UI/UX Software Intern - Summer 2027

Systems Planning and Analysis; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) is seeking a motivated UI/UX Developer Intern to shape end‑to‑end user experiences—from concepts and wireframes to polished interfaces and scalable design systems.

You’ll collaborate closely with developers, analysts, researchers, product owners, and designers across projects in a highly matrixed team. The role emphasizes rapid iteration, usability, and accessibility, with opportunities to see designs ship into prototypes and products while learning from

Qualifications

• Degree candidate in Software Development or related discipline.
• Experience in UX, UI, product design/development with a strong portfolio.
• Familiarity with modern design tools (Figma, Sketch) and collaboration with developers.
• Curiosity and willingness to challenge assumptions.
• Ability to work fluidly in a matrixed environment while balancing inputs.
• Clear communication and collaboration mindset.
• US citizen with ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Shape end-to-end user experiences from concepts to design systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teammates to simplify workflows and improve clarity.
• Turn user insights into design recommendations.
• Participate in regular UI/UX syncs and roadmap planning.
• Iterate quickly from sketches to prototypes and shipped designs.
• Partner with engineers to ensure designs are implemented cleanly.

Skills

UX/UI design

Collaborative teamwork

Communication skills

Security clearance eligible

Matrixed environment

Education

Degree candidate in Software Development or related discipline

Tools

Figma

Sketch

Job description

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the U.S. and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunities, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

Veracity Forecasting Portfolio (VF) is part of the Sea, Land, Air Division within Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. We are a fast‑moving, curiosity‑powered team building intuitive, insight‑driven products that help users make sense of complex information. We thrive on teamwork, honest conversations, shared problem‑solving, and designing experiences that feel effortless even when the underlying systems aren’t.

We are seeking a motivated UI/UX Developer Intern who also has a flare for frontend design. Our work style is highly matrixed, so you’ll partner with developers, analysts, researchers, product owners, and fellow designers across multiple projects and disciplines. And we think that’s where the magic happens.

Timeline for intern selection

• Applications can be submitted and will be reviewed until 13 November 2026.
• Interviews will begin on 26 October and will conclude on 18 December 2026.
• Offers/decisions will be extended starting 18 November.

Responsibilities

What You’ll Do

• Shape end‑to‑end user experiences—from early concepts and wireframes to polished interfaces and design systems that scale.
• Collaborate directly with cross‑functional teammates to simplify workflows, improve clarity, and ensure our UI supports meaningful decision‑making (inspired by our real‑world conversations about improving usability and clarity).
• Turn user insights into thoughtful design recommendations and advocate for delightful, accessible interactions.
• Participate in regular UI/UX syncs to share progress, brainstorm solutions, and help shape the year‑ahead roadmap for the team.
• Iterate quickly—sketch, prototype, test, refine—always keeping the user at the center.
• Partner with engineering teams to ensure designs are implemented cleanly and consistently.

In this role,

• You’ll never design in a vacuum. Collaboration is our default mode, not an afterthought.
• Ideas come from everywhere. Whether an engineer drafts a wireframe or a PM raises a UX hurdle, we incorporate diverse voices into the design process.
• Matrixed teamwork is our superpower. You’ll build relationships across Veracity and beyond, working with teams who depend on your clarity and creativity to make complex tools feel intuitive.
• We embrace experimentation. Not every idea works—and that’s half the fun. We test, learn, and adjust together.
• You’ll see your work ship. Your designs won’t live in a drawer. They’ll move quickly into prototypes, products, and user hands.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Degree candidate in Software Development or other appropriate discipline
• Experience in UX, UI, product design/development, or a related field with a strong portfolio of digital work.
• Familiarity with modern design tools (Figma, Sketch, or similar) and comfort collaborating closely with developers and analysts.
• Curiosity, a willingness to ask questions, and the confidence to challenge assumptions constructively.
• The ability to work fluidly in a matrixed environment, balancing multiple inputs, priorities, and stakeholders without losing sight of the user.
• Clear communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
• US citizen with the ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance

Desired Qualifications

• Experience designing for data‑rich or analytical tools.
• Interest in human‑centered design for decision support or complex workflows.
• Ability to translate conceptual or ambiguous ideas into structured visual solutions.

Pay Range Information

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $23.00/Hr. - USD $33.00/Hr.