Werkstudent UI Design (w/m/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Werkstudent UI Design (w/m/d)

Company: HENSOLDT

Location: Ulm, Germany

Job Type: Internship / Werkstudent

Category: UI/UX Design, Product Design, Interaction Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-25

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on enhancing the user experience within the Air SIGINT Embedded Software Engineering division.

• The Werkstudent will be instrumental in creating user journeys and service blueprints to map and optimize user interactions.

• Responsibilities include actively participating in user research and usability testing to validate design decisions and gather critical feedback.

• Collaboration is key, with close interaction expected with the existing UI team and other cross-functional departments to ensure cohesive design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Werkstudent UI Design," the responsibilities clearly indicate a strong UX (User Experience) component, involving user journeys, service blueprints, user research, and usability testing, suggesting a hybrid UI/UX role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive user journeys and service blueprints to systematically analyze and improve the end-to-end user experience.

• Support the planning and execution of workshops focused on gathering and analyzing user requirements from stakeholders and end-users.

• Contribute to the conceptualization and creation of design concepts and interactive prototypes for embedded software applications.

• Conduct user research activities, including interviews and surveys, and perform usability testing sessions to validate design effectiveness and identify areas for refinement.

• Collaborate closely with senior UI/UX designers, software engineers, and product managers to ensure design solutions align with technical feasibility and business objectives.

• Translate complex technical requirements into intuitive and user-friendly interfaces for sophisticated defense and aerospace systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to design, moving beyond just visual aesthetics to encompass the entire user interaction lifecycle within complex technical systems. This implies a need for strong analytical and problem-solving skills in addition to design proficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently enrolled in a degree program in UX/UI Design, Product Design, Interaction Design, Human Factors/Ergonomics, Psychology, or a closely related field.

Experience: First experiences in UX design, ideally gained through internships or academic projects.

Required Skills:

• Strong passion for complex technical requirements and the ability to systematically translate them into simple, logical design concepts.

• Excellent analytical thinking skills coupled with a keen understanding of user needs and behaviors.

• Demonstrable creative flair, inventiveness, and a strong sense of modern software aesthetics.

• Proficiency in design and prototyping tools such as Axure, Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD.

• Experience in creating user journeys, service blueprints, and wireframes.

• Ability to conduct user research and usability testing.

• Dynamic, solution-oriented, and highly engaged work ethic. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with Human Factors or Ergonomics principles within a technical context.

• Understanding of embedded systems or defense/aerospace software development environments.

• Experience with agile development methodologies.

• German language proficiency, given the location and primary job posting language.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a "Werkstudent" implies the candidate must be actively enrolled in a university program. The company also specifically requests the current enrollment certificate. The emphasis on "complex, technical requirements" and "simple and logical design concepts" points to a need for design skills applied within a highly specialized and demanding industry.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of user journeys and service blueprints that demonstrate a structured approach to understanding and improving user flows.

• Examples of wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes that illustrate design thinking and problem-solving for technical applications.

• Case studies detailing usability testing methodologies, findings, and how feedback was incorporated to refine designs.

• Projects that highlight analytical thinking and the translation of complex requirements into intuitive user interfaces.

• Evidence of collaboration with cross-functional teams or stakeholders in previous projects. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrations of how user research and testing were integrated into the design process to inform decision-making.

• Examples of creating and iterating on design documentation (e.g., style guides, component libraries) for consistent UI implementation.

• Documentation showing the application of design principles to achieve specific user experience goals or overcome design challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Werkstudent role, the portfolio expectations are geared towards academic projects and internships. The emphasis should be on demonstrating a clear understanding of the design process, analytical capabilities, and the ability to articulate design decisions, rather than extensive professional experience.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As a "Werkstudent" position in Germany, compensation is typically paid hourly and is generally below market rate for full-time roles, reflecting the internship/student nature of the position. Based on industry standards for student roles in Ulm, a range of €12-€18 per hour is a reasonable estimate, depending on specific year of study and prior experience.

Benefits:

• Practical, hands-on experience in UI/UX design within a leading technology company in the defense and security sector.

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge embedded software for complex international and national projects.

• Mentorship and guidance from experienced UI designers and engineers.

• Exposure to a professional work environment and cross-functional team collaboration.

• Networking opportunities within the HENSOLDT organization.

• Potential for future career opportunities within HENSOLDT.

