Werkstudent UX Design (w/m/d)

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: HENSOLDT

Location: Ulm, Germany

Job Type: Werkstudent (Internship/Working Student)

Category: UX/UI Design, Product Development Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-25

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on optimizing user experience within the 'Air SIGINT Software Engineering' domain, requiring a strong understanding of user-centered design principles and GTM operational alignment.

• The position involves the creation of essential design artifacts like User Journeys and Service Blueprints, crucial for aligning product development with market needs and user expectations.

• A key aspect is supporting requirements analysis through workshops and contributing to the iterative design process, from concept development to prototype validation.

• The role demands close collaboration with UI teams and other cross-functional departments, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and GTM synergy.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary focus is UX Design, this role has direct implications for Go-To-Market (GTM) operations by ensuring that the software developed is user-friendly and meets market demands, thereby influencing adoption rates and customer satisfaction. The term "Werkstudent" implies a part-time role supporting full-time operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and refine User Journeys and Service Blueprints to enhance the overall user experience and product usability.

• Actively participate in the planning and execution of workshops focused on requirements analysis, ensuring all stakeholders' needs are captured and translated into design specifications.

• Contribute to the conceptualization and development of design concepts and interactive prototypes, aligning with technical specifications and user needs.

• Conduct user research and execute usability testing sessions to gather insights and validate design decisions, informing iterative improvements.

• Collaborate closely with the UI design team and other engineering disciplines to ensure a cohesive and effective product development lifecycle.

• Translate complex technical requirements into simple, logical, and user-friendly design solutions that support GTM strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to UX design, emphasizing the practical application of design methodologies. The expectation to translate "complex technical requirements" into "simple, logical, and user-friendly design solutions" directly impacts the effectiveness of GTM efforts by ensuring product intuitiveness and market readiness.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: Initial experience in UX Design, ideally gained through internships or academic projects, demonstrating a foundational understanding of design principles and user research methodologies.

Required Skills:

• Strong passion for complex technical requirements and systematic translation into simple, logical design concepts.

• Analytical thinking skills with a keen understanding of user needs and behaviors.

• Excellent design sensibility, creativity, and ideation skills for modern software design.

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

• Familiarity with conducting user research and usability testing.

• Ability to create User Journeys and Service Blueprints.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills for cross-functional teamwork. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in Human Factors or Ergonomics principles applied to software design.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and their impact on UX processes.

• Understanding of the defense or aerospace industry's software development context.

• Experience with data analysis tools to interpret user research findings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "complex, technical requirements" and the need for "analytical thinking" suggests that candidates with a STEM background or coursework will be highly valued, in addition to core design skills. The mention of Axure, while specific, can be generalized to a broader proficiency in industry-standard UX/UI tools.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of User Journeys and Service Blueprints created for academic or professional projects, demonstrating an understanding of user flow and service design.

• Examples of wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes developed using tools like Axure, Figma, or Sketch, illustrating design progression from concept to execution.

• Case studies detailing user research methodologies employed (e.g., interviews, surveys) and usability testing results, highlighting how feedback informed design iterations.

• Documentation of problem-solving approaches for complex design challenges, emphasizing the logical translation of technical requirements into user-friendly solutions. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how user feedback and research data were integrated into the design process to drive iterative improvements.

• Demonstrations of collaboration with cross-functional teams (e.g., developers, product managers) to achieve design alignment and project goals.

• Evidence of understanding and applying design thinking or other structured UX methodologies in project work.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role, the portfolio should emphasize potential and foundational understanding of UX processes rather than extensive professional experience. The key is to demonstrate a structured approach to problem-solving and a clear grasp of user-centered design principles, especially in a technically complex environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As a "Werkstudent" (working student) position in Ulm, Germany, the salary is typically paid hourly and can range from €12 to €18 per hour, depending on the specific year of study, relevant experience, and the company's internal pay scale for student roles. This range is based on general market data for student positions in the German tech and engineering sectors, considering the cost of living in Ulm.

Benefits:

• Practical, hands-on experience in UX Design within a leading technology company.

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects in the defense and aerospace sector.

• Mentorship and guidance from experienced UX/UI designers and software engineers.

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

• Potential for future career opportunities within HENSOLDT.

• Flexible working hours to accommodate academic schedules.

