Undergraduate/Graduate (Year-Round) Intern – UX Design

Job Summary

The National Laboratory of the Rockies is seeking a year‑round Undergraduate/Graduate Intern in UX Design, based in Golden, Jefferson County, Colorado. This full‑time, 40‑hour per week position offers a fixed‑term internship with a salary of $80,931.64.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and product teams to understand user needs and translate them into intuitive interface designs.
• Create wireframes, prototypes, and visual mock‑ups using tools such as Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD.
• Conduct usability testing, gather feedback, and iterate designs to improve user experience.
• Document design guidelines, interaction patterns, and accessibility standards for internal projects.
• Assist in developing front‑end components and support integration with development teams.
• Participate in interdisciplinary meetings, presenting design concepts and research findings.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in Human‑Computer Interaction, Interaction Design, Graphic Design, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Strong portfolio showcasing UI/UX design work, including wireframes, prototypes, and user research.
• Proficiency with design and prototyping tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, InVision, etc.).
• Basic understanding of front‑end technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
• Passion for energy systems research and interest in applying design thinking to scientific applications.

What We Offer

• Competitive fixed‑term salary of $80,931.64 annually.
• Mentorship from world‑class researchers and engineers.
• Hands‑on experience in a national laboratory setting, contributing to cutting‑edge energy innovation.
• Professional development opportunities and exposure to real‑world UX challenges.

How to Apply

Submit your resume, cover letter, and a link to your design portfolio through the National Laboratory of the Rockies career portal. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of projects will I work on as a UX Design intern?

You will design user interfaces for scientific tools, create prototypes, conduct usability tests, and collaborate with engineers to improve the overall user experience of energy research software.

Do I need prior professional experience to apply?

No prior full‑time experience is required; a strong academic background and a portfolio that demonstrates your design process and skills are sufficient.

Is this internship paid?

Yes, the fixed‑term internship offers a salary of $80,931.64 per year.