Associate Project Manager

Associate Project ManagerMolex's Optical Connectivity Group (OCG) is seeking an Associate Project Manager, Product Development, to support the planning and execution of product-development and business projects.This developmental role independently manages selected lower-complexity projects while supporting Project Managers on larger, more complex programs. Project assignments may include product development, product modifications, customer delivery, process improvement, governance, systems implementation, and portfolio reporting initiatives.The Associate Project Manager coordinates cross-functional activities, maintains project plans and documentation, monitors progress, and helps teams address risks, issues, and dependencies. The role operates under general guidance, with increasing responsibility and broader project exposure as project management capabilities develop.Molex's Optical Connectivity Group designs and delivers optical solutions supporting data centers, telecommunications infrastructure, and next-generation computing. The Associate Project Manager will work across our global organization to support disciplined project execution, product development, and continuous improvement.This role will manage selected lower-complexity projects and support Project Managers on larger programs, with opportunities to take on broader responsibilities as capabilities develop.Reports to: Director, Project ManagementLocation: Onsite in Lisle, ILManage selected lower-complexity projects under general guidanceSupport Project Managers on larger or more complex programsOwn defined project workstreams and coordinate cross-functional deliverablesDevelop and maintain project schedules, milestones, actions, and documentationFacilitate project meetings and ensure clear ownership and follow-upTrack risks, issues, dependencies, changes, and mitigation activitiesSupport Product Development Process requirements and phase reviewsPrepare project status updates and maintain accurate project and portfolio informationEscalate decisions requiring additional authority, resources, or prioritizationSupport process improvement, governance, systems, and other Project Management team prioritiesThis position has no direct reports but leads cross-functional project teams through influence, coordination, and accountability. Success requires strong organization, follow-through, communication, problem-solving, judgment, and the ability to maintain momentum across competing priorities.The Associate Project Manager will contribute to disciplined execution, effective governance, portfolio visibility, and continuous improvement across the organization.Bachelor's degree in a technical or business-related fieldExperience in project coordination, engineering, manufacturing, operations, supply chain, quality, commercial, or a related areaExperience supporting cross-functional projects involving multiple business functionsExperience organizing work, tracking deliverables, and managing competing prioritiesAbility to communicate clearly and coordinate activities across cross-functional teamsAbility to identify risks, assess impacts, recommend actions, and escalate issues appropriatelyAbility to support global teams, including occasional meetings outside standard business hoursExperience supporting product development or New Product Introduction (NPI) projectsExperience working within a formal phase-gate or Product Development ProcessPrevious experience in an engineering or technical roleFamiliarity with project schedules, risk and issue tracking, action management, and status reportingExperience in a mechanical, electromechanical, connectivity, or manufacturing environmentExposure to manufacturing, engineering, quality, supply chain, or commercial processesExperience collaborating with international cross-functional teamsExperience using Microsoft Project, Excel, PowerPoint, PLM, ERP, or portfolio management systemsDemonstrated interest in developing formal project management knowledge and capability