Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator / Material Handler
Job Description
This role supports a structural steel fabrication operation by safely moving, staging, and delivering heavy steel materials throughout an outside yard and fabrication shop. You will operate heavy equipment such as cranes, telehandlers, and Lull forklifts to load and unload trucks, supply production areas with the correct materials, and ensure an efficient and safe workflow across the facility.
Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment, including cranes, telehandlers, and Lull forklifts, to move extremely heavy steel materials throughout the shop and yard.
• Load and unload inbound and outbound shipments, ensuring all materials are handled safely, accurately, and without damage.
• Rig and position steel beams and components for welders using overhead lifting equipment and appropriate rigging techniques.
• Deliver structural steel materials to production areas such as weld stations, plasma tables, drill lines, and beam lines in a timely manner.
• Stage and organize structural steel for efficient workflow, production readiness, and minimal downtime in fabrication processes.
• Identify, sort, and verify different material types, including I-beams, W-beams, plate, and sheet metal, according to job requirements.
• Ensure the correct material size, type, and quantity are delivered to each designated work area based on production needs.
• Read and interpret a tape measure accurately, including measurements down to 1/16 of an inch, to confirm material dimensions.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in the yard and shop, including proper storage of materials and equipment.
• Follow all safety procedures and best practices related to rigging, lifting, and material handling to protect people, equipment, and materials.
• Communicate effectively with welders, machine operators, and other team members to coordinate material flow and prioritize tasks.
• Inspect equipment visually before use and report any damage, defects, or safety concerns promptly.
• Assist with loading and unloading trucks and trailers, ensuring loads are properly secured for transport.
• Support general material handling tasks as needed to keep structural steel fabrication operations running efficiently.

Essential Skills

• Proven heavy equipment operation experience in an industrial, construction, or fabrication environment.
• Hands-on experience operating cranes, telehandlers, and Lull forklifts for heavy material handling.
• Demonstrated experience with heavy material handling and rigging, including safe use of rigging gear and lifting techniques.
• Knowledge of structural steel materials, including common shapes and sizes such as I-beams, W-beams, plate, and sheet metal.
• Ability to accurately read and interpret a tape measure down to 1/16 of an inch.
• Experience loading and unloading trucks and trailers with heavy steel materials.
• Ability to lift, move, and maneuver heavy materials with the assistance of equipment.
• Physical ability to stand, walk, bend, and work on your feet in an industrial environment for extended periods.
• Comfort working in a non-climate-controlled shop and outdoor yard environment.
• Commitment to following all safety procedures related to rigging, lifting, and material handling.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in the steel or structural fabrication industry.
• Background in heavy equipment operation or construction equipment operation.
• Familiarity with telehandlers and Lull forklifts in a production or yard setting.
• Strong organizational skills to stage and arrange materials for efficient workflow.
• Attention to detail when verifying material types, sizes, and quantities.
• Effective communication skills to coordinate material flow with production teams.

Why Work Here?
You will join a team-focused fabrication environment where your equipment skills directly support complex structural steel projects. The role offers steady daytime hours and the opportunity to build specialized experience with heavy steel, rigging, and advanced material handling. You will work in a setting that values safety, reliability, and craftsmanship, and encourages hands-on learning and growth within industrial operations.
Work Environment
This position operates in an outside yard and structural steel fabrication shop environment. You will work around heavy equipment, steel beams, and active production areas, with frequent movement between indoor shop spaces and outdoor yard areas. The facility is non-climate-controlled, so temperatures and conditions will vary with the seasons. The schedule runs Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with extended periods of standing, walking, bending, and handling materials. You will regularly use cranes, telehandlers, Lull forklifts, and rigging equipment in a safety-focused, industrial setting where appropriate work attire and personal protective equipment are required.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cocoa, FL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $24.00/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 Cocoa,FL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 10, 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.