IAE Graphics Design Internship - Fall 2026

About the role

SOFWERX is a venue operated under an agreement between USSOCOM and DefenseWERX. It facilitates collaboration and innovation to solve warfighter problems. The internship is in-person with limited remote work opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Create visually engaging graphics for SOFWERX events, experiments, demonstrations, outreach activities, and ecosystem partners.
• Design digital and print assets for internal and external communication channels, including social media, presentations, reports, websites, and promotional materials.
• Collaborate with project teams to develop visual concepts that translate technical and operational ideas into clear, compelling designs.
• Prepare graphics for multiple formats and platforms, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and visual consistency.
• Support basic motion graphics and visual elements as needed.
• Participate in brainstorming sessions and design reviews, incorporating feedback to iterate and improve creative work.
• Contribute to weekly market research and submit minimum required entries for new capabilities, technologies, companies, organizations, etc.

Qualifications

• Must be actively enrolled in an undergraduate program at an accredited local University.
• Must have a Junior or Senior level, with a current GPA of 3.0 or above.
• Demonstrated experience in graphic design, visual communication, or digital media (coursework or portfolio required).
• Proficiency with design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign); familiarity with Figma or similar tools preferred.
• Basic understanding of layout, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy.
• Excellent storytelling, communication, and organizational skills.
• Must participate in weekly market research and submit minimum required entries for new capabilities, technologies, companies, organizations, etc.

About Us

The University of South Florida (USF) is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. It is dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged, and driven workforce that strives to be bold. USF's rich academic environment fosters employee development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranking No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. USF offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check. Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws. The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application/interview process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process. Equal Employment Opportunity The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.