The Solution/Outcome, 5. Key Learnings.

• Highlight Key Technologies: Explicitly mention any audio, software, haptic, or AI technologies you engaged with.

• Emphasize Collaboration: If projects involved teamwork, describe your contribution and how you worked with others.

• Showcase Prototyping: Clearly demonstrate your prototyping skills, whether through interactive demos, videos, or detailed screenshots.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, technical decisions, and challenges faced.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this internship should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of UX principles, a passion for audio and automotive technology, and the ability to collaborate effectively. A well-prepared portfolio that tells a compelling story about your design process is paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Customize your resume: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant coursework, academic projects, and any personal projects related to UX design, audio engineering, or automotive technology. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate 3-5 of your strongest projects that showcase your UX design process, prototyping skills, and any relevant technical abilities. Ensure clear documentation of the problem, your solution, and your process.

• Research HARMAN: Familiarize yourself with HARMAN's brands, its role in the automotive industry, and any recent innovations in UX or audio technology. Understand their commitment to enriching lives through technology.

• Practice your pitch: Be ready to articulate your interest in the role, your qualifications, and what you hope to gain and contribute during the internship. Practice presenting your portfolio concisely.

⚠️ 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.