Materials Associate

Materials Associate

This role supports a fast-growing defense technology organization in Santa Ana and Costa Mesa, CA by ensuring materials move efficiently from the warehouse to production lines. You will work primarily on a day shift (7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. or later) with significant overtime opportunities and may also have the option to support 2nd or 3rd shifts. As part of the Supply Chain team, you will handle shipping, receiving, inventory control, and material movement to help keep production running smoothly in a high-mix, high-volume environment.

Responsibilities

• Process shipping and receiving activities at the Santa Ana and/or Costa Mesa locations as needed.
• Prepare finished stock for shipment by identifying, pulling, packing, crating, labeling, loading, and securing products.
• Serve as a key point of contact to ensure all material movements across sites are accurately recorded and transacted in the system.
• Ensure orderly production and distribution of products by pulling orders from inventory and delivering production materials and supplies where needed.
• Stage finished products for final distribution to support on-time delivery.
• Complete regular cycle counts and perform all warehouse activities with inventory accuracy as a top priority.
• Maintain inventory by identifying, labeling, and keeping materials and supplies in stock, recording inventory locations, and reporting shortages promptly.
• Operate forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment to move items safely and efficiently, or signal machine operators to move materials onto and off trucks and loading docks.
• Expedite the flow of materials, parts, and assemblies within or between departments in accordance with production requirements and schedules.
• Follow standard operating procedures and safety guidelines while handling, storing, and transporting materials.
• Communicate clearly with production, supply chain, and other internal teams to resolve material issues and support customer needs.
• Lift and move objects up to 35 lbs as part of daily warehouse and material handling activities.

Essential Skills

• 2+ years of experience as a warehouse associate or in an equivalent material handling role.
• 2+ years of experience working with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and/or other warehouse management and inventory control tools.
• Hands-on experience with material handling, including shipping, receiving, and cycle counting.
• Proficiency in inventory management with Lot, Serial, and Batch tracking in a high-mix, high-production volume environment.
• Ability to operate forklifts and pallet jacks safely and effectively.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office or equivalent office management tools.
• Strong organization skills and attention to detail to maintain accurate inventory records.
• Excellent customer service skills and a professional communication style.
• Ability to prioritize tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to lift objects up to 35 lbs and perform physical warehouse tasks.
• Valid driver's license.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret security clearance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a high-mix, high-volume production or manufacturing environment.
• Prior experience using NetSuite or similar ERP platforms.
• Experience in a defense, aerospace, or other highly regulated industry.
• Comfort working across multiple sites or facilities to support material movement and logistics.
• Demonstrated ability to follow standard operating procedures and safety protocols consistently.

Why Work Here?

You will join a rapidly growing organization focused on transforming defense capabilities with advanced technology, offering the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, mission