Forklift Operator

Job Title: Forklift Operator Job Description

This role focuses on safely operating forklifts and handling materials within a large, clean, and highly organized warehouse environment. The forklift operator accurately receives, stores, picks, and loads parts and finished goods, maintains inventory integrity, and supports smooth production operations. The position also involves cross-training across departments, participating in continuous improvement activities, and contributing positively to a collaborative team culture.

Responsibilities

• Receive incoming parts from vendors and internal locations, verify accuracy against documentation, update the computer system, and place materials in the correct warehouse locations.

• Pick part orders from both low and high rack locations using an RF scanner, ensuring accuracy and completeness of each order.

• Load picked orders onto production carts and prepare materials for timely delivery to production and other internal customers.

• Participate in finished goods and parts maintenance, including cycle counting programs to ensure inventory accuracy.

• Support bin and space consolidation programs to optimize warehouse layout, storage efficiency, and material flow.

• Maintain general cleanliness and organization of inventory areas and the overall warehouse facility.

• Become cross-trained within the department and perform tasks in other departments as needed to support operations.

• Identify potential or repetitive errors in processes, communicate observations to appropriate personnel, and help prevent future issues.

• Verify personal work and the work of other associates to ensure accuracy and alignment with customer expectations.

• Adhere to the company handbook and all departmental rules and regulations, including safety protocols and respectful conduct toward colleagues.

• Operate and maintain warehouse equipment, including sit-down or stand-up forklifts, according to maintenance schedules and safety guidelines.

• Report any equipment problems or safety concerns immediately to supervisory personnel.

• Maintain a neat, organized, and safe work area at all times.

• Accept responsibility for actions and work performed, demonstrating reliability and accountability.

• Maintain a positive attitude, function effectively in a team environment, and show consistent respect for fellow associates.

• Participate in company-sponsored activities such as suggestion programs, quality training, and other continuous improvement initiatives.

• Perform packing, shipping, and receiving duties as needed to support daily warehouse and production operations.

• Handle materials safely and efficiently, including loading and unloading goods, while following established procedures.

• Perform other related duties as required to ensure smooth warehouse and production operations.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of experience operating sit-down or stand-up forklifts in a warehouse or similar environment.

• Proficiency in shipping and receiving processes, including checking, documenting, and routing incoming and outgoing materials.

• Experience with packing and preparing orders for shipment or movement to production.

• Material handling skills, including safe loading, unloading, and movement of parts and finished goods.

• Ability to use RF scanners to pick orders accurately from both low and high rack locations.

• Basic computer skills for updating inventory and warehouse management systems.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in receiving, picking, and inventory maintenance.

• Ability to follow safety rules, company handbook guidelines, and departmental procedures consistently.

• Capability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate respectfully with colleagues.

• Willingness to accept responsibility for work performed and maintain a positive, solutions-focused attitude.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in a warehouse or production environment is highly beneficial.

• Experience with cycle counting and inventory control processes.

• Familiarity with bin and space consolidation programs or lean warehouse practices.

• Openness to cross-training in areas such as soldering, quality control, and chain operation.

• Interest in participating in suggestion programs and quality training initiatives.

• Strong work ethic and reliable attendance, as advancement opportunities are tied to effort and consistency.

• Ability to adapt to automated systems and technology used in modern production and warehouse facilities.

Why Work Here?

Employees join a highly efficient and reliable operation that invests in their growth from day one. Benefits start immediately, including health, dental, vision, and pet coverage, along with a competitive 401(k) plan featuring a 6% match. Team members have clear opportunities to move into higher-skilled roles through on-site training and certification in areas such as soldering, quality control, and chain operation. Promotions are based on attendance and effort rather than tenure, creating a merit-driven environment where hard work is recognized and rewarded. Employees are also eligible for production bonuses twice a year, providing additional incentive for strong performance and engagement.

Work Environment

The role is based in a large, well-lit, and temperature-controlled warehouse environment that is part of a broader manufacturing and production operation. The facility is extremely clean, organized, and highly automated, with many of the company’s own products integrated into the systems and equipment used on site. The production building houses around 150 employees, with approximately 100 working directly in production, fostering a busy yet structured atmosphere. Team members work around advanced automated drives, motors, and related technologies, supported by modern material handling equipment such as sit-down and stand-up forklifts and RF scanners. The environment emphasizes safety, cleanliness, organization, and teamwork, offering a professional setting where employees can focus on accuracy, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Buffalo Grove, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $20.90/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 Buffalo Grove,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 18, 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.