Concept Prototype Intern

Mercedes-Benz R&D North America • San Jose, CA

7d

About The Position

At Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America (MBRDNA), we are committed to delivering world-class automotive technologies that push the boundaries of what is possible. Our teams of highly skilled engineers and designers use cutting-edge software and technology, to enhance the driving experience and reduce environmental impact.

We’re looking for a curious, driven UX/UI/Product Design and Prototype, AI Concept intern who is excited about emerging technologies across both software and hardware. You’ll help shape next-generation automotive experiences by reimagining how drivers interact with intelligent systems inside and outside the vehicle.
This goes far beyond visual polish. You’ll shape ideas at the concept level, experiment through rapid prototyping, and collaborate across disciplines to turn vision into tangible experiences. You’ll thrive in this role if you’re energized by ambiguity, excited by startup environments, and motivated to create meaningful impact.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in Bachelor/Master/PhD program in Interaction Design, Computer Science, or related field
• Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and Generative AI tools for image, video creation, and coding (i.e Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini)

Nice To Haves

• Passionate about emerging tech across software and hardware
• Deeply curious about the future of mobility and human-machine interaction
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, startup environment
• Strong systems thinker with an eye for detail
• Excellent communicator and visual storyteller
• Confident presenter who can clearly articulate design decisions
• Proactive, self-driven, and impact-oriented
• Collaborative and open to feedback

Responsibilities

• Design next-gen in-vehicle and cross-platform user experiences
• Research and explore emerging technologies (AI, spatial computing, connected ecosystems, smart hardware interfaces, etc.) to inform innovative concepts
• Translate ideas into UX flows, wireframes, high-fidelity UI designs, and interactive prototypes
• Collaborate closely with product, engineering, hardware, and research teams
• Present forward-looking concepts with strong narrative structure and design rationale in workshop and stakeholder meetings
• Contribute to rapid experimentation, prototyping, and iterative development cycles
• Participate in occasional meetings or workshops outside standard working hours to collaborate with overseas teams
• Utilizing AI Coding platforms to program hardware for rapid prototyping

Benefits

• PTO
• Sick Time

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees