Material Handler

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Material Handler

Job Description

The Material Handler reconditions large heat exchange plates from start to finish, including removing old gaskets, cleaning and testing the plates, installing new gaskets, and preparing finished products for shipment in a relaxed, small-team manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Recondition heat exchange plates from arrival to final packaging, following established procedures and quality standards.
• Remove old rubber gaskets from heat exchange plates either by hand or by dipping plates into a container filled with liquid nitrogen.
• Power wash plates thoroughly to remove residue and prepare surfaces for inspection and re-gasketing.
• Test plates for cracks, holes, or other defects by applying inspection material and examining them under a black light.
• Wash and dry plates after the testing process to ensure they are clean and ready for the next step.
• Apply and glue new rubber gaskets onto the plates with careful attention to alignment and adhesion.
• Transfer re-gasketed plates into an oven so the gaskets can properly adhere to the metal surfaces.
• Cool plates after oven curing and inspect them visually to confirm quality and readiness for shipment.
• Package finished plates securely for shipment, ensuring they are protected and correctly labeled.
• Handle, move, and stage materials and finished products within a very open warehouse environment.
• Use hand tools and basic manufacturing equipment safely and correctly during all stages of the process.
• Work collaboratively with a small production team to meet daily and weekly output goals.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area, including general cleaning tasks as needed.
• Follow all safety guidelines, including the proper use of safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toed boots.
• Lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds as part of daily production activities.
• Support occasional Saturday work when required to meet production demands.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of manufacturing or production experience.
• Demonstrated attention to detail when following procedures and inspecting products.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented production environment.
• Capability to lift and move up to 50 pounds safely and repeatedly.
• Self-motivated approach with the ability to stay on task with minimal supervision.
• Comfort working in a general labor, material handling, and production role.
• Ability to use hand tools and basic manufacturing equipment safely.
• Willingness to work a 1st shift schedule from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and be available to work on Saturdays when needed.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in general labor, packing, or packaging within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in production, loading, or material handling work.
• Familiarity with assembly tasks in a manufacturing or warehouse setting.
• Experience operating a forklift is beneficial.
• Comfort performing cleaning tasks, including power washing and general facility cleanliness.
• Ability to work with inspection materials and follow quality-check procedures.
• Willingness to travel or join field teams that remove exchange plates from manufacturing sites for candidates interested in future opportunities that involve travel and per diem.

Why Work Here?

You join a small, close-knit team where the environment is laid back and focused on steady, quality work rather than rushing. Many current employees have grown within the organization, demonstrating clear opportunities for advancement and long-term career development. For those open to travel, there are additional teams that visit manufacturing sites and offer strong earning potential with per diem for extended trips. The culture values reliability, teamwork, and a relaxed atmosphere as long as production goals are met, creating a stable and supportive place to build your skills and experience.

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing environment within a very open warehouse that is not climate controlled, so temperatures will vary with the seasons. The team works on 1st shift, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with the expectation of being available to work on Saturdays when production requires it. The work involves handling large, door-sized sheet metal plates with rubber gaskets, using tools such as power washers, inspection materials and black lights, ovens for curing gaskets, and containers of liquid nitrogen for gasket removal. The atmosphere is relaxed and not overly fast-paced, as long as production output goals are met. Steel-toed boots and jeans are required attire, and safety glasses and gloves are provided. The facility has a small workforce, including several employees who have successfully transitioned from contract roles into long-term positions, contributing to a stable and team-oriented environment.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.50 - $18.50/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 Ankeny,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 2, 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.