Working Hours: Typically around 20 hours per week, flexible to accommodate university schedules, with potential for increased hours during semester breaks. The standard full-time workweek at HENSOLDT is 40 hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates for Werkstudent positions in Germany are highly variable and depend on the company, industry, location, and the student's current year of study. The provided range is a general benchmark. Benefits are often focused on learning and development rather than comprehensive corporate packages typically offered to full-time employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: HENSOLDT operates in the defense and security technology sector, focusing on advanced electronics and sensor solutions. This industry demands high reliability, precision, and security in all its products and processes.

Company Size: HENSOLDT is a large enterprise, employing over 14,000 people globally. This size suggests structured processes, established career paths, and opportunities for large-scale project involvement.

Founded: HENSOLDT has a long history, with roots tracing back to 1865. The modern HENSOLDT emerged from the EADS (now Airbus) defense electronics activities. This heritage implies stability, deep technical expertise, and a culture of innovation built over decades.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the "Air SIGINT Embedded Software Engineering" division, indicating a specialized, highly technical team.

• The UI/UX team likely comprises experienced designers who mentor junior members and students.

• Close collaboration is expected with software engineers, systems engineers, and potentially product managers working on SIGINT (Signals Intelligence) solutions. Methodology:

• Design processes within HENSOLDT are likely to be rigorous and well-documented, adhering to industry standards for safety-critical systems.

• Emphasis on data-driven design through user research and usability testing will be crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of complex software.

• Agile methodologies may be employed for software development, requiring flexible and iterative design approaches.

Company Website: www.hensoldt.net

📝 Enhancement Note: Working in defense technology means that design decisions have significant implications for operational effectiveness and safety. The culture is likely to be professional, detail-oriented, and focused on delivering robust, high-quality solutions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level student position ("Werkstudent"), offering a foundational experience in UI/UX design within a specialized technical field. It's designed for individuals to learn and contribute while pursuing their academic studies.

Reporting Structure: The Werkstudent will report to a UI/UX Design Lead or a Senior Designer within the Air SIGINT Embedded Software Engineering team. They will likely be integrated into the broader software engineering department.

Operations Impact: While not directly managing operations, the UI/UX designer's work significantly impacts the operational effectiveness of HENSOLDT's defense systems. Intuitive interfaces reduce operator error, improve efficiency, and enhance mission success in critical situations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Development of specialized UI/UX skills within the defense and aerospace domain, a niche and valuable area of expertise.

• Hands-on experience with advanced design tools and methodologies relevant to complex embedded systems.

• Potential to contribute to significant, high-profile international projects, offering substantial resume-building experience.

• Networking with professionals in a highly specialized engineering field, which can lead to future career opportunities.

• Possibility of transitioning to a full-time role (e.g., Junior UI/UX Designer) upon graduation, if performance is strong and a suitable position is available.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Werkstudent," the primary "growth" is learning and gaining practical experience. The company's focus on complex technology suggests that mastering the specific domain and its design challenges will be a key differentiator for future career prospects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is located at the HENSOLDT site in Ulm, Germany. This is an on-site position, implying a traditional office environment with dedicated workspaces.

Office Location(s): Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Ulm is a city with a strong industrial and technological presence.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be in an office setting, potentially shared with other designers or engineers, fostering a collaborative atmosphere.

• Access to modern design software, hardware, and potentially specialized testing equipment will be provided.

• The environment will be professional and focused, given the nature of defense technology development.

• Opportunities for interaction with a diverse team of engineers and designers will be plentiful.

Work Schedule: The schedule is flexible, typically around 20 hours per week, designed to accommodate university studies. This requires good time management to balance academic and professional commitments effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working on-site in a large technology firm like HENSOLDT offers a structured professional environment. The emphasis on collaboration and access to resources is standard for such organizations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, CV, matriculation certificate, and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and fit.

• Technical Interview: This will likely involve a discussion about your design process, past projects (from your portfolio), and your understanding of UI/UX principles, particularly in relation to technical applications. You may be asked to walk through specific projects.

• Practical Task/Case Study: You might be given a small design challenge or asked to elaborate on how you would approach a specific design problem relevant to HENSOLDT's products.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet potential team members and discuss your working style, motivation, and how you align with HENSOLDT's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate your design process for each project – from understanding requirements to ideation, prototyping, and testing.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Focus on how you tackled specific design challenges, especially those involving complex technical requirements or user needs.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): Even for academic projects, try to explain the intended or achieved outcomes of your design work.

• Tool Proficiency: Explicitly mention the design and prototyping tools used (e.g., Axure) and your level of skill.

• Relevance: Tailor your portfolio presentation to emphasize aspects most relevant to HENSOLDT's work in defense technology, such as usability in high-pressure environments.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research HENSOLDT's product portfolio and understand the general context of defense and security technology.

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to user research and usability testing for complex systems.

• Practice articulating your design decisions and justifications clearly and concisely.

