Forklift Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Forklift Operator

Job Description

This role is for an experienced sit-down forklift operator working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment within the shipping and receiving department. You will primarily operate a sit-down forklift to move materials to and from assembly lines, handle finished goods, and support efficient loading and unloading of trucks to keep production running smoothly.

Responsibilities

• Operate a sit-down forklift safely and efficiently for the majority of the shift.
• Transport raw materials from storage areas to assembly lines to ensure continuous production flow.
• Pick and collect finished parts and racks from assembly lines to prepare them for shipment.
• Load outbound trucks with finished product according to shipping schedules and instructions.
• Unload inbound trucks and move materials to designated storage or production areas.
• Perform material handling tasks including staging, organizing, and replenishing materials.
• Use RF scanners to pick, track, and verify inventory and orders as required.
• Support shipping and receiving activities, including order picking, packaging, and staging shipments.
• Assist with inventory-related tasks to maintain accurate stock levels and locations.
• Follow production control and logistics procedures to meet strict timelines and quality standards.
• Work closely with production and logistics teams to prioritize loads and respond to changing needs.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area and follow all safety policies and procedures.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience operating a sit-down forklift for the majority of a work shift.
• Hands-on experience in shipping and receiving operations.
• Demonstrated ability to load and unload trucks safely and efficiently.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably supporting production lines.
• Experience with material handling, including moving materials to and from production lines.
• Ability to use RF scanners for picking and inventory-related tasks.
• Familiarity with order picking, packaging, and basic production control and logistics processes.
• Capability to work effectively in a very fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Strong attention to safety, accuracy, and adherence to procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in a highly automated manufacturing facility.
• Previous work supporting Tier 1 or just-in-time production environments.
• Comfort working overtime as needed to meet production and shipping demands.
• Ability to collaborate with production, logistics, and shipping teams to resolve issues quickly.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple trucks and loads during a shift.

Why Work Here?

You will join a clean, modern, and highly automated manufacturing facility that offers a dynamic, fast-paced environment and clear opportunities for growth. The organization promotes from within, providing a path to advance your career and take on greater responsibility over time. You will gain valuable exposure working in a Tier 1 automotive supply setting, building skills that are highly regarded in the industry. There are opportunities to transfer between facilities, offering additional flexibility and long-term stability.

Work Environment

This position is based in a fast-paced Tier 1 automotive manufacturing facility where timely shipment of product is critical to keeping the production line running. The plant is clean, organized, and highly automated, with a strong focus on efficiency and safety. Forklift operators primarily use sit-down forklifts and RF scanners while working closely with assembly lines and the shipping and receiving area. The role involves working in a production-focused setting rather than a traditional warehouse or distribution environment. First shift hours are approximately 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM, and night shift hours are approximately 8:00 PM to 4:30 AM, with current overtime on both shifts. The environment requires staying alert, moving frequently between production and loading areas, and adhering to all safety and operational guidelines.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Smyrna, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.10 - $20.10/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 Smyrna,TN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 12, 2026.

About Aerotek

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

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.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.