Crate Builder

Job Title: Crate Builder

Job Description

The Crate Builder plays a key role in warehouse and production operations by safely handling materials, building custom wood crates and packaging, and preparing products for shipment. This position uses forklifts, pallet jacks, hand tools, and power tools to move materials, construct crates and pallets, and ensure finished goods are packaged, labeled, and staged accurately for shipping and receiving activities.

Responsibilities

• Load, unload, move, and stage materials throughout the warehouse and production areas using forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment.

• Organize and maintain inventory of raw materials, lumber, packaging supplies, and finished goods to support production and shipping operations.

• Pull, prepare, and stage orders for shipment according to customer specifications and internal requirements.

• Assist with shipping and receiving activities, including verifying incoming and outgoing materials and ensuring accuracy of shipments.

• Build wood crates, skids, pallets, and custom packaging to safely transport finished products.

• Measure, cut, assemble, and secure lumber and other materials used in crate construction using appropriate tools and equipment.

• Operate hand and power tools such as saws, nail guns, drills, impact drivers, and measuring tools in a safe and efficient manner.

• Package, band, wrap, and secure products for shipment to meet quality and safety standards.

• Inspect completed crates, pallets, and packaged products to ensure they meet quality, durability, and shipping requirements.

• Maintain inventory of lumber, packaging supplies, and warehouse materials to support ongoing operations.

• Keep warehouse, shipping, and work areas clean, organized, and free of safety hazards.

• Follow all safety procedures and consistently use required personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Assist with other warehouse, material handling, production, and shipping functions as business needs require.

• Use RF scanners and related equipment to support picking, packing, and inventory activities.

• Work across manufacturing, shipping/receiving, assembly, and testing areas as needed to support overall operations.

Essential Skills

• Previous material handling experience in a warehouse, production, or shipping and receiving environment.

• Proficiency with hand tools and power tools such as saws, nail guns, drills, impact drivers, and measuring tools.

• Ability to safely operate forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment.

• Experience with shipping and receiving processes, including loading, unloading, and verifying materials.

• Ability to perform crate and pallet assembly, including measuring, cutting, and securing lumber and other materials.

• Strong skills in order picking, packing, and general warehouse operations.

• Comfort with general labor and production tasks in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to use RF scanners for picking and inventory activities.

• Capability to lift, move, and handle materials safely and efficiently.

• Attention to detail when inspecting crates, pallets, and packaged products for quality and compliance with requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Tool experience, including regular use of hand tools and power tools, is a strong plus.

• Experience in carpentry or wood assembly is beneficial for crate building and custom packaging work.

• Experience in inventory control and warehouse organization.

• Familiarity with general production processes in a manufacturing environment.

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a large facility.

• Flexibility to support multiple areas such as manufacturing, shipping/receiving, assembly, and testing.

• Willingness to work in a contract role through at least January, with potential for extension based on business needs.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a comprehensive total rewards package that supports financial security, health, and long-term career growth. The organization offers competitive compensation, time off benefits, retirement and 401(k) plans, and company-provided life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance. Team members have access to medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, flexible work schedules, and career path training in a temperature-controlled facility. The company is rapidly growing within its industry, maintains a healthy work-life balance, and promotes a team-oriented culture where collaboration and development are highly valued.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Grimes, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $19.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Grimes,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 28, 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.