UX/UI Design Intern

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Design Intern (Field Systems)

Company: Trimble Inc.

Location: Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand

Job Type: Internship / Full-Time

Category: UX/UI Design, Product Design

Date Posted: June 11, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Internship)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship focuses on designing user interfaces and experiences for professional software, emphasizing AI-assisted prototyping and real-world technology integration within Trimble's Field Systems segment.

• The role involves creating high-fidelity designs for various platforms (desktop, web, mobile, embedded) and contributing to an established design system (modus.trimble.com).

• Interns will gain practical experience in user testing, field visits, and research synthesis, working closely with a global team of design and research professionals.

• The position offers a unique opportunity to blend UX/UI design with multimedia storytelling and contribute to impactful technology solutions across construction, agriculture, and transportation industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary title is "UX/UI Design Intern," the description highlights a strong focus on product design, user experience, and the application of design principles to commercial software. The "Field Systems" designation indicates a specialization within Trimble's broader technology offerings, particularly those interacting with physical field devices and complex industry workflows. The emphasis on AI-assisted prototyping and contributing to a design system suggests a role with significant learning potential and direct impact on product development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver high-fidelity user interface designs for commercial software applications across desktop, web, mobile, and embedded platforms.

• Design and iterate on user flows for AI-assisted prototyping features, including branching logic and new feature validation.

• Contribute to the expansion and maintenance of the Modus design system (modus.trimble.com), ensuring consistency and support for emerging technologies.

• Assist in user testing sessions, conduct field visits to observe user behavior, and synthesize research findings to inform design decisions.

• Collaborate within cross-functional design pods to translate user needs and business requirements into intuitive and effective design solutions.

• Potentially engage in multimedia storytelling elements to communicate technical content and design concepts to a global audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are framed around core product design lifecycle stages, from ideation and prototyping to user validation and system maintenance. The mention of "commercial software" and "embedded platforms" implies a focus on B2B products with potentially complex functionalities and hardware integrations, requiring a robust understanding of user workflows and system constraints.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently pursuing a degree in User Experience Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Interaction Design, Product Design, or a closely related field.

• Preference for candidates who have completed at least two years of undergraduate study or are pursuing a Master's degree. Experience:

• Demonstrated experience through a design portfolio showcasing end-to-end design thinking, research methodologies, decision-making processes, and project outcomes.

• Familiarity with established design systems and the ability to work within their guidelines.

• Internship or project experience in a professional design setting is beneficial but not strictly required if portfolio demonstrates strong capabilities. Required Skills:

• Fluency in industry-standard UI design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).

• Strong visual and interaction design fundamentals, with a keen eye for detail and aesthetics.

• Understanding of user-centered design principles and methodologies.

• Ability to communicate design concepts clearly and effectively, both verbally and visually.

• Comfort working within an established design system. Preferred Skills:

• Active interest and experience in AI-assisted prototyping tools and techniques.

• Experience with user testing, user research, and research synthesis.

• Familiarity with multimedia storytelling or content creation for technical products.

• Ability to work independently while maintaining strong collaborative relationships within a team.

• Exposure to design for desktop, web, mobile, and embedded platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "design portfolio demonstrating your end-to-end thinking, research, decisions, trade-offs, and outcomes" is critical. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design process, justify their choices, and showcase how they've translated user needs and business goals into tangible design solutions. The "AI-assisted prototyping" is a key differentiator and should be highlighted if candidates have experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive design portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies.

• Each case study should clearly articulate the problem statement, your role and responsibilities, the design process followed (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), and the final outcomes/impact.

• Demonstrate end-to-end thinking, including user research, wireframing, high-fidelity design, prototyping, and ideally, user testing and iteration.

• Evidence of working with or contributing to design systems, illustrating an understanding of consistency and scalability.

• Examples of how you've made design decisions based on user needs, business objectives, and technical constraints. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal design process and how they approach problem-solving.

• The portfolio should illustrate a structured approach to design, moving from discovery and definition to iteration and refinement.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how to document design decisions, user flows, and interface specifications.

• Showcase an ability to adapt design processes based on project requirements, timelines, and available resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an internship role, the portfolio is the primary evaluation tool. It should not only showcase visual design skills but also the candidate's thought process, problem-solving capabilities, and ability to articulate their contributions. Emphasize projects that demonstrate collaboration and understanding of user-centered design principles, even if they were academic or personal projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: NZD $25,000 - $35,000 per annum (pro-rata for 12 weeks).

• Methodology: This estimate is based on typical internship compensation for design and technology roles in New Zealand, particularly in Christchurch, for a 12-week paid internship. It considers the experience level (entry-level/intern) and the specialized nature of UX/UI design. Industry benchmarks for paid internships in similar tech sectors in New Zealand were consulted.

