Working Student (m/f/x) - UX

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Working Student (m/f/x) - UX

Company: Cofinity-X GmbH

Location: Köln, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Job Type: Working Student (Part-Time/Intern)

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Product Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-29

Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Entry-Level/Student)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on supporting the UX team in developing and refining user interfaces and experiences for the Catena-X data ecosystem.

• Responsibilities include user research, concept development, prototyping, and contributing to the design system's evolution.

• A key aspect is exploring and integrating AI tools to enhance design and research workflows.

• The position involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including developers, product managers, and product owners, to ensure a cohesive product development process.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "UX," the context of a data ecosystem and its marketplace suggests an operational aspect to design, focusing on user adoption, data flow visualization, and efficient interaction within a complex platform. This role is ideal for someone looking to gain practical experience in product operations through a UX lens.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct user research to understand user needs, pain points, and behaviors within the Catena-X data ecosystem.

• Translate user insights and product requirements into tangible design artifacts, including wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes.

• Plan, prepare, and support usability testing sessions to validate design concepts and gather feedback before development.

• Design and iterate on new user interfaces and screen flows, adhering to and extending the existing design system.

• Contribute to the maintenance and evolution of the design system by creating new components and ensuring consistency across the platform.

• Investigate and experiment with AI-assisted design and prototyping tools, assessing their potential to streamline design and research processes.

• Share findings and learnings from AI tool exploration with the UX team to foster innovation.

• Collaborate effectively with fellow UX designers, developers, product managers, and product owners throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Ensure design solutions align with business objectives and technical constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to product development, emphasizing iterative design and cross-functional teamwork. For operations professionals, this translates to understanding how design impacts user adoption, system usability, and ultimately, the efficiency of data exchange within the Catena-X platform.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, User Experience, Interaction Design, or a closely related field.

Experience: 0-2 years of academic or practical experience in UX/UI design principles and application.

Required Skills:

• Solid understanding of core UX principles, user-centered design methodologies, and UI design best practices.

• Demonstrated interest and basic knowledge in user research and usability testing methods.

• Proficiency with Figma for design and prototyping.

• Familiarity with creating wireframes and interactive prototypes.

• Ability to articulate design concepts clearly and concisely.

• Professional proficiency in both German and English, both written and spoken.

• Eagerness to learn and adapt to new tools and ways of working. Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience with AI-assisted design or prototyping tools.

• Experience in maintaining or contributing to design systems.

• Familiarity with data ecosystems or platforms similar to Catena-X.

• Basic understanding of agile development methodologies.

• Exposure to product management or development processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on AI tools and design systems is crucial. For operations roles, this signifies a forward-thinking company that values efficiency and innovation in its product development lifecycle. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how these tools can streamline processes and improve user outcomes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of academic or personal projects demonstrating UX/UI design skills.

• Examples of wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes created using tools like Figma.

• Documentation of the design process, including user research insights and usability testing findings.

• Visual examples of design system components or contributions, if applicable.

• Any exploration or application of AI tools in design or research projects. Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate the steps taken in a design project, from problem identification to solution implementation.

• Examples of how user feedback was incorporated to iterate on designs and improve user experience.

• Demonstration of understanding how design decisions impact user adoption and operational efficiency within a product.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio might not be strictly required for a working student role, presenting demonstrable projects is key. Operations candidates should focus on showcasing projects that highlight problem-solving, process improvement, and measurable outcomes, even at an academic level.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As a working student position in Germany, compensation will align with industry standards for student roles, typically an hourly wage. Based on Cologne's cost of living and the entry-level nature of this role, an estimated range of €12-€18 per hour is typical.

Benefits:

• Free choice of hardware: Ability to select preferred computing equipment to optimize productivity.

• Monthly lunch subsidy: Financial support to cover meal expenses, contributing to daily well-being.

• Deutschland Ticket: A subsidized public transport pass providing unlimited travel across Germany, promoting sustainable commuting.

• Regular team events: Opportunities for social interaction and team building, fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration.

• Modern office with an impressive view: A contemporary workspace environment located in Cologne, offering scenic views of the Cologne Cathedral.

Working Hours: This is a working student position, typically requiring 20 hours per week during the semester, with potential for increased hours during university breaks, as per German regulations for student employment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical working student rates in Germany, adjusted for the Cologne region and the tech/design sector. The benefits are standard for student roles and aim to support daily life and professional development. The working hours are flexible, intended to complement academic studies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Data Ecosystems / Technology / SaaS. Cofinity-X operates at the intersection of the automotive industry and data technology, managing the Catena-X platform. This involves complex data governance, security, and interoperability challenges.

Company Size: Cofinity-X is a joint venture formed by major industry players (BASF, BMW Group, Henkel, Mercedes-Benz, SAP, Schaeffler, Siemens, T-Systems, Volkswagen, and ZF), founded in 2023. While the parent companies are large, Cofinity-X itself is likely a growing startup or scale-up, suggesting a dynamic and potentially agile work environment.