Working Hours: Typically part-time, aligned with the "Werkstudent" status, often around 15-20 hours per week, with flexibility to adjust around academic commitments and exam periods. The total working hours per week are generally capped at 20 hours during the semester.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical German "Werkstudent" compensation rates for technical/design roles in established companies. Benefits are inferred based on the nature of student positions in large, reputable organizations within the tech industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: HENSOLDT operates within the defense and aerospace technology sector, focusing on sensors, electronics, and advanced solutions. This industry context implies a strong emphasis on reliability, security, and complex engineering challenges.

Company Size: HENSOLDT is a large enterprise, employing over 20,000 people globally. This size suggests structured processes, a wide range of career opportunities, and a diverse workforce.

Founded: HENSOLDT has a long history, with roots tracing back to the 19th century, evolving through various mergers and acquisitions to become a prominent player in its field. This heritage signifies stability and established expertise.

Team Structure:

• The 'Air SIGINT Software Engineering' team likely comprises experienced software engineers, UX/UI designers, systems engineers, and project managers.

• Reporting is expected to be within a hierarchical structure, with the Werkstudent reporting to a senior UX designer or a team lead.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close work with UI developers, product owners, and potentially other engineering departments to integrate UX insights into the product lifecycle. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, especially in requirements analysis and user research, is paramount.

• Workflow optimization is key, with a focus on efficient design processes that align with agile development cycles.

• Automation is likely leveraged where possible, though the emphasis in this role is on human-centered design and process improvement.

Company Website: www.hensoldt.net

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on defense technology implies a culture valuing precision, security, and long-term product development. For a UX role, this means balancing user needs with stringent technical and security requirements.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level, part-time student position designed to provide foundational experience in UX Design within a large corporate setting. It's an opportunity to learn core design principles and processes relevant to product development.

Reporting Structure: The Werkstudent will report to a senior UX designer or a team lead within the 'Air SIGINT Software Engineering' department. This structure provides direct mentorship and oversight.

Operations Impact: While a student role, the impact lies in contributing to the user-centricity of software products, which indirectly affects adoption rates, user satisfaction, and ultimately the success of the product in its intended market, aligning with GTM objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Develop proficiency in UX research methodologies, prototyping tools (like Axure), and design documentation (User Journeys, Service Blueprints).

• Industry Exposure: Gain valuable insights into software development processes within the defense and aerospace industry, understanding the unique challenges and requirements.

• Networking: Build professional relationships with experienced designers, engineers, and project managers, potentially leading to future internship or employment opportunities.

• Potential for Future Roles: Successful interns may be considered for further internships or full-time positions upon completion of their studies, particularly in roles related to UX/UI design, product management, or software engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are geared towards building a strong foundation for a career in design or product development, emphasizing practical skill acquisition and industry understanding.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site at HENSOLDT's Ulm facility. This implies a professional office environment with dedicated workspaces.

Office Location(s): Ulm, Germany. The specific office location will provide access to HENSOLDT's facilities and resources in the region.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative office setting that encourages interaction with team members, including UX designers, UI developers, and engineers.

• Access to industry-standard design software and hardware necessary for UX/UI design tasks.

• Opportunities for informal learning and knowledge sharing through daily interactions with colleagues.

• A structured work environment that adheres to corporate policies and safety standards, typical of a large defense technology company.

Work Schedule: Part-time, flexible hours (approx. 15-20 hours/week) to accommodate university studies, with a focus on meeting project deadlines and team collaboration needs during core working hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for in-person collaboration and integration into the existing team structure, which is common for roles involving sensitive or complex projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, resume, and matriculation certificate to assess basic qualifications and eligibility.

• Technical Interview: Discussion focusing on UX/UI design principles, design thinking, and problem-solving approaches. Candidates may be asked to walk through portfolio projects.

• Portfolio Review: In-depth discussion of selected projects from the portfolio, focusing on design process, decision-making, and outcomes.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Conversation with potential team members or hiring manager to assess collaboration style, motivation, and alignment with HENSOLDT's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate your design process for each project, from understanding the problem to delivering the solution.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Detail how you identified user needs and translated technical constraints into design solutions.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): Even for academic projects, mention any measurable improvements or insights gained from user testing.

• Tool Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your experience with specific tools like Axure or other relevant UX/UI software.