Benefits:

• 12-week paid internship program.

• Assigned Buddy/Mentor for guidance and support throughout the internship.

• Opportunity for a Test Site Visit to experience Trimble's construction technology firsthand.

• A two-week break over the Christmas/New Year's period.

• Receive Trimble branded merchandise.

• Free membership to the Trimble Social Club for networking and social events.

• Access to onsite amenities including a gym and showers.

• Convenient office perks such as free parking and securely covered bike sheds.

• Be part of a professional team and a cohort of over 20 interns, fostering networking and peer learning. Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week, standard business hours, Monday to Friday.

• While the role is on-site, Trimble generally supports a productive work-life balance. Flexibility may be available subject to team needs and manager approval, but core hours will be expected for team collaboration and project engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided benefits list is quite extensive for an internship, suggesting Trimble invests significantly in its intern program. Highlighting the "paid" nature and the mentorship is crucial for attracting candidates. The inclusion of onsite facilities and social club membership adds to the overall value proposition.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Software, Engineering, Geospatial, Construction Technology, Agriculture Technology, Transportation Technology.

Company Size: Trimble Inc. is a large, global public company with over 13,000 employees worldwide, indicating a structured, professional environment with established processes and significant resources.

Founded: 1978, providing a long history of innovation and market leadership in its respective fields.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Design Intern will likely be part of the Field Systems UX team, which is part of a larger design and research organization within Trimble.

• Reporting will be to a Design Manager or Lead UX Designer, with a dedicated Buddy/Mentor assigned for day-to-day guidance.

• The role emphasizes collaboration within "small, cross-functional design pods," suggesting a matrixed team structure where designers work closely with product managers, engineers, and researchers on specific product initiatives. Methodology:

• Trimble operates with a strong focus on innovation, precision, and data analytics to transform industries.

• The design team likely adheres to user-centered design methodologies, employing research, prototyping, and iterative testing to create effective solutions.

• There's a clear emphasis on leveraging technology, including AI, to enhance design processes and product capabilities.

• The company culture promotes ownership and initiative, encouraging proactive problem-solving.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Trimble's position as a global leader in its sectors means the intern will be exposed to enterprise-level product development and complex industry challenges. The company's focus on connecting the physical and digital worlds, particularly in heavy industries, provides a unique context for UX/UI design work. The "visionary pragmatists" and "self-authored" success culture implies an environment that values initiative and practical application of ideas.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This is an entry-level internship role, designed for students to gain foundational experience in UX/UI design within a professional, corporate setting. It's the first step in a potential career path in product design, user experience, or related fields. The scope is focused on contributing to specific design tasks under guidance. Reporting Structure:

• The intern will report to a senior member of the UX/UI design team (e.g., a Design Manager or Lead Designer) and will have a dedicated Buddy/Mentor for day-to-day operational guidance and skill development support.

• Collaboration will occur within "design pods," indicating interaction with product managers, software engineers, and potentially other researchers or designers. Operations Impact:

• While an intern's direct impact is developmental, their contributions to high-fidelity designs, design system updates, and user testing can directly influence product usability and user satisfaction.

• The role provides exposure to how design decisions impact productivity, efficiency, and user experience in critical industries like construction, agriculture, and transportation.

• Success in this internship could lead to future opportunities to contribute to products that have a tangible "Real-World Impact," as Trimble emphasizes. Growth Opportunities:

• Direct Mentorship: Receive guidance from experienced design professionals on UX/UI principles, tool proficiency, and professional best practices.

• Skill Development: Hands-on experience with industry-standard tools (Figma), design systems, user research, and AI-assisted prototyping.

• Networking: Opportunity to connect with a cohort of over 20 interns and various Trimble employees through social events and team interactions.

• Industry Exposure: Gain insights into the technology challenges and design needs of major industries like construction, agriculture, and transportation.

• Potential Future Opportunities: A successful internship can serve as a strong stepping stone for future full-time roles or further internships at Trimble or within the broader tech industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an internship, "growth" is primarily about learning and exposure. The structured program with a mentor, specific learning objectives (AI prototyping, design systems), and broad industry exposure are key selling points for career development. The emphasis on "Real-World Impact" and solving critical challenges is a significant draw for purpose-driven students.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• Trimble's New Zealand headquarters in Christchurch is described as a vibrant office environment, home to over 400 employees. It's designed to foster productivity and employee well-being. Office Location(s):

• Christchurch, New Zealand, specifically located on the Little River Link Cycleway. This location offers convenient access for those who cycle to work. Workspace Context:

• The office environment is described as professional and collaborative, with amenities like an onsite gym, showers, free parking, and secure bike sheds, catering to a healthy and active lifestyle for employees.