• Understand the importance of reliability and user error reduction in safety-critical applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a student position, the interview process will focus more on potential, learning ability, and foundational understanding rather than extensive professional experience. Demonstrating a structured approach and a genuine interest in the company's domain is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Axure (specifically mentioned), potentially Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar industry-standard tools for wireframing, mockups, and interactive prototyping.

• User Research & Testing: Tools for conducting surveys, interviews, and usability testing sessions. This could range from simple questionnaires to specialized usability testing platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this role, basic understanding of how user feedback and testing results are documented and reported would be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant for this UI/UX design role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Axure suggests it's a key tool for prototyping within the team. Familiarity with this specific tool will be a significant advantage. A willingness to learn and adapt to other tools used by the team is also important.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to high-quality, reliable, and precise design solutions, reflecting the critical nature of defense technology.

• Innovation: Driving forward with new design approaches and technologies to enhance user experience and product capabilities.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and ensuring the security and confidentiality of sensitive project information.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where ideas are shared freely and cross-functional cooperation is encouraged.

• Efficiency: Designing intuitive interfaces that enable users to perform tasks efficiently and with minimal error.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a professional and structured collaboration style, with clear communication channels and defined responsibilities.

• Active participation in design reviews, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional meetings.

• A culture of constructive feedback exchange to continuously improve designs and processes.

• Knowledge sharing is likely encouraged, especially within the specialized SIGINT Embedded Software Engineering domain.

📝 Enhancement Note: HENSOLDT's involvement in defense means that values like integrity, precision, and reliability are paramount. The culture will likely reflect these priorities, demanding a high level of professionalism and attention to detail from its employees.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating highly complex, technical, and often abstract requirements from defense systems into simple, intuitive user interfaces.

• Designing for environments where user error can have significant consequences, requiring an extreme focus on usability and reliability.

• Adapting to the specific design standards and regulatory requirements within the defense technology sector.

• Balancing creative design aspirations with technical constraints and project deadlines.

• Gaining in-depth understanding of SIGINT and embedded software engineering concepts to inform design effectively. Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep dive into UI/UX design for specialized technical domains, offering a unique skill set.

• Opportunities to learn from experienced professionals in a leading European defense technology company.

• Exposure to advanced software development lifecycles and product engineering processes.

• Potential to contribute to projects with real-world impact in national and international security.

• Development of strong analytical and problem-solving skills applicable across various design contexts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be bridging the gap between complex technical systems and user-friendly design. The growth opportunities are significant for someone interested in applying design skills in a high-stakes, technologically advanced field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Walk me through a project in your portfolio where you had to design for complex technical requirements. How did you approach simplifying the user experience?" (Focus on process, simplification strategies, and problem-solving).

• "Describe a time you conducted user research or usability testing. What methods did you use, and how did you incorporate the feedback into your design?" (Highlight methodology, analysis, and iteration).

• "How would you balance creative design freedom with the strict technical constraints and safety requirements of defense systems?" (Demonstrate understanding of the industry's unique challenges). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in UI/UX design, and specifically why at HENSOLDT within the defense technology sector?" (Show genuine interest and research).

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?" (Assess adaptability and collaboration).

• "What are your long-term career aspirations after completing your studies?" (Understand motivation and potential fit for future roles). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Start with a brief overview of HENSOLDT and the role. Then, present 2-3 key projects that best showcase your skills in UI/UX, particularly those involving technical complexity or user research.

• Narrative: For each project, explain the problem, your role, your design process, the tools you used, the challenges you faced, and the outcome or learnings.

• Visuals: Use clear, high-quality visuals of your work (wireframes, mockups, prototypes). If you have a link to an interactive prototype (e.g., Axure), be ready to demonstrate it.

• Engagement: Be prepared to answer in-depth questions about your design choices and processes. Engage the interviewer by asking thoughtful questions about their team and projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a student role, interviewers will be looking for a strong foundation, a clear design process, eagerness to learn, and a good cultural fit. Demonstrating an understanding of HENSOLDT's industry and the specific challenges of designing for defense technology will be highly beneficial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the HENSOLDT career portal, ensuring all required documents (CV, matriculation certificate, portfolio) are uploaded.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating your ability to handle complex requirements, your UI/UX process, and any experience with technical applications or user research.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly states your current enrollment, relevant coursework, any previous internships or projects, and proficiency in design tools like Axure.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, preparing case study explanations, and researching HENSOLDT's products and the defense technology sector.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with HENSOLDT's mission, values, and the specific division you're applying to. Understand the critical nature of their work in defense and security.

⚠️ 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.