Working Student UX & UI Design

Brainlab
Full-timeβ€’Munich, Germany

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Working Student UX & UI Design

Company: Brainlab

Location: Munich, Bavaria, Germany

Job Type: Intern

Category: UX/UI Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-08

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • This role is focused on supporting the UX/UI Design team in the development and maintenance of a critical design system for medical software.

  • Responsibilities include contributing to design documentation, creating reusable components, and exploring AI-assisted design workflows.

  • The position offers hands-on experience in a dynamic R&D Software department within a leading health technology company.

  • Successful candidates will collaborate closely with experienced UX Designers and GUI Engineers, gaining practical insights into product development lifecycles.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: While the primary focus is UX/UI design, the role's emphasis on design systems, documentation, and preparation for AI-assisted workflows indicates a strong operational component. This suggests the role will involve process standardization, asset management, and workflow optimization within the design function, aligning with operational principles.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Contribute to the design, comprehensive documentation, and ongoing maintenance of Brainlab's design system.

  • Prepare and structure the design system to support emerging AI-assisted design workflows and new product use cases.

  • Create and maintain a library of reusable wireframe components to ensure consistency and efficiency across projects.

  • Provide essential support to UX/UI Designers with interface and visual design tasks, primarily utilizing Figma.

  • Collaborate with the design team to explore and experiment with new AI-supported approaches to the design process.

  • Assist in the integration of design system elements into product development cycles, working alongside GUI Engineers.

  • Participate in product design reviews and provide feedback on usability and user experience.

  • Document design decisions and rationale to ensure knowledge transfer and maintain design integrity.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design work and operational rigor, particularly in managing and evolving the design system. The emphasis on documentation, reusability, and preparing for AI integration points to a need for structured processes and a systematic approach to design asset management.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently enrolled in a degree program related to UX Design, Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Interface Design, Media Design, or a comparable field. Bachelor's students should ideally be from the 3rd semester onwards; Master's students are welcome from their 1st semester.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience, with a strong interest in design systems and a willingness to learn their construction and maintenance. Initial experience with UI design, interaction design, or visual design is beneficial.

Required Skills:

  • Currently enrolled in a relevant degree program (UX Design, Interaction Design, Media Design, etc.).

  • Strong interest in design systems and their development.

  • Proficiency in English and comfortable communicating in German.

  • Basic understanding of UI design principles and interaction design concepts.

  • Collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for teamwork.

  • Curiosity and eagerness to learn about AI-supported design workflows.

  • Familiarity with conceptual thinking and detailed interface design. Preferred Skills:

  • Initial experience with Figma or similar design tools.

  • Exposure to wireframing and component creation.

  • Understanding of documentation best practices for design assets.

  • Basic knowledge of medical software or complex enterprise software design.

  • Familiarity with design system documentation standards.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The "0-2 years" experience level, combined with the "Working Student" designation, suggests the company is looking for individuals with foundational knowledge and a strong aptitude for learning, rather than extensive prior experience. The emphasis on a "strong interest" and "willingness to learn" underscores the developmental nature of this role.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A small selection of student or personal projects demonstrating interest in UX/UI design is required.

  • No expectation of a comprehensive portfolio; one or two examples (university projects, exercises, early explorations) are sufficient.

  • Focus on showcasing how you think and approach design problems. Process Documentation:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of documenting design processes and decisions, particularly concerning design system components.

  • Show an ability to contribute to structured workflows, such as preparing design system elements for AI integration.

  • Evidence of understanding how design assets are organized and maintained for reuse.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The explicit guidance on portfolio requirements indicates that candidates should focus on demonstrating their thought process and foundational design skills rather than a polished, extensive professional portfolio. This is typical for intern or working student roles. The emphasis on documentation and structured workflows hints at the operational aspects of managing design assets.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a "Working Student" position in Germany, compensation will align with industry standards for student roles, typically paid hourly or monthly, and may be subject to collective bargaining agreements or company-specific student compensation policies. A typical range for such a role in Munich could be between €12-€18 per hour, depending on the semester and specific responsibilities.

Benefits:

  • Flexible working hours to accommodate academic schedules.

  • Access to an award-winning, subsidized company restaurant.

  • Complimentary in-house cafes.

  • Use of a well-equipped, ultra-modern 360mΒ² company gym.

  • Participation in a varied fitness program.

  • Secure underground bike storage and parking garage.

  • Regular student lunches, after-work gatherings, and company events for networking and socializing.

  • Practical experience in an international health technology company.

  • Opportunity to contribute to real product work and see designs implemented.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with flexible scheduling arrangements to accommodate academic commitments.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical "Working Student" compensation in Munich, Germany, for technical or design-focused roles. Actual compensation would be confirmed by Brainlab. The benefits package is comprehensive and geared towards employee well-being and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Health Technology (specifically medical software and digital workflow solutions). Brainlab is at the forefront of digitizing medical workflows, impacting diagnosis and therapy.

