Forklift Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Forklift Operator Job Description

This role is an integral part of the production team in Huntsville, AL, supporting manufacturing operations by safely moving materials throughout a fast-paced industrial facility. The forklift operator transports raw materials, work-in-process inventory, and finished products, assists machine operators, and performs a variety of production support tasks as needed. Prior experience operating a forklift in an industrial or manufacturing environment is highly preferred, and the position offers the opportunity to work with advanced specialty materials used in industries such as aerospace and advanced manufacturing.

• Safely operate sit-down forklifts to transport raw materials, work-in-process inventory, and finished products throughout the facility.
• Move products and materials between departments to support production schedules, workflow, and on-time manufacturing output.
• Assist machine operators by loading and unloading materials, staging product, and handling inventory required for production runs.
• Perform fire watch duties during maintenance, welding, or other hot work activities while strictly following all safety procedures and protocols.
• Conduct basic inspections of materials and equipment to help ensure quality, safety, and operational standards are consistently met.
• Perform general labor and material handling tasks such as picking orders, loading and unloading trucks, and organizing inventory.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, including regular housekeeping tasks in production and warehouse spaces.
• Follow all company policies, safety guidelines, and standard operating procedures while working around heavy machinery, cranes, and metal materials.
• Support other manufacturing, warehouse, and production support functions as assigned, including helping teammates with lifting, moving, and staging materials.
• Demonstrate dependable attendance, strong work ethic, and a safety-conscious mindset in all daily activities.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, machine operators, and team members to coordinate material flow and respond to changing production needs.
• Adapt to a fast-paced manufacturing environment and remain flexible in performing a variety of duties as business and production requirements change.

• Previous forklift operating experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or warehouse environment.
• Ability to safely operate sit-down forklifts and work around heavy machinery, cranes, and production equipment.
• Experience with material handling tasks such as loading, unloading, order picking, and inventory movement.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical tasks including standing, walking, bending, and manual handling throughout the shift.
• Strong focus on safety, including adherence to all safety procedures during fire watch and hot work activities.
• Reliable attendance and strong work ethic with a commitment to supporting production operations.
• Effective teamwork and communication skills to collaborate with machine operators and other production staff.
• Willingness to perform general labor and helper duties as needed to support overall manufacturing and warehouse functions.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced industrial manufacturing environment with changing priorities.

• Forklift certification is preferred and demonstrates formal training in safe equipment operation.
• Prior experience in production, warehouse, material handling, or manufacturing support roles is strongly preferred.
• Experience moving heavy materials and working with metal products such as titanium, nickel-based alloys, stainless steel, or other engineered materials is beneficial.
• Ability to serve as a fire watch and monitor hot work activities in accordance with safety guidelines.
• Demonstrated flexibility as a team player who is willing to assist where needed across departments.
• Ability to thrive in a high-activity environment while maintaining attention to detail and safety.
• Comfortable wearing required personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, hard hats, steel-toed boots, and hearing protection.

Employees have access to a structured contract-to-hire opportunity with multiple shift options, including day, night, and weekend schedules that offer shift differentials for nights and weekends. The organization supports employee well-being through an on-site nurse, free counseling services for employees and their families, and a generous paid time off program that includes 15 days of PTO and 11 holidays with holiday shutdowns. Team members can participate in a 401(k) program with a 4% contribution that does not require employee contributions once hired full-time, and receive boot vouchers to help cover the cost of high-quality work footwear. The culture emphasizes safety, teamwork, and operational excellence while providing opportunities to grow skills in a global specialty materials environment.

The role is based in a fast-paced industrial manufacturing facility in Huntsville, AL that produces and processes high-performance metal alloys and components, including specialty titanium, nickel-based alloys, stainless steel, and other engineered materials designed for demanding applications. Employees work around heavy machinery, cranes, forklifts, and metal materials and play a key role in 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, teamwork, and operational excellence, and requires the use of appropriate personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, hard hats, steel-toed boots, hearing protection, and other gear as needed. Work is performed on structured shifts, including day, night, and weekend schedules, in an environment that values reliability, clear communication, and adherence to safety and operational procedures.

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

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

This is a fully onsite position in Huntsville,AL.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 16, 2026.

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.