Design Research Intern - Summer 2025

We are Generac, a leading energy technology company committed to powering a smarter world.

Over the 60 plus years of Generac’s history, we’ve been dedicated to energy innovation. From creating the home standby generator market category, to our current evolution into an energy technology solutions company, we continue to push new boundaries.

The Design Research Intern is a highly collaborative role that offers exposure and experience across both qualitative and quantitative elements of marketing research.

Working closely with Product Management and Engineering teams, the Intern will be involved in the design, methodology, and analysis of research projects.

They will have the opportunity to attend client meetings, participate in research brainstorming sessions, utilize innovative analysis tools, and gain experience in report writing and client presentations.

Supporting Innovation and Industrial Design initiatives, the Design Research Intern will also conduct secondary research to identify energy and power solution trends.

Through their involvement in these programs, the Intern will gain valuable insights into market research and innovation programs.

These insights will help identify VOC opportunities and challenges for product and / or design areas, driving purchasing behavior, customer satisfaction, and sales growth with Generac products.

Additionally, the Intern will gain valuable experience in project management, client relationship development, market research methodologies, and cross-departmental communications throughout the organization.

By the end of the internship, the Design Research Intern will have built a portfolio of both specific project highlights and cross-functional experience that will serve them well in future careers.

This position will report to the Manager Design Researcher and requires onsite work in Waukesha, WI.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

Current enrollment in a degree-seeking Bachelor’s level program in Industrial Design or related field.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Collaborate with Product Management and Engineering teams to design research projects that meet organizational goals, customer needs, and market trends.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research to gather insights on product design, marketing strategies, and competitive positioning.
• Analyze research data using tools such as Qualtrics and Excel to identify key insights and learnings to answer business questions.
• Communicate findings to internal stakeholders through written presentations using PPT.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients and external research vendors, as applicable.
• Assist with Innovation and Industrial Design initiatives by conducting secondary research and providing insights into energy and power solution trends.
• Participate in brainstorming sessions and design thinking workshops to uncover new research opportunities.
• Manage multiple research projects simultaneously within project timeline and budget constraints.
• Learn about the latest research methodologies, techniques, and tools to ensure best practices are being utilized.
• Uphold ethical standards for conducting research and maintain confidentiality of data.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :

• Excellent skills in communication and creativity
• Problem solving skills are important as work is both team based and individual, depending on the specific project.

Level of Independence : This position acts under the Manager Design Research.

Physical Demands : While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear; and use hands to manipulate objects or controls.

The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. On occasion the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend or reach above the shoulders.

The employee must occasionally lift up to 25 - 50 pounds. Specific conditions of this job are typical of frequent and continuous computer-based work requiring periods of sitting, close vision and ability to adjust focus. Occasional travel.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.