• Tailor to HENSOLDT: Emphasize projects or skills that align with HENSOLDT's industry (defense/aerospace) and focus on complex technical environments if applicable.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss hypothetical design challenges related to software usability in technical or security-sensitive applications.

• Prepare to articulate your approach to user research and usability testing in a corporate setting.

• Practice explaining your design rationale concisely and effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to evaluate both technical design skills and the candidate's ability to integrate into a professional, collaborative environment, especially within a specialized industry.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Axure (explicitly mentioned), Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision. Proficiency in at least one of these is essential.

• User Research: Tools for surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Google Forms), interview transcription, and potentially user analytics platforms.

• Collaboration: JIRA, Confluence, Microsoft Teams, Slack for project management and team communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Basic understanding of how to interpret user analytics data to inform design decisions.

• Familiarity with tools that can generate reports on user behavior and system performance. CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how UX design impacts customer interaction points and potentially influences CRM data is beneficial.

• Awareness of automation in design workflows (e.g., design systems, component libraries) is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Axure suggests a preference for tools capable of creating detailed interactive prototypes. Familiarity with collaborative tools is crucial for effective teamwork in a corporate environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Reliability: Reflecting the defense industry, a strong emphasis on accuracy, attention to detail, and dependable design solutions.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the development of novel design approaches within technical constraints.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where knowledge sharing and cross-functional cooperation are valued.

• User Focus: A commitment to understanding and addressing user needs, even in complex technical applications, to ensure product effectiveness and usability.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a structured yet collaborative approach, with clear communication channels and regular feedback loops.

• Team members are encouraged to contribute ideas and challenge assumptions constructively.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring effective communication with engineers, product managers, and other stakeholders to ensure design alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely balances the rigor of defense contracting with a forward-thinking approach to technology and design. A student must be adaptable and willing to learn within this framework.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Technical/Security Constraints: Designing intuitive interfaces for complex systems that must also meet stringent security and performance requirements.

• Translating Abstract Requirements: Effectively converting high-level technical specifications into concrete, user-friendly design elements.

• Integration into a Large Corporate Structure: Navigating established processes and collaborating effectively within a large, established organization.

• Learning Specialized Domain Knowledge: Quickly acquiring an understanding of the 'Air SIGINT' domain to inform design decisions effectively.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from experienced UX designers and engineers.

• Skill Development: Hands-on practice with industry-standard UX tools and methodologies.

• Industry Insight: Exposure to the unique challenges and opportunities within the defense technology sector.

• Project Experience: Contributing to real-world projects that have a tangible impact on product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for UX roles in highly technical and regulated industries, offering significant learning opportunities for ambitious students.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate complex technical information into a user-friendly design. What was your process?" (Focus on analytical thinking, problem decomposition, and design rationale.)

• "How would you approach designing a user interface for a system with critical security protocols?" (Emphasize understanding constraints, user roles, and risk mitigation in design.)

• "Walk us through a UX project from your portfolio. What was the problem, your approach, and the outcome?" (Prepare a concise narrative, highlighting your role, process, and learning.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working at HENSOLDT and in the defense technology sector?" (Research HENSOLDT's mission, values, and recent projects.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with engineers and other stakeholders?" (Highlight your communication style and experience with cross-functional teams.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest UX design trends and tools?" (Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your skills in User Journeys, Service Blueprints, Prototyping, and User Research.

• For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, the process you followed, the tools you used, and the results or learnings.

• Be prepared to discuss your design decisions and defend them with user-centered reasoning.

• Practice explaining your work concisely and engagingly, ensuring you can articulate the value of your design contributions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a structured, analytical, and user-focused approach to design, tailored to the specific context of HENSOLDT's industry and operational needs.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Werkstudent UX Design position:

• Submit your application through the HENSOLDT career portal (jobs.hensoldt.net).

• Upload your current matriculation certificate along with your CV and any relevant certificates.

• Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant coursework, projects, and any internship experience in UX/UI Design, emphasizing your passion for complex technical challenges.

• Curate your portfolio to showcase projects that demonstrate your ability to create User Journeys, Service Blueprints, prototypes (mentioning Axure if applicable), and your approach to user research and usability testing.

• Prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in detail during an interview, focusing on your design process, problem-solving skills, and ability to collaborate.

• Research HENSOLDT and the defense technology sector to articulate your interest and understand the company's context.

⚠️ 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.