Design Intern

About this role

Winter Intern (September 2026 - April 2027)

Are you a curious and hands-on design student or recent graduate who enjoys helping ideas move forward through strong execution and problem-solving

Umbra Studio is seeking a Product Design Intern to support our design team across a wide range of internal and custom projects. This role focuses on supporting creative solutions execution and development work to help projects progress efficiently. While the role is not primarily about originating new product ideas candidates who can contribute creative thinking and new concepts will be considered a strong bonus.

The ideal intern is adaptable detail-oriented and eager to learn in a fast-paced studio environment.

Heres what makes you successful at Umbra

Entrepreneurial Spirit

Can-Do Attitude

Curiosity

Street Smarts

Team Player Mentality

What youll do

Support designers in developing products across a wide range of materials including wood plastic metal fabric and emerging sustainable materials.

Assist with research visual exploration and problem-solving to help projects move forward.

Help produce accurate 2D and 3D files specifications and presentation materials.

Support execution tasks such as CAD updates graphic edits renderings and refinements.

Assist in preparing materials for internal reviews vendor discussions and client presentations.

Support hands-on prototyping mock-ups and sample reviews.

What youll bring

1. Work Style & Personality Requirements

Flexible Able to support multiple projects with shifting priorities and deadlines. Comfortable adapting quickly while maintaining attention to detail and quality.

Team Player Works well within a team environment communicates clearly and supports teammates to help deliver projects on time.

2. Technical Strengths

AI-Assisted Workflow Interest in or experience using AI tools to improve efficiency support creative tasks and assist design processes.

3D CAD Skills Working knowledge of SolidWorks with the ability to learn and adapt to Onshape.

2D Graphic Skills Ability to create or edit graphics to support products presentations and documentation.

3. Extra Strengths BONUS

- Ability to contribute original design ideas when appropriate.
- Model-making or shop mock-up experience.
- Understanding of basic production processes and materials (molding casting fabrication).
- Comfort working with multiple materials such as plastics metals ceramics and textiles.

4. Portfolio Requirement

The portfolio should demonstrate strong execution skills including CAD work graphics process thinking and problem-solving.

The portfolio must also include at least one example showing how the candidate has worked with AI tools.
This example should clearly explain:

• Which AI tool(s) were used
• How the tool was applied within the workflow
• What problem it helped solve or how it improved efficiency quality or output

5. Experience

No prior professional experience is required. Candidates should have completed or be currently enrolled in at least one relevant product design or industrial design course as part of their academic program.

6. Education

Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a post-secondary Industrial Design or related program.

7. Mindset

Proactive detail-oriented and open to learning. Comfortable supporting others asking questions and taking ownership of assigned tasks.

Compensation:$18-$20/hr

What we offer

A hands-on learning experience in a fast-paced design-driven studio environment. Umbra is a place where interns gain real exposure to product development manufacturing considerations and collaborative design workflows.

Youll work alongside experienced designers in a global company known for original functional design.

Were Umbra A leading global design company inspired and driven to perform

We share a vision of creating original modern casual and affordable design for every room in the home. We are a privately owned Canadian company with 45 years of industry experience. Led by one of our founders our designs can be found in over 120 countries across five continents. Our global success is attributed to our entrepreneurial nature and a desire to push ourselves and each other beyond our limits.

Innovative Modern Original Casual Driven Global Connected
Curiously Creative Embrace Change Intelligent Design Collaborative Success

Hiring Process

• Vacancy Status: Existing Position
• Use of Al: Umbra may use artificial intelligence (Al) tools to assist in screening assessing or selecting candidates for this role. These tools are designed to support - but not replace - human decision-making. All hiring decisions will be reviewing by our recruitment team to ensure fairness accuracy and compliance with employment laws.
• All candidates will be notified of the hiring decision within 45 days of their final interview.

How to apply

Please send your resume and portfolio (PDF under 2MB or link) to referencing Design Intern in the subject line.
Include academic personal or internship projects and clearly describe your role in collaborative work.

Required Experience:

Intern