Associate Project Manager

Molex'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.

Director, Project Management

Onsite in Lisle, IL

• Manage selected lower-complexity projects under general guidance
• Support Project Managers on larger or more complex programs
• Own defined project work streams and coordinate cross-functional deliverables
• Develop and maintain project schedules, milestones, actions, and documentation
• Facilitate project meetings and ensure clear ownership and follow-up
• Track risks, issues, dependencies, changes, and mitigation activities
• Support Product Development Process requirements and phase reviews
• Prepare project status updates and maintain accurate project and portfolio information
• Escalate decisions requiring additional authority, resources, or prioritization
• Support process improvement, governance, systems, and other Project Management team priorities
• This 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 field
• Experience in project coordination, engineering, manufacturing, operations, supply chain, quality, commercial, or a related area
• Experience supporting cross-functional projects involving multiple business functions
• Experience organizing work, tracking deliverables, and managing competing priorities
• Ability to communicate clearly and coordinate activities across cross-functional teams
• Ability to identify risks, assess impacts, recommend actions, and escalation issues appropriately
• Ability to support global teams, including occasional meetings outside standard business hours

• Experience working within a formal phase-gate or Product Development Process
• Previous experience in an engineering or technical role
• Familiarity with project schedules, risk and issue tracking, action management, and status reporting
• Experience in a mechanical, electromechanical, connectivity, or manufacturing environment
• Exposure to manufacturing, engineering, quality, supply chain, or commercial…