At Thorlabs, we design and manufacture components, instruments, and systems that transform the world by identifying, enabling, and accelerating key photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies. Backed by a dedicated workforce of more than 3,000 employees worldwide, Thorlabs contributes to cutting-edge research and real-world innovation.

Whether you're early in your career or bringing years of experience, you’ll find opportunities to grow, take ownership, and make meaningful contributions from day one. We know every employee brings unique talents and perspectives that fuel our success, and we seek driven individuals who are excited to make an impact in a fun, fast-moving culture.

The PMO Coordinator, as part of the Project Management Office (PMO), works closely with business, operations, and technology leaders across the company to support critical transformation projects that advance Thorlabs’ strategic vision. This is a learning-focused role with strong mentorship from senior project managers and leaders, offering broad exposure to strategic initiatives across the company. Although the position is based in Newton, NJ, occasional travel to other Thorlabs locations may be required.

• Assist with the creation and maintenance of project plans, schedules, RAID logs (risks, assumptions, issues, dependencies), and status reports.

• Provide management with timely and accurate project information, metrics, and reporting (e.g., dashboards, summary updates).

• Help coordinate day-to-day project activities, including scheduling meetings, tracking action items, and following up with stakeholders.

• Communicate project outcomes, decisions, and next steps clearly and in a timely manner to relevant stakeholders.

• Contribute to the development and execution of change management and communication plans (e.g., stakeholder decks, FAQs, training announcements).

• Work with business partners to help assess, track, and report on the financial and operational benefits of project efforts.

• Perform project tasks that may have limited established guidelines, using judgment to escalate questions or issues as needed.

• Provide basic training and guidance on project processes and tools; serve as a liaison to other departments where appropriate.

• Prepare and maintain project documentation, including technical summaries, case studies, and training materials.

• Support continuous improvement activities to address short- and long-term operational challenges.

• Assist in the development and documentation of process models and process maps.

• Help facilitate the setting of priorities, objectives, goals, and metrics for projects, and support ongoing monitoring and control.

• Ensure a project plan is documented, agreed, and maintained for assigned initiatives.

• Capture and share lessons learned and best practices from projects to support PMO maturity.

Requirements

Experience:

• Experience with enterprise-wide and/or cross-functional large-scale initiatives with high degree of complexity preferred.

• Exposure to manufacturing, distribution, or technology environments is a plus.

• Entry level to 2 years' experience required

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in business, industrial engineering, or related field of study or equivalent work experience preferred

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Must have strong analytical skills (with six sigma/operations background preferred).

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate with individuals at all levels of the organization.

• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and worldwide entities.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook); experience with project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Planner, or similar) is a plus.

• Experience with ERP/MRP systems preferred

• Detail orientated.

• Strong ability to work independently.

• Sound judgment and strong decision-making skills appropriate to a junior level project role, with a willingness to escalate issues when needed.

Ability to travel up to 10% of time as needed.

The estimated pay range for this role is $66,000 - $ 70,000 annually

Thorlabs values its diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identify or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts.  The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer.  Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.

Benefits

Thorlabs offers a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid life insurance, a generous PTO package, a 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement just to name a few.