Company Size: Approximately 2000 employees worldwide, with a significant presence in 25 locations. This indicates a large, established, yet agile organization.

Founded: Over 35 years ago, signifying a long history of innovation and stability in the health tech sector.

Team Structure:

  • The role is within the Usability & Design department, part of the R&D Software division.

  • Collaboration is expected with UX Designers and GUI Engineers, suggesting a cross-functional team environment.

  • The team structure likely involves specialists working together on product development and design system evolution. Methodology:

  • Focus on digitizing medical workflows to improve treatment possibilities.

  • Emphasizes innovation, quality, and user-centric design for complex medical software.

  • Values curiosity, authenticity, and usefulness in its employees and products.

  • Likely employs agile methodologies for software development and design iteration.

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

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Brainlab's long-standing presence and global reach in health tech suggest a culture that values expertise, innovation, and reliability. The core values (curious, authentic, useful) provide insight into the desired employee mindset, particularly relevant for a student role focused on learning and contribution.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level "Working Student" position, designed for individuals early in their academic careers. It provides foundational exposure to professional UX/UI design and design operations within a specialized industry.

Reporting Structure: The student will report to experienced UX Designers and potentially a Design Lead or Manager within the Usability & Design department. This structure facilitates mentorship and hands-on learning.

Operations Impact: While the direct impact is on design system enhancement and product interface support, the work contributes to the overall efficiency and scalability of the design process. A well-maintained design system and streamlined workflows enable faster, more consistent product development, indirectly impacting the company's ability to deliver innovative medical solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Skill Development: Gain practical experience in UX/UI design, design systems, Figma, and potentially AI-assisted design tools.

  • Industry Exposure: Learn about the complexities of designing software for the medical technology sector.

  • Mentorship: Work closely with experienced professionals who can provide guidance and feedback.

  • Networking: Connect with peers and professionals through company events and team lunches.

  • Potential Future Roles: Successful interns may be considered for future internship or entry-level positions at Brainlab.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are primarily educational and experiential, typical for a student role. The focus is on building a foundational understanding of design operations and professional practices within a specialized tech field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "On-site" in Munich. Brainlab offers an "ultra-modern" company gym and a subsidized restaurant, indicating a well-equipped and employee-focused physical workspace.

Office Location(s): Munich, Bavaria, Germany. Specific details on office accessibility or amenities beyond the gym and restaurant are not provided but suggest a professional, dedicated office environment.

Workspace Context:

  • A "mutually supportive, international team" environment is highlighted.

  • Close collaboration with experienced UX Designers and GUI Engineers is expected, implying a team-oriented workspace.

  • The role involves working with design tools like Figma, suggesting access to necessary technology and software.

  • Opportunities for interaction with other students and employees through organized events foster a sense of community.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours are a key benefit, allowing students to balance academic responsibilities with their work commitments. This flexibility is crucial for a "Working Student" role.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a modern, supportive, and collaborative on-site environment, coupled with flexible hours, suggests a workplace that values employee well-being and encourages active participation and integration within the team.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of the application, resume, and any submitted project examples.

  • First Interview: May be a brief call with HR or a hiring manager to assess basic qualifications, motivation, and cultural fit.

  • Skills Assessment/Portfolio Review: A more in-depth interview with UX Designers or GUI Engineers. This will involve discussing the submitted projects, understanding the candidate's design thinking process, and potentially a short design exercise or discussion about design system concepts.

  • Final Interview: Could be with a department lead to confirm fit and discuss role specifics.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Focus on Process: Highlight your thought process behind the design choices in your submitted projects. Explain why you made certain decisions.

  • Demonstrate Curiosity: Connect your projects to the core values of Brainlab (curious, authentic, useful) and show your interest in AI-assisted design.

  • Keep it Concise: As advised, one or two well-explained examples are better than many superficial ones. Focus on quality of insight over quantity of work.

  • Showcase Collaboration: If any projects involved teamwork, mention your role and how you collaborated.

  • Prepare for German Communication: Be ready to discuss your projects and experiences in German, even if the primary work language is English.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Design System Basics: Familiarize yourself with what a design system is, its components (e.g., style guides, component libraries, patterns), and its benefits for scalability and consistency.

  • Figma Fundamentals: Be prepared to discuss your experience or willingness to learn Figma, especially regarding component creation and interface design.

  • AI in Design: Think about how AI could potentially assist in design tasks, such as generating components, suggesting layouts, or automating documentation.

  • Medical Software Context: Understand the unique challenges and considerations of designing for the healthcare industry (e.g., usability, accuracy, regulatory compliance).

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The interview process is tailored for a student role, emphasizing potential and learning ability. The portfolio review is less about professional polish and more about demonstrating design thinking and a willingness to engage with operational aspects like documentation and system building.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Figma: The primary tool for UI design, wireframing, and interface tasks. Proficiency or a strong willingness to learn is essential.

