Associate Project Manager at Thermo Systems in Ridgeville, SC

Job description

• The Associate Project Manager supports the successful delivery of automation and control system projects from execution through commissioning and closeout. Working under the direction of a Project Manager or Senior Project Manager, this role assists with coordinating project execution, maintaining project controls, and ensuring teams meet schedule, quality, and budget expectations.
• The Associate Project Manager collaborates closely with engineering, procurement, fabrication, software, and field teams while supporting communication with customers and trade partners. This role is ideal for early-career professionals looking to develop strong project leadership capabilities within complex industrial and automation environments.
• What You’ll Do

Responsibilities

• Support assigned projects from execution start through commissioning and project closeout.
• Assist with development and maintenance of project execution plans, schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
• Coordinate project activities across engineering, procurement, fabrication, software, and field service teams.
• Track risks, issues, and change orders while ensuring appropriate documentation and resolution.
• Support project installation, commissioning, and customer acceptance activities including readiness checklists and punch-list tracking.
• Assist with preparation of project documentation, reports, and project gate deliverables.
• Maintain accurate project records and reporting using company project management tools and templates.
• Support estimation, forecasting, and project performance tracking.
• Communicate clearly and proactively with internal teams, customers, and trade partners.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to align project scope, schedule, and deliverables.
• Build strong working relationships with customers, contractors, and internal project teams.
• Identify and escalate project risks, scope changes, and potential schedule impacts early.
• Seek guidance from senior project leadership while developing independent project management capabilities.
• Adhere to company policies, QMS requirements, and established safety standards.
• Champion safe work practices in both office and field environments.
• Ensure project work is executed in accordance with project scope, specifications,
• and contractual requirements.
• Deliver accurate, high-quality work with strong attention to detail.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in project execution and operational processes.
• What We’re Looking For

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Project Management, Business, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent technical experience.
• Typically, 0 to 3+ years of experience supporting project delivery in industrial, automation, or systems integration environments.
• Exposure to structured project execution methods and project lifecycle management practices.
• Working knowledge of project management fundamentals including scheduling, risk management, and change control.
• Familiarity with automation, electrical, mechanical, or control system environments preferred.
• Experience coordinating technical teams, contractors, or project stakeholders.
• Proficiency with project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, or similar platforms.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to manage priorities and meet deadlines in fast-paced project environments.
• Sound problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Commitment to quality, safety, and accountability.
• CAPM certification preferred or progress toward PMP certification.

Skills

Required

• Microsoft Project
• Smartsheet
• Project management fundamentals
• Scheduling
• Risk management
• Change control

Benefits

• Competitive compensation with annual bonus opportunity
• 401(k) with company match
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with low-cost options
• Paid time off and sick leave
• Tuition reimbursement and professional credential support
• In-house and external technical training opportunities
• Exposure to complex, high-impact automation projects
• A collaborative culture built on integrity, accountability, and teamwork
• Learn more at www.thermosystems.com