Human-Centric Design Intern (Summer 2027)

For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world. 
 
At Battelle, interns and co-ops make an impact through hands-on learning and exciting and challenging projects. Our interns are an integral part of the teams they support and will feel like they are a true, valued team member.  We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply. 
 
A brighter future is possible with you.

Job Summary

We are currently seeking a Human Centric Design/ Design Intern to work with our Human Centric Design Team in Battelle's Medical Devices Business for Summer Semester 2027. This position is located in Columbus, Ohio. Application deadline: October 23rd, 2026.

We believe that internships are a vital part of your education and growth as a design researcher.  Therefore, we work hard to assign work experiences that not only build upon your previous classes, but also provide some context for the coursework to come. This position will also include an introduction to the numerous other disciplines and skillsets that typically comprise a project team such that the candidate will gain a more complete understanding of the Human Centric Design process.

As a member of the Human Centric Design team, you will be a utility player on cross-functional teams moving seamlessly between user research and concept generation into final design and development. With focus on Human Factors in medical device development, you will utilize a data-driven design process translating user needs into relevant and meaningful solutions that meet client objectives and provide an exceptional user experience.

This is a hands-on position that will help interns sharpen their skills and the ability to effectively communicate to multi-discipline project team members and stakeholders. To be successful, you will need to be a self-starter that collaborates effectively in a team environment and strikes the optimum balance between research and design.

Responsibilities

• Supporting team members in usability research and the design and development of medical and commercial products and systems
• Gaining hands-on experience through assisting in user research and design activities
• Assisting in the generation 2D & 3D design concepts that meet stated project objectives
• Participating in other facets of product development such as concept generation, prototyping, data analysis, etc. as much as project work load and the candidate’s abilities allow

Key Qualifications

• Sophomore standing or higher in a B.S., B.A., M.F.A. or M.Des., Industrial Design, Visual Communications, Graphic Design, User Interface (UI) Design, User Interaction Design, and User Experience (UX) Design curriculum and currently enrolled in an accredited university
• Minimum of 3.0 GPA
• Strong interpersonal communication and presentation skills (verbal and visual)
• Exceptional creative problem solving, analytical, and visual communication skills
• Demonstrated initiative to be a self-starter with a desire to learn that extends beyond the classroom
• Motivated team player experienced working in diverse teams
• Applicants for this position must be a U.S. Person, as defined by U.S. export control laws

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong interest in medical device development
• Desire to improve the lives of others through meaningful application of design
• Experience using design research methods to translate insights into actionable design requirements and inform project teams
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Experience in using Adobe Creative Suite, Sketchbook Pro, 3D CAD software (preferably SolidWorks), and Keyshot or similar visualization software to effectively communicate design intent

Compensation Data

The salary range for this role is $20.00-40.00 per hour, in addition to a $2,000 housing stipend for students relocating more than 50 miles from home and university. Internship pay is benchmarked against national averages taking into consideration a student's major and year in school. 

Preparing You for Career Success
 
The Battelle intern and co-op program is a great way to increase experience both on a team and as an independent contributor. Ninety-eight percent of internship survey respondents said they felt better prepared to enter the workforce after their Battelle internship and 100% said they were treated with respect by their colleagues.  
 
You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects 
• Pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery 
• Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative environment
• Become the next generation of scientific leaders and business professionals

 
Are you ready to help solve the most important challenges of today and tomorrow?  
 
If so, we are ready to support you with:

• Flexible work schedules: Most teams follow a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off
• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.
• Employee Resource Groups that help cultivate an inclusive and welcoming community
• Social and professional networking events with Battelle Senior Leadership and your colleagues
• Opportunities for philanthropic involvement to give back and make an impact in the community

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols

Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).

Battelle is an equal opportunity employer.  We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.

The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.

For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers