Industrial Design Intern - Portage, MI

SUMMARY 

As an Industrial Design Intern at Stryker, you will support a cross-functional team of designers, engineers, researchers, and marketers focused on creating innovative, human-centered medical offerings. You will contribute to concept development, visualization, and user-centered research activities that help shape the next generation of Stryker products. You’ll gain hands-on experience in sketching, prototyping, CAD, design communication, and the medical device development process. 

WHO WE WANT 

Curious Problem Solvers 

Individuals who are eager to explore design challenges, understand user needs, and generate thoughtful, well-reasoned concepts. 

Articulate Visual Communicators 

Designers who express ideas clearly through sketches, prototypes, storytelling, and supportive visuals.  

Collaborative Teammates 

People who thrive in cross-functional environments contribute positively to team culture, and build strong working relationships.  

Dedicated Achievers 

Students with strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a passion for making healthcare better.  

WHAT YOU WILL DO 

Design & Concept Development 

• Create early-stage concepts through sketching, 2D visualization, and physical or digital prototyping.  

• Translate user insights into improved ergonomics, usability, aesthetics, and user experience. 

• Contribute to the definition of form, features, and product look/feel aligned to Stryker’s visual brand language. 

User-Centered Design Research 

• Support research activities including trend reviews, ergonomic analysis, and capturing user insights. 

• Assist in preparing materials for user feedback sessions, co‑creation activities, or usability evaluations. 

Collaboration & Communication 

• Work closely with designers, engineers, marketing, and human factors partners to advance project goals. 

• Contribute to design reviews through compelling visual and verbal communication. 

• Support creation of presentations, storyboards, diagrams, and visual assets articulating design intent.  

Modeling & Visualization 

• Produce sketches, mockups, CAD studies, and visual prototypes to support concept development.  

• Assist in rendering and 3D visualization for communicating form, aesthetics, and experience.  

WHAT YOU NEED 

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, or a related field.  Must remain enrolled in a degree-seeking program after the internship.

• Cumulative 3.0 GPA or above (verified at time of hire)

• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. and not require sponsorship now or in the future.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with proven ability to collaborate and build relationships

• Demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and eagerness to learn in a dynamic environment.

• Foundational skills in sketching, model making, CAD, and visual storytelling. 

• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite; experience with Rhino, SolidWorks, Creo, or similar tools preferred. 

• A portfolio demonstrating creativity, process thinking, and design fundamentals. 

• A positive attitude, empathy for users, and openness to feedback.  

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN 

• Hands-on experience contributing to real medical device product development. 

• Coaching and mentorship from experienced industrial designers and cross-functional teammates. 

• Opportunities to influence early-stage concepts and produce meaningful work. 

• Growth in technical skills, communication, design process knowledge, and professional confidence.