Entry Level Associate Project Manager Jobs in Illinois

About Us

Daifuku Intralogistics America Corporation is a leading provider of intelligent material handling systems. With hundreds of engineers in-house, the company designs, manufactures, integrates, and installs a full spectrum of intralogistics solutions to meet client needs. These include leading-edge conveyor and sortation systems, voice- and light-directed order fulfillment equipment, a suite of warehouse controls & execution software, robotics, Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS), mezzanines, and structures, all backed by critical round-the-clock service and support.

If you want to join a team of industry leading experts who want to create an impact on the future of material handling solutions, we want to hear from you!

Job Summary

The Associate Project Manager is a structured development role designed to build a pipeline of future Project Managers capable of leading complex material handling automation projects. Under the guidance of experienced Project Managers, this role develops hands-on capability across planning, execution, commissioning, customer acceptance and financial delivery for projects involving conveyors, sortation systems, robotics, ASRS, controls, software, and warehouse technologies.

Through structured mentoring, field assignments, training and increasing project responsibility, the Associate Project Manager will build the technical, financial, operational and leadership skills with the goal of developing readiness to independently manage projects and customer relationships, typically within 12–24 months, based on demonstrated performance and business needs.

To accelerate learning and broaden industry experience, the Associate Project Manager will complete travel-intensive field assignments across customer sites and project locations. These assignments provide exposure to multiple project types, technologies, installation methods, startup activities, operational readiness initiatives and customer acceptance processes.

This position serves as the entry point into the Project Management career track. Success will be measured by demonstrated readiness to assume Project Manager responsibilities, with opportunities for continued advancement based on performance, experience, and business needs..

Project Execution
• Support planning, execution, commissioning and closeout of automation projects involving conveyors, sortation systems, robotics, ASRS systems, racking, controls and software integrations.
• Assist with project schedules, budget tracking, cost control, forecasting, risk management, reporting, procurement and contract administration.
• Coordinate activities among engineering, software, operations, procurement, installation teams, suppliers and customers.
• Track and drive project milestones, action items, risks, issues and change requests.
• Support change management, project controls, and financial reporting activities.
• Promote compliance with company, customer and site-specific safety requirements during all project activities.

Customer & Vendor Coordination
• Prepare and deliver clear project status reports, presentations and updates for customers, vendors, internal stakeholders and customer leadership.
• Communicate project progress, risks, issues, decisions and recommended actions clearly in both written and verbal formats, supporting timely issue resolution and stakeholder alignment.
• Build effective working relationships with customers, suppliers, subcontractors and internal stakeholders.
• Support vendor management and supplier performance activities.

Commissioning & Operational Readiness
• Assist with installation, startup, commissioning and customer acceptance testing.
• Support operational readiness planning and project closeout activities.

Professional Development
• Progressively assume ownership of defined project scope, schedule, financials, field execution and customer-facing activities.
• Develop competencies aligned with the Daifuku Project Management Skills Matrix, mentoring plan, field rotation requirements and career progression framework.
• Demonstrate readiness for promotion through milestone-based evaluations covering technical knowledge, customer communication, project controls and leadership capability.
• Build the communication skills required to present project status, risks, financial performance, and recovery plans confidently and effectively to customer and company leadership.

Travel Requirements
• Ability to travel extensively (up to 80%) to customer and project sites, including occasional evenings and weekends, to support installation, commissioning, customer go-live and closeout activities.
• Open to temporary relocation within the United States for 12–24 months, including the possibility of sequential assignments at multiple project locations, to support major program and project site needs.
• Relocation assistance may be provided when required, in accordance with company policy and assignment terms.

Required
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is strongly preferred, Degrees in Project Management, Construction Management, Operations Management, Supply Chain or a related field may also be considered when supported by relevant technical background.
• 0-3 years of experience in project coordination, engineering, construction, logistics, or industrial automation environments.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred
• Internship, co-op, or project support experience.
• Exposure to automation, warehouse operations, manufacturing, or construction.
• Experience with Microsoft Project or similar scheduling tools.
• CAPM certification or interest in pursuing PMP or similar project management certification.
• Japanese language skills are a plus.

Characteristics of Successful Candidates
• Strong leadership potential and initiative.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare effective project reports and presentations and communicate confidently with client leadership.
• Analytical problem-solving mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated interest in learning and embracing the technical details of complex automation systems.
• Detail-oriented with a strong desire to learn.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building capabilities.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to adapt to changing project requirements and business needs.
• Willingness to learn through hands-on field experience.

EOE Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans

Federal Contractor

If you need assistance applying to an open position online, please email Careers@daifukuia.com.