Product Design Co-op Spring 2027

Job Description

At IBM Software, we transform client challenges into solutions. We build 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.

This is a 16-week Co-Op position designed for actively enrolled undergraduate students who are interested in gaining hands-on, practical experience in their field while contributing to real IBM projects. To be eligible, candidates must be currently enrolled at an accredited university and able to pause their coursework for the duration of the Co-Op, as students may not be enrolled in classes while participating. This role requires full-time availability (40 hours per week) during the Spring 2027 semester between Jan 19 - May 7. Eligible candidates should also be available to join IBM in a full-time role between December 2027 and August 2028 upon successful completion of their degree.

We are looking for Product Design Co-op students to join our teams. As a design Co-op student, you will gain hands-on experience creating intuitive, accessible, and visually cohesive enterprise software experiences. 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.

Guidelines (transferable skills are encouraged)

• Must be actively enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program at the time of application and returning to complete the degree after the co-op.
• Available to start full-time between December 2027 and August 2028.
• Available to work full-time (40 hours/week) at an IBM location for 16 weeks between Jan 19 - May 7.
• Co-op requires a full-time commitment; students should not be enrolled in concurrent coursework during the co-op term.
• A portfolio demonstrating design thinking, UI/UX fundamentals, and visual design skills.
• Experience with design tools like Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Illustrator, or Photoshop.
• Understanding of user-centered design, accessibility, and responsive design.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Enthusiasm for learning and openness to feedback.
• Familiarity with collaborative tools such as FigJam, Miro, or Mural.
• Exposure to HTML/CSS or front-end development.
• Experience with motion design tools (After Effects, Lottie).
• Interest in design systems or metrics such as engagement and retention.