Designer Intern 2027 - Austin

IBM Computing; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

IBM Software is seeking Product Design Interns to gain hands-on experience creating intuitive, accessible, and visually cohesive enterprise software experiences with Carbon. You’ll collaborate with designers, researchers, developers, and product managers throughout the full design lifecycle—turning ideas into prototypes, validating concepts, and shaping real product experiences used by customers worldwide.

You’ll wireframe, mockup, and prototype with Figma, contribute to UI components, and apply

Qualifications

• A portfolio demonstrating design thinking, UI/UX fundamentals, and visual design skills.
• Experience with design tools like Figma or Illustrator.
• Understanding of user-centered design, accessibility, and responsive design.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Enthusiasm for learning and openness to feedback.

Responsibilities

• Create wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes using tools like Figma.
• Contribute to UI components, icons, and layouts aligned with the Carbon Design System.
• Help document reusable design components and interaction patterns.
• Collaborate with UX researchers to gather insights and validate designs.
• Apply accessibility standards and design system guidelines to all work.
• Join design critiques, ideation sessions, and Design Thinking workshops.
• Present design concepts and rationale to cross-functional stakeholders.

Skills

Portfolio

UI/UX fundamentals

Visual design

Communication

Collaboration

Tools

Figma

Illustrator

Job description

Introduction

At IBM Software, we transform client challenges into solutions. Building the world’s leading AI-powered, cloud-native products that shape the future of business and society. Our legacy of innovation creates endless opportunities for IBMers to learn, grow, and make an impact on a global scale. Working in Software means joining a team fueled by curiosity and collaboration. You’ll work with diverse technologies, partners, and industries to design, develop, and deliver solutions that power digital transformation. With a culture that values innovation, growth, and continuous learning, IBM Software places you at the heart of IBM’s product and technology landscape. Here, you’ll have the tools and opportunities to advance your career while creating software that changes the world.

Your role and responsibilities

We are looking for Product Design Interns to join our team. As a design intern, you will gain hands‑on experience creating intuitive, accessible, and visually cohesive enterprise software experiences with Carbon. You’ll collaborate with designers, researchers, developers, and product managers throughout the full design lifecycle—turning ideas into prototypes, validating concepts, and shaping real product experiences used by customers worldwide.

What You’ll Do

• Create wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes using tools like Figma.

• Contribute to UI components, icons, and layouts aligned with the Carbon Design System.

• Help document reusable design components and interaction patterns.

• Collaborate with UX researchers to gather insights and validate designs.

• Apply accessibility standards and design system guidelines to all work.

• Join design critiques, ideation sessions, and Design Thinking workshops.

• Present design concepts and rationale to cross‑functional stakeholders.

Location Flexibility: By applying to this requisition, you acknowledge and agree to be considered for any of the listed locations associated with this position and are willing to work at the location where you are ultimately assigned.

Required technical and professional expertise

• A portfolio demonstrating design thinking, UI/UX fundamentals, and visual design skills.

• Experience with design tools like Figma or Illustrator.

• Understanding of user‑centered design, accessibility, and responsive design.

• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem‑solving skills.

• Enthusiasm for learning and openness to feedback.

Preferred technical and professional experience

• Familiarity with a design system, including patterns and components.

• Interest in AI tools applied to design (Figma Make, Figma Agent)

• Experience with motion design tools (Figma Motion, After Effects, Lottie).

• Exposure to HTML/CSS or front‑end development.

• Interest in metrics such as engagement and retention.

IBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.