• The presence of over 400 employees suggests ample opportunities for cross-departmental interaction and a dynamic workplace culture.

• Interns will work within a dedicated UX team and "design pods," implying a mix of focused individual work and collaborative team sessions. Work Schedule:

• The internship is a full-time position, typically structured around a 40-hour work week, Monday to Friday.

• While the role is on-site, the company culture values a balance, and specific working hours may offer some flexibility, provided core collaboration needs are met. The commute is made easier by the onsite facilities and parking/bike storage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The detailed description of the Christchurch office amenities (gym, showers, bike sheds, parking) and its location on a cycleway paints a picture of a company that values employee well-being and active lifestyles. This is a significant perk for on-site roles and should be highlighted for potential candidates.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• The interview process likely involves multiple stages, beginning with an initial screening of applications and portfolios.

• Portfolio Review: A crucial step where candidates' design portfolios are evaluated for design thinking, process, execution, and communication skills.

Be prepared to walk through your case studies.

• Interviews: These may include:

  • A screening call with HR or a recruiter.

  • Interviews with the hiring manager and potential team members to assess technical skills, cultural fit, and problem-solving abilities.

  • A design exercise or case study presentation, where candidates might be asked to critique an existing design, propose solutions to a hypothetical problem, or present a detailed walkthrough of a portfolio project.

  • Discussions about motivations, career aspirations, and understanding of Trimble's mission. Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest, most relevant projects. For an internship, academic projects are acceptable if they demonstrate strong process and outcomes.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process, key decisions, challenges faced, and the results or learnings. Use visuals effectively.

• Emphasize Process: Show your thinking – sketches, wireframes, user flows, research insights, iterations. This is more important than just polished final screens for an intern role.

• Highlight Collaboration: If you worked in a team, clearly define your specific contributions and how you collaborated with others.

• Address AI Prototyping: If you have experience with AI tools, make sure to showcase it prominently. If not, express enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

• Tailor to Trimble: Research Trimble's products and industries. If possible, subtly connect your projects to their domain (e.g., design for complex workflows, data visualization).

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a design challenge, ensure you understand the target users, their goals, and the business objectives.

• Structure Your Approach: Outline your steps clearly: problem definition, research/assumptions, ideation, design solution, and justification.

• Focus on Process: Even with a short timeframe, demonstrate a thoughtful design process. It's okay to make assumptions, but state them clearly.

• Visualize Your Solution: Use mockups or wireframes to communicate your ideas effectively.

• Practice Articulation: Be ready to present your solution concisely and answer questions about your decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on the portfolio is paramount. Candidates should treat it as their primary application document. For an internship, demonstrating potential, a strong learning aptitude, and a solid grasp of foundational design principles is key. The mention of "design pods" suggests that collaboration and communication skills will be heavily assessed.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UI Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly emphasized, as it's industry-standard and likely used for AI-assisted prototyping). Experience with Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar tools is also valuable.

• Design Systems: Modus.trimble.com is the established design system; familiarity with design system principles and how to use/contribute to them is essential.

• Collaboration Tools: Likely includes tools like Jira, Confluence, Slack, Microsoft Teams for project management and communication within cross-functional teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for a UX/UI intern, understanding how user data (analytics, heatmaps, session recordings) informs design decisions is beneficial. Tools like Google Analytics, Hotjar, or internal analytics platforms might be used by the broader product team. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the core UX/UI design tasks, but understanding how user feedback or feature requests might be managed through CRM or project management systems could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the cornerstone tool mentioned. Candidates should ensure their portfolio and resume highlight proficiency with Figma. The specific mention of "AI-assisted prototyping" suggests that familiarity with or a strong interest in emerging AI design tools is a significant advantage. Experience with design systems is also critical, given the direct contribution expected to Modus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Belong: Fostering an inclusive environment where individuals are seen, heard, and valued, promoting a sense of community and psychological safety for all team members, including interns.

• Grow: Encouraging continuous learning, skill development, and career progression. For interns, this translates to robust mentorship, learning opportunities, and exposure to diverse projects.

• Innovate: Driving forward with new ideas, embracing cutting-edge technologies like AI, and finding creative solutions to complex real-world problems. This value encourages proactive contributions and experimentation.

• Real-World Impact: A core driver for Trimble, focusing on creating solutions that tangibly improve how industries operate, making work safer, more efficient, and sustainable. This purpose-driven approach is central to employee motivation.

• Ownership: Empowering individuals to take initiative, be proactive, and take responsibility for their work, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, particularly within "small, cross-functional design pods." This indicates a team structure that prioritizes close interaction between designers, product managers, and engineers.

• Emphasis on "visionary pragmatists" suggests a blend of bold ideas and practical execution, requiring clear communication and shared understanding.