Founded: 2023. This indicates a relatively young company, likely with a fast-paced, innovative culture focused on establishing its presence and developing its core product.

Team Structure:

• The UX team is described as "small" and located in Cologne.

• This suggests a close-knit team where individual contributions are highly visible and impactful.

• The team likely operates in a flat hierarchy, facilitating direct communication and collaboration.

• Mentorship from experienced designers is a key aspect of this role. Methodology:

• User-Centered Design: The core methodology revolves around understanding and serving user needs.

• Agile Development: Implied through close collaboration with product managers and developers, suggesting iterative development cycles.

• Data-Driven Insights: User research and testing provide data to inform design decisions.

• Systemic Approach: Working with a data ecosystem requires understanding interconnectedness and interoperability.

Company Website: https://cofinity-x.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: As a joint venture, Cofinity-X benefits from the backing and expertise of established automotive and tech leaders. This blend of startup agility and corporate robustness likely shapes its culture, offering both innovation opportunities and structured processes. For operations roles, this means understanding the need to balance rapid development with the stringent requirements of the automotive industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level, working student position designed for individuals early in their careers, specifically within UX design or related fields. It provides foundational experience in product development, user research, and design system management within a complex B2B data platform context.

Reporting Structure: The Working Student will report to experienced UX designers who will provide mentorship. The UX team likely collaborates closely with Product Management and Development teams, indicating a matrixed reporting structure for project work.

Operations Impact: The UX team's work directly impacts the usability and adoption of the Catena-X platform. By ensuring intuitive user interfaces and efficient workflows, the UX team contributes to the successful implementation and utilization of the data ecosystem, which is critical for data sharing and collaboration across the automotive value chain. This role indirectly influences operational efficiency by making data exchange more accessible and less error-prone for users.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development in UX/UI: Gain hands-on experience in user research, wireframing, prototyping, and design system maintenance.

• Exposure to AI in Design: Explore and learn how AI tools can be integrated into design workflows, a rapidly evolving area.

• Industry Exposure: Learn about the automotive data ecosystem, Catena-X, and the principles of secure data sharing (Gaia-X/Catena-X).

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Develop skills in working with developers, product managers, and product owners.

• Mentorship: Receive guidance from experienced UX designers, accelerating learning and skill acquisition.

• Potential for Future Roles: Successful interns may be considered for future junior or full-time positions within Cofinity-X or its parent companies, depending on business needs and performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: For candidates interested in operations, this role offers a unique perspective on how user experience underpins the success of complex data-sharing platforms. The growth potential lies in understanding the operational implications of design decisions within a regulated and technically demanding industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site in Cologne. The office is described as modern with an impressive view of the Cologne Cathedral, suggesting a professional and inspiring workspace.

Office Location(s): Breslauer Platz 4, 50668 Köln, Germany. This is a central location in Cologne, likely offering good accessibility via public transportation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The small UX team structure and close collaboration with other departments foster a team-oriented atmosphere.

• Tools and Technology: Access to necessary design software (Figma) and potentially new AI tools for exploration. The company also offers a "free choice of hardware" benefit, indicating a focus on providing productive work setups.

• Team Interaction: Regular team events and daily collaboration with UX designers, developers, and product owners ensure ample opportunities for interaction and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule: The working hours are flexible, typically around 20 hours per week, designed to accommodate university studies. This allows for focused work blocks while maintaining academic commitments. The on-site nature ensures direct engagement with team members and the office environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the value Cofinity-X places on in-person collaboration, team cohesion, and direct mentorship, which are crucial for learning and development in a UX role. The central Cologne location is a significant perk for employees.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application documents (CV, cover letter, potentially academic transcripts) focusing on relevant studies and foundational UX skills.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: Likely involves a discussion about UX principles, design tools (Figma), and potentially a review of academic projects or a small design task. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design process and problem-solving approach.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with UX designers and potentially product managers to assess collaboration style, curiosity, and alignment with the team's values. Questions may explore interest in AI and user research.

• Final Interview (Optional): Could involve a brief discussion with a hiring manager or senior team member to confirm fit and discuss logistics.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Even for academic projects, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the tools used (especially Figma), and the outcome.

• Showcase Figma Skills: Be ready to demonstrate your proficiency in Figma, including creating wireframes, prototypes, and potentially design system elements.

• Highlight User Research/Testing: If you have examples of user research or usability testing, present the insights gained and how they informed your design decisions.

• Demonstrate AI Exploration: If you have experimented with AI design tools, be prepared to discuss your findings, challenges, and potential applications.

• Tailor to Catena-X: Briefly mention your understanding of Catena-X and why you are interested in contributing to its UX.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Thinking Basics: Brush up on fundamental design thinking principles and how to apply them to problem-solving.

• Figma Proficiency: Be comfortable navigating and demonstrating features within Figma.

• Explaining Concepts: Practice clearly explaining UX/UI concepts, design decisions, and research findings in simple terms.

• Curiosity about AI: Be ready to discuss your thoughts on AI's role in design and your willingness to explore it.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio review will likely focus on potential and foundational understanding rather than extensive professional experience. Demonstrating a structured approach to design and a genuine interest in user needs and emerging technologies like AI will be key differentiators.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core design and prototyping tool for all UX/UI work. Proficiency is essential.

• AI-Assisted Design Tools: Exploration and potential use of AI tools for ideation, content generation, or workflow optimization. (Specific tools not mentioned, but candidates are encouraged to explore).

• Prototyping Tools: Figma's built-in prototyping capabilities will be heavily utilized.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a UX tool, understanding how user analytics inform design decisions is beneficial. Experience with any basic analytics platforms is a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to this UX role, but awareness of how design impacts user journeys within a CRM or broader platform ecosystem is valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma is critical. For operations roles, understanding how design tools integrate with product development workflows and how user data influences iterative design is important. The exploration of AI tools suggests a commitment to leveraging technology for efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of users.

• Collaboration: Working closely with diverse teams to achieve common goals.

• Innovation: Embracing new ideas and technologies, such as AI, to improve processes and products.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Using research and testing to inform design choices.

• Quality & Precision: Striving for high-quality design that supports the integrity of the Catena-X data ecosystem.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with Product Management, Development, and other UX designers.

• Open Communication: Encouraging feedback and open discussion within the team.

• Mentorship-Driven: An environment where experienced team members actively guide and support junior colleagues.

• Agile & Iterative: A process that embraces change and continuous improvement through iterative cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values, as inferred from the job description and its nature as a joint venture, likely emphasize reliability, security, and innovation. For operations professionals, understanding how these values translate into design and development practices is key to fitting into the team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Data Ecosystem: Understanding and designing for a sophisticated data sharing platform like Catena-X, which involves multiple stakeholders and intricate data flows.

• Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: Designing intuitive experiences within the boundaries of a robust and secure technical infrastructure.

• Adopting New Technologies: Quickly learning and integrating AI tools into existing design workflows.

• Working in a Startup Environment: Adapting to the pace and potential ambiguity of a newly formed company.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into UX/UI: Comprehensive practical experience in all phases of the UX design process.

• Specialization in Design Systems: Gaining expertise in building and maintaining scalable design systems.

• Frontier of AI in Design: Hands-on exploration of how AI can revolutionize creative and research processes.

• Industry Insight: Understanding the unique operational and technical challenges of the automotive data sector.

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from experienced professionals to accelerate career growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for roles in innovative tech companies dealing with complex industries. The growth opportunities are significant, offering a chance to develop in-demand skills and gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies and industry trends.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through a UX project you've worked on, from initial concept to final design. What were the key decisions and challenges?" (Focus on your process, tool usage, and problem-solving).

• User Research & Testing: "How would you approach understanding the needs of users who are exchanging sensitive data on a platform like Catena-X?" (Demonstrate your understanding of user research methods and empathy).

• AI in Design: "What are your thoughts on how AI could impact the future of UX design, and which AI tools are you most excited to explore?" (Show curiosity and a willingness to experiment).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Interest in Cofinity-X: "Why are you interested in Cofinity-X and the Catena-X project specifically?" (Research the company, its vision, and the Catena-X initiative).

• Team Collaboration: "Describe a time you collaborated with others on a project. What was your role, and how did you ensure effective communication?" (Highlight your teamwork and communication skills).

• Learning & Adaptability: "How do you approach learning new software or design techniques?" (Emphasize your proactive learning approach).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Projects: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly outlining the problem, your role, process, solutions, and outcomes.

• Highlight Figma Skills: Be prepared to share your screen and demonstrate key Figma features or walk through a prototype.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): Even for academic work, try to mention any measurable improvements or insights gained.

• Showcase AI Exploration: If you have relevant experiments, present them concisely, focusing on what you learned.

• Be Enthusiastic: Show genuine interest in UX, AI, and the opportunity to contribute to Cofinity-X.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for foundational UX knowledge, a strong grasp of Figma, a proactive learning attitude, and a genuine interest in the company's mission and technology. Demonstrating an understanding of how UX impacts operational efficiency within a data platform will be a significant advantage.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-focused UX position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Cofinity-X jobs portal.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight relevant coursework, academic projects, and any experience with UX/UI principles, user research, or Figma. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 projects that best showcase your UX/UI design skills, process, and any exploration of AI tools. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., link to a website or PDF).

• Research Cofinity-X and Catena-X: Understand the company's mission, the Catena-X data ecosystem, and the importance of UX in such platforms.

• Practice Explaining Your Work: Be ready to articulate your design decisions, user research findings, and your process for creating wireframes and prototypes during interviews.

⚠️ 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.