Skillbridge Intern - UX/UI / Digital Media Designer (Remote or Hybrid)

Mission Essential is seeking a Skillbridge Intern for a UX/UI / Digital Media Designer role to support the development and enhancement of digital platforms, analytical tools, and user-facing applications. The UX/UI Designer will work closely with engineers, analysts, and program managers to design intuitive interfaces that improve usability, accessibility, and mission effectiveness. This position is well suited for candidates transitioning from military service with experience supporting digital systems, information operations, intelligence systems, communications platforms, or training systems.

This position can be fully remote or hybrid (near Worthington, OH).

This position is offered exclusively through the Department of Defense (DoD) SkillBridge Program.

The DoD SkillBridge Program allows active‑duty U.S. military service members to gain civilian work experience through industry internships during the final 180 days of their military service. While participating in SkillBridge, service members remain on active‑duty status and continue to receive their military pay and benefits from the Department of Defense, while gaining valuable civilian career experience with a participating employer.

Mission Essential participates in the SkillBridge program to support transitioning service members by providing hands‑on professional experience in areas aligned with our operational and technical missions.

To qualify for a SkillBridge internship, candidates must:

• Be an active-duty service member of the U.S. Armed Forces
• Be within 180 days of their approved separation or retirement date
• Obtain written approval from their military command to participate in SkillBridge
• Meet the basic qualifications for the internship role
• Be available to participate in the internship during their final transition period from military service
• Participation in this program does not constitute civilian employment during the internship period, as participants remain active‑duty military members.

Intern Duties include but are not limited to:

• Assist in the design, development, and improvement of user interfaces for web-based platforms, dashboards, and digital applications used for operational, analytical, or training purposes.
• Conduct user experience research including workflow analysis, usability testing, and feedback collection from operational users to ensure systems are intuitive and efficient.
• Develop wireframes, mockups, prototypes, and visual design concepts using modern UX/UI design tools and best practices.
• Collaborate with software developers, data engineers, and product teams to translate operational requirements into functional interface designs and digital user experiences.
• Support the creation of digital media products including graphics, dashboards, visualizations, and presentation materials that enhance data comprehension and user engagement.
• Apply usability standards, accessibility guidelines, and responsive design principles to ensure applications perform effectively across multiple devices and environments.
• Provide design support for new system capabilities, upgrades, and user‑driven improvements based on mission needs and stakeholder feedback.
• Assist with documentation of interface design standards, style guides, and user workflows to support consistent development across platforms and teams.
• Participate in meetings, demonstrations, and working groups to gather requirements and present design solutions to stakeholders and leadership.

Qualifications

• Be an active-duty service member of the U.S. Armed Forces within 180 days of their approved separation or retirement date (and eligible to participate in Skillbridge Internship)
• 3-5 years of experience in UX/UI design, digital media design, or user‑centered interface development, or equivalent military experience supporting digital systems or operational platforms.
• Experience using design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, or similar platforms.
• Understanding of user‑centered design principles, human‑computer interaction, and usability best practices.
• Experience translating operational workflows or technical requirements into functional interface designs.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively with both technical and non‑technical teams.