Working Student (d/f/m) Technology & Innovation Research

Role overview

GROHE is seeking a motivated working student to support its Global Research Lab in Hemer, North Rhine-Westphalia. The position is centered on finding and addressing genuine user problems while contributing to transformative innovation for future sanitary systems. The work combines independent ownership of specific topics with broader support for the team’s ongoing research and innovation activities.

The role sits within an international team focused on creating improvements in wellbeing, user experience, sustainability, and product aesthetics. A broad mindset is important, with particular interest in some of the following areas: innovation intelligence, experimentation and technology, and user-centered design.

Key focus areas

You may contribute to trend scouting and strategic analysis by tracking global developments in technology, sustainability, and digital topics relevant to the sanitary sector, then turning those observations into clear problem statements and opportunity briefs.

You may also help develop an AI-supported innovation knowledge base using tools such as Gemini and NotebookLM so the team can organize and access insights more effectively.

Another part of the role involves shaping early innovation stories by converting abstract findings into concept documents, user journeys, and future-state narratives that communicate the value of new ideas.

In addition, you may support technical experimentation, including hands-on setup work to test hypotheses, as well as early prototyping through 3D printing, low-fidelity models, functional demonstrators, and workshop activities for mechanical, electronic, and fluid technology concepts.

The role also includes user-centric testing, such as scenario-based testing with real users and structured lab testing, with careful documentation of outcomes to ensure solutions are both practical and human-centered.

Responsibilities

• Support the Global Research Lab with both general tasks and independent work on assigned themes.
• Track developments in technology, sustainability, and digital trends relevant to sanitary products and translate them into actionable insights.
• Develop concise problem statements and opportunity briefs from research findings.
• Help build and maintain an AI-based innovation knowledge repository using modern tools.
• Prepare concept documentation, user journeys, and narrative materials for early-stage ideas.
• Assist with experimental technical setups and validation of hypotheses.
• Contribute to the creation and testing of prototypes, demonstrators, and workshop materials.
• Support user testing, scenario testing, and laboratory evaluations, and document the results clearly.

Requirements

• You must be currently enrolled as a student.
• A background in a technical, creative, or business-related field is preferred, such as Engineering, Innovation Management, Industrial Design, Data Science, UX Management, or a related discipline.
• You should have strong empathy and a real interest in understanding user needs, pain points, and behaviors through careful listening and observation.
• Analytical thinking is important, including the ability to turn complex feedback and data into practical, unbiased conclusions.
• A curious and creative mindset is needed, along with a willingness to challenge existing approaches and contribute new ideas.
• You should be adaptable and resilient in a fast-moving, iterative environment.
• A proactive, hands-on working style is expected, with the ability to take ownership and explore new tools or methods independently.
• Strong communication skills are required so you can present research findings clearly to different audiences.

Additional information

This is a part-time, onsite student position based in Hemer, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

The compensation is attractive and aligned with the NRW metal and electrical industry collective agreement, with additional company payments.

You will have access to a comprehensive health management offering, including an on-site fitness room, digital health platforms, and Health Cashback incentives.

The workplace promotes Diversity & Inclusion, offering equal opportunities and individualized support.

Employees can benefit from a broad set of discounts on travel, fashion, media, mobile plans, and other offers.

You will be part of a global, appreciative, and highly motivated international team.

A modern company restaurant serves fresh, high-quality meals every day.

If you have questions or need more information, the hiring team invites you to reach out directly.

Contact: Anastasia Grbic, Grohe AG, Industriepark Edelburg, 58675 Hemer.

The original notice does not specify a vacancy count, salary figure, working hours, duration, start date, or application deadline.

• Assist the Global Research Lab with both general support tasks and independent work on defined topics.
• Monitor worldwide trends in technology, sustainability, and digital innovation relevant to the sanitary industry.
• Convert research inputs into concise problem definitions and strategic opportunity briefs.
• Contribute to an AI-enabled innovation knowledge base using contemporary research and knowledge-management tools.
• Create concept notes, user journey maps, and narrative descriptions for emerging ideas.
• Help run experiments and validate technical assumptions through hands-on setup work.
• Support the development and testing of early prototypes, demonstrators, and workshop materials.
• Participate in user testing and lab-based evaluations, and record findings accurately.

• Currently enrolled student status is required.
• Educational background in Engineering, Innovation Management, Industrial Design, Data Science, UX Management, business, or a related field is desirable.
• Strong empathy for users and the ability to observe and understand behavior and pain points.
• Capability to analyze feedback and data and turn it into clear, useful insights.
• Creative curiosity and a willingness to question existing methods.
• Comfort with fast-paced, iterative work and the ability to adapt after setbacks.
• Hands-on mindset with ownership, initiative, and openness to learning new tools or approaches.
• Good communication skills for explaining research and innovation ideas to varied stakeholders.

• Pay aligned with the NRW metal and electrical industry collective agreement, plus special company payments.
• Access to health management resources, including an on-site gym, digital health tools, and cashback-style health incentives.
• Inclusive workplace culture with equal opportunity and individualized support.
• Employee discounts across travel, fashion, media, mobile services, and more.
• Opportunity to work in an international, appreciative, and highly motivated team.
• Daily fresh meals available in the company restaurant.

• Open to students who are currently enrolled in a technical, creative, or business-oriented program.
• Suitable for candidates interested in innovation research, user-centered design, experimentation, and early-stage product development.