At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build experimental prototypes for innovative canvas tools.
- Company: Join a dynamic London-based startup revolutionising collaborative software.
- Benefits: Paid internship with hands-on experience and portfolio development.
- Other info: Collaborate closely with an experienced team in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Explore your creativity and make an impact in user experience design.
- Qualifications: Strong portfolio, coding familiarity, and passion for interaction design.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
Location: London (in person preferred)
Duration: 10 weeks (summer 2026)
Type: Full-time, paid internship
About tldraw
tldraw is a London-based Series A startup building software for infinite canvas applications. We're best known for tldraw.com, our free collaborative whiteboard used by millions, and for viral demos like Computer and Make Real. Our commercial product is the tldraw SDK, a React library that lets companies build collaborative canvas experiences into their own products. Our community includes 70k+ X followers, 45k+ GitHub stars, and 6k Discord members. Our customers include Google, Autodesk, ClickUp, and Blackrock.
The role
tldraw is hiring 1–2 R&D interns to explore new ideas on the canvas. You’ll work on open-ended, experimental projects focused on user experience and human-computer interaction on the infinite canvas. You are interested in how people think, create, and collaborate visually, and how software can support that. You’ll explore these questions through hands-on prototyping that combines code, design, and interaction. The goal is to take an idea from concept to working prototype. You’ll be encouraged to explore, build quickly, and follow your curiosity, while working closely with the tldraw engineering team.
You will
- Design and build experimental prototypes using tldraw
- Explore new interaction patterns for infinite canvas tools
- Work across code and design depending on your strengths
- Develop ideas independently with regular feedback and check-ins
- Share progress with the team and present your work at the end of the internship
You’ll need
- A strong portfolio of creative or technical work
- Experience building things, not just designing them
- Some familiarity with code (JavaScript or similar is helpful)
- An interest in user experience, interaction design, or human-computer interaction
- The ability to take an idea and push it forward independently
It’s a plus if you
- Have experience with React or frontend development
- Have done creative coding (p5.js, shaders, generative work, etc.)
- Care about tools for thinking, drawing, or collaboration
- Have built projects outside of coursework
What you’ll get
- Ownership of a real project from idea to prototype
- Close collaboration with a small, experienced team
- A strong portfolio piece by the end of the internship
- A chance to explore new ideas in creative tooling
Notes
- This is a paid internship
- We prefer interns to be based in London for the duration
- We’re hiring a small number of interns and will be selective
R&D Intern in London employer: tldraw
Contact Detail:
tldraw Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Intern in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to tldraw. Use LinkedIn or even Twitter to engage with their posts and share your thoughts. It’s all about making connections that could lead to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work, especially projects related to user experience and interaction design. Make sure it’s easy to navigate and visually appealing – first impressions matter!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your passion for R&D. Be ready to discuss your creative process and how you approach problem-solving. Remember, they want to see your curiosity and enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the tldraw team. Don’t forget to follow up after applying – a little persistence goes a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Intern in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Portfolio: Make sure to include a strong portfolio that showcases your creative or technical work. We want to see what you've built and how you think, so pick your best projects that highlight your skills in design and coding.
Tailor Your Application: When applying, take the time to tailor your application to tldraw. Highlight your interest in user experience and human-computer interaction, and explain how your background aligns with our mission of exploring new ideas on the infinite canvas.
Be Yourself: Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who is curious and passionate about building things, so share your unique perspective and experiences that make you a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at tldraw
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
Make sure to bring your portfolio along and highlight projects that showcase your creative and technical skills. Focus on pieces that demonstrate your ability to build and design, especially those related to user experience or interaction design.
✨Know Your Code
Brush up on your coding skills, particularly in JavaScript or React. Be prepared to discuss any coding projects you've worked on, and if possible, share how you’ve integrated code with design in your previous work.
✨Be Curious and Open-Minded
tldraw values exploration and curiosity, so come ready to discuss your ideas and how you approach problem-solving. Think about how you can push concepts forward independently and be prepared to share your thought process during the interview.
✨Engage with the Team
Since collaboration is key at tldraw, show your enthusiasm for working closely with others. Prepare questions about the team dynamics and how you can contribute to their projects, demonstrating your eagerness to be part of their innovative environment.