Forklift Operator

Job Title: Forklift Operator Job Description

This role supports a fast-paced specialty materials manufacturing facility by safely operating forklifts to move raw materials, work-in-process, and finished products throughout the plant. The position works closely with machine operators and production teams to maintain smooth workflow, supports general production and warehouse activities, and performs fire watch duties during hot work. Candidates should be dependable, safety-focused, and comfortable working in an industrial environment with heavy equipment and metal materials.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate sit-down forklifts to transport raw materials, work-in-process, and finished products throughout the facility.

• Move products and materials between departments to support production schedules and maintain an efficient workflow.

• Assist machine operators with loading, unloading, staging, and handling materials to keep production lines running smoothly.

• Perform fire watch duties during maintenance, welding, or other hot work activities while strictly following all safety procedures.

• Support general material handling activities, including picking, loading, unloading, and order picking as needed.

• Perform general labor and helper tasks to assist production and warehouse operations.

• Conduct basic inspections of materials and equipment to ensure they meet quality and safety standards.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area by following housekeeping and 5S practices.

• Follow all company policies, safety guidelines, and operational procedures at all times.

• Work collaboratively with team members to support other manufacturing and warehouse functions as assigned.

• Lift and move materials manually when required, using proper lifting techniques and safety practices.

• Communicate effectively with supervisors, machine operators, and coworkers to coordinate material flow and production needs.

Essential Skills

• Previous forklift operating experience in a manufacturing, warehouse, or industrial environment.

• Ability to safely operate sit-down forklifts around machinery, cranes, and production equipment.

• Ability to work safely in a manufacturing or industrial setting with heavy materials and equipment.

• Experience in production, warehouse, material handling, or manufacturing support roles (preferred).

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical tasks such as standing, walking, bending, and reaching throughout the shift.

• Strong commitment to safety, including a safety-conscious mindset and adherence to all safety procedures.

• Dependable attendance and strong work ethic.

• Effective teamwork and communication skills to collaborate with production and warehouse teams.

• Willingness to perform a variety of duties as business needs change.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Additional Skills & QualificOur Clientons

• Forklift certification (preferred).

• Comfort working in a manufacturing or industrial environment with heavy machinery and metal materials.

• Experience moving heavy materials using forklifts and other material handling equipment.

• Ability to work safely around cranes, production equipment, and hot work activities.

• Flexibility to assist in multiple areas of the plant, including production support, material handling, and general labor.

• Reliability, strong attention to detail, and a proactive approach to safety and quality.

• Eagerness to be part of a team-oriented environment and support overall operational excellence.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a stable opportunity with a clear path from contract to hire, structured shifts, and additional pay for nights and weekends. The organization offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan with employer contributions, generous paid time off, and an on-site nurse to support employee well-being. Team members and their families have access to free counseling services, and the company provides boot vouchers to help employees obtain proper protective footwear. The culture emphasizes safety, teamwork, and long-term career growth in a facility that supports critical industries worldwide.

Work Environment

This role is based in a fast-paced industrial manufacturing facility that produces advanced specialty metal materials and components for demanding applications such as aerospace, defense, energy, and medical manufacturing. Employees work around heavy machinery, cranes, forklifts, and metal materials while supporting production operations by moving materials throughout the plant, assisting machine operators, monitoring hot work activities as a fire watch, and loading and unloading products. The facility prioritizes safety and operational excellence, and team members are expected to follow all safety protocols and procedures. Appropriate personal protective equipment is required, including safety glasses, hard hats, steel-toed boots, hearing protection, and other PPE as needed. Shifts include day, night, and weekend options, with structured hours and shift differentials for nights and weekends. The environment is collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong focus on safety, reliability, and supporting critical manufacturing operations.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Huntsville, AL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.61 - $21.86/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Huntsville,AL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 6, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.