• The company culture aims to be supportive, with a strong internal culture and a sense of belonging, encouraging open feedback and knowledge sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Belong, Grow, Innovate" as core values provides a clear framework for understanding Trimble's culture. Interns should be ready to demonstrate how they embody these values, particularly in their approach to learning, collaboration, and problem-solving. The emphasis on "Real-World Impact" is a key differentiator for Trimble and should be resonated with by candidates.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Complex Industries: Interns will be exposed to the intricate workflows and specific needs of industries like construction, agriculture, and transportation, requiring a steep learning curve to understand user contexts.

• Balancing Design System Consistency with Innovation: Contributing to an established design system while also exploring and integrating new technologies like AI-assisted prototyping presents a challenge in maintaining balance.

• Translating Technical Concepts into User-Friendly Interfaces: Trimble's products often involve complex technical data and functionality; simplifying these for intuitive user experiences is a significant design challenge.

• Adapting to a Large Corporate Environment: Transitioning from academic projects to a large, global organization with established processes and stakeholders requires adaptability and professional maturity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Hands-on Experience with AI Design Tools: Direct exposure to and application of AI-assisted prototyping, a rapidly evolving field.

• Design System Contribution: Learning how to maintain and potentially contribute to a large-scale, established design system.

• Cross-Functional Teamwork: Gaining experience working within agile, cross-functional product teams alongside experienced engineers and product managers.

• Industry Immersion: Deep dive into the unique design challenges and user needs of key global industries.

• Professional Development: Structured mentorship, networking opportunities with a cohort of interns, and exposure to corporate professional standards.

• Test Site Visit: Unique opportunity to see Trimble's technology in action in a real-world setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for an intern in a complex tech company, but they also highlight significant learning opportunities. Candidates should frame these challenges as exciting growth prospects rather than deterrents. The "Test Site Visit" is a unique and valuable experience that should be emphasized.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Problem Solving: "Walk us through a project from your portfolio. What was the problem, your role, your process, and the outcome?" Expect follow-up questions on your decisions, trade-offs, and learnings. Be ready to discuss how you approach ambiguity.

• Design System Thinking: "How would you approach contributing to or expanding an existing design system like Modus?" or "What are the benefits and challenges of using a design system?"

• AI in Design: "What are your thoughts on AI-assisted prototyping? How do you see it impacting UX/UI design?" or "Describe any experience you have with AI design tools." Be prepared to express enthusiasm even if your experience is limited.

• User Research & Testing: "How do you gather user feedback? Describe a time your user research led to a significant design change."

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why Trimble? Why this internship?" Connect your interests to Trimble's mission, industries, and values (Belong, Grow, Innovate, Real-World Impact).

• Teamwork: "Describe a time you worked collaboratively on a project. What was your role, and how did you handle disagreements?"

• Learning Aptitude: "How do you stay up-to-date with design trends?" or "Describe a time you had to learn a new tool or skill quickly."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Start with an overview of the project, then dive into your process. Clearly define the problem, user, and goals.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, wireframes, user flows, and any relevant research artifacts. Annotate screens to explain key design elements and decisions.

• Storytelling: Frame your projects as narratives. What was the challenge? What was your journey? What was the resolution?

• Highlight Your Role: Be explicit about your contributions, especially if it was a team project. Use "I" statements for your actions.

• Demonstrate Thought Process: Explain why you made certain design choices. Discuss trade-offs and how you arrived at the final solution.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, alternative solutions you considered, and how you would iterate further.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an internship interview, emphasis will be placed on potential, a strong understanding of design fundamentals, a willingness to learn, and cultural fit. The portfolio walkthrough is the most critical part; candidates should practice presenting it thoroughly. Expressing genuine interest in Trimble's mission and its impact on real-world industries will be highly beneficial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Design Internship:

• Submit your online application through the 'Apply Now' button on the Trimble Careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your design portfolio is up-to-date, highlights 2-3 strong case studies, and clearly articulates your design process, decisions, and outcomes. Tailor the emphasis to showcase skills relevant to Trimble's industries and the internship's focus on AI-assisted prototyping and design systems.

• Resume Optimization: Craft your resume to clearly state your current degree program, expected graduation date, and relevant coursework. Highlight any design tools proficiency (especially Figma) and any prior projects or experiences that demonstrate your design thinking and collaboration skills. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and portfolio projects. Prepare to discuss your understanding of user-centered design, design systems, and your interest in AI in design. Research Trimble's products and values to better tailor your responses.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Trimble's mission, the industries it serves (construction, agriculture, transportation), and its core values (Belong, Grow, Innovate). Understand the "Field Systems" segment and its role within Trimble.

⚠️ 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.