UI/UX Design Intern at Vatn Systems, Inc

Wayne State University; Bristol (RI); On-site; USD 20,664 - 34,440; Part time

Job summary

An innovative tech startup is seeking a talented UI/UX Design Intern to join their team. The role involves auditing web applications, implementing design systems, and collaborating with engineers to create cohesive user experiences. Ideal candidates will have strong proficiency in Figma and a solid understanding of front-end development with React. A strong portfolio showcasing relevant design work is essential. This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge technology and design solutions in the field of autonomous underwater vehicles.

Qualifications

• Portfolio demonstrating UI/UX design work required.
• Strong communication skills to present design decisions.
• Understanding of user‑centered design principles required.

Responsibilities

• Audit existing web applications for design inconsistencies.
• Design and implement a comprehensive design system.
• Create high‑fidelity mockups and prototypes in Figma.

Skills

Proficiency in Figma

Understanding of front‑end development with React

Strong communication skills

Visual design skills

Tools

Git

Job description

About Vatn Systems:

Vatn Systems is an innovative startup at the forefront of designing and manufacturing autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Our mission is to revolutionize underwater security, exploration, research, and operations through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled engineering. Our AUVs are defining the next generation of underwater autonomy.

The Role

We are looking for a talented and motivated UI/UX Design Intern to join our growing team. In this role, you will audit our existing web applications and create a cohesive design system that unifies our product family. You'll collaborate with engineering to redesign interfaces, establish design standards, and ensure a consistent, intuitive user experience across all applications.

If you have a portfolio you wish to submit, please email it to [e-mail] along with your resume and recent transcript.

What You'll Do

• Audit existing web applications to identify inconsistencies in design, user flows, and visual language.
• Design and implement a comprehensive design system including color palettes, typography, components, and interaction patterns.
• Create high‑fidelity mockups and prototypes in Figma to establish a unified visual identity across our application suite.
• Collaborate with full‑stack engineers to translate designs into production‑ready React components.
• Conduct user research and usability testing to validate design decisions and identify areas for improvement.
• Design responsive interfaces that work seamlessly across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.
• Create and maintain design documentation, style guides, and component libraries.
• Participate in design critiques and code reviews to ensure design implementation quality.
• Optimize user workflows and information architecture to improve efficiency and usability.
• Design data visualization interfaces that help engineers interpret complex AUV system data.

What You'll Need

Required Qualifications:

• Strong proficiency in Figma for interface design, prototyping, and design system development.
• Solid understanding of front‑end development with React and modern CSS (implementation in code is a plus).
• Experience creating and maintaining design systems, component libraries, or style guides.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating UI/UX design work, particularly dashboard or data‑heavy applications.
• Understanding of user‑centered design principles, accessibility standards (WCAG), and responsive design.
• Excellent visual design skills including typography, color theory, and layout.
• Strong communication skills and ability to present and defend design decisions.
• Proficiency with version control systems, specifically Git.

Nice‑to‑Haves:

• Experience designing for technical, engineering, or robotics applications.
• Familiarity with data visualization best practices and libraries (e.g., D3.js, Recharts).
• Knowledge of front‑end build tools and component development (e.g., Storybook, Tailwind CSS).
• Experience with user research methodologies, including interviews, surveys, and usability testing.
• Understanding of motion design and micro‑interactions.
• Familiarity with design tokens and CSS‑in‑JS approaches.

Ready to build the future with us? Apply today!