  • Design System Tools: While not explicitly named, this would involve tools and methodologies for documenting, managing, and versioning design components and guidelines. This could include internal wikis, specialized design system platforms, or integrated features within Figma.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Not a primary focus for this role, but understanding how design impacts user behavior and product success could involve data from analytics platforms used by the R&D team. CRM & Automation:

  • Not directly relevant to this UX/UI role, but awareness of how design integrates into broader product development workflows managed by R&D software teams is beneficial.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma highlights a key technical requirement. The "design system" aspect implies familiarity with or a strong aptitude for structured asset management and documentation tools, which are crucial for operational efficiency in design.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Curious: Demonstrated through exploring AI-assisted design and learning about design systems.

  • Authentic: Bringing your genuine approach to design problem-solving and team collaboration.

  • Useful: Contributing to the design system and product development in a way that adds tangible value to the team and ultimately to clinicians and patients.

  • Supportive: Working within a mutually supportive team environment.

  • Innovative: Contributing to modern healthcare technology through design.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional: Working closely with UX Designers and GUI Engineers.

  • Team-oriented: Participating in team lunches, events, and contributing to a supportive atmosphere.

  • Process-driven: Contributing to the documentation and maintenance of the design system, indicating a structured approach to design operations.

  • Feedback-driven: Expected to collaborate and potentially receive/provide feedback within the design team.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The company's core values are directly applicable to this role, emphasizing a learning mindset and a commitment to practical contributions within a collaborative framework. The operational aspect comes through in the structured approach to design system management and documentation.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Learning Curve: Adapting to a professional design system and complex medical software environment.

  • AI Exploration: Contributing to the exploration of AI in design, which is an evolving field.

  • Balancing Academics: Managing work responsibilities alongside academic studies.

  • Documentation Rigor: Ensuring thorough and accurate documentation for the design system.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Design System Mastery: Deep dive into the principles and practical application of design systems.

  • Professional Design Tools: Gaining hands-on experience with Figma in a professional setting.

  • Medical Tech Design: Understanding the unique user experience challenges in healthcare.

  • AI in Design: Exposure to emerging technologies and their application in design workflows.

  • Cross-functional Collaboration: Developing skills in working effectively with engineers and other designers.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed as growth opportunities, aligning with the developmental nature of a working student role. The emphasis on learning new tools, processes, and industry-specific knowledge is a key aspect.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Tell us about a project where you had to document a design process or component. What was your approach?" (Assesses understanding of documentation and process.)

  • "How do you approach creating reusable design components? What are the benefits?" (Tests knowledge of design systems and efficiency.)

  • "How might AI be used to assist in UX/UI design tasks, and what are potential challenges?" (Evaluates curiosity and forward-thinking.)

  • "Describe a time you collaborated with others on a design project. What was your role and how did you contribute?" (Assesses teamwork and communication skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about Brainlab and our work in health technology?" (Evaluates motivation and company alignment.)

  • "How do you embody our core values of curious, authentic, and useful in your academic or personal projects?" (Assesses cultural fit.)

  • "What are your expectations from this working student role regarding learning and contribution?" (Manages expectations and assesses initiative.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure Your Presentation: For each project, briefly introduce the problem, your role, your design process (emphasizing thought and decisions), the solution, and any outcomes or learnings.

  • Highlight Design Thinking: Focus on how you arrived at your design decisions, not just the final visual output. Use diagrams, sketches, or user flows to illustrate your process.

  • Connect to Brainlab: If possible, draw parallels between your project challenges and the work Brainlab does, or how your approach aligns with their values.

  • Be Ready for Figma Questions: If you have Figma experience, be prepared to discuss it. If not, express your eagerness and ability to learn quickly.

  • Address German Language Skills: Be prepared to converse in German if the interviewers switch languages, demonstrating your fluency.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong design thinking process, an eagerness to learn, and an understanding of the operational aspects of design systems and documentation, all within the context of Brainlab's mission and values.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this working student position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

  • Tailor your Resume: Highlight relevant coursework, any design projects (even academic ones), and demonstrable interest in UX/UI design, design systems, and AI. Use keywords like "UX Design," "UI Design," "Figma," "Design Systems," "Interaction Design," and "Documentation."

  • Prepare Your Project Examples: Select one or two strong examples that showcase your design thinking and approach to problem-solving. Be ready to discuss them in detail, explaining your process and rationale.

  • Practice Your Communication: Be prepared to articulate your interest in Brainlab, your motivation for this role, and your ability to work in a team, both in English and potentially in German.

  • Research Brainlab: Understand their mission, products, and core values (curious, authentic, useful) to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Candidates must be currently enrolled in a degree program related to UX, interaction, or interface design. You should have a strong interest in design systems, proficiency in English, and the ability to communicate professionally in German.