Design Intern

About this role

Summer Intern (May-August)

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.

Here’s what makes you successful at Umbra

• Entrepreneurial Spirit

• Can-Do Attitude

• Curiosity

• Street Smarts

• Team Player Mentality

What you’ll 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 you’ll 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.

You’ll work alongside experienced designers in a global company known for original, functional design.

We’re 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

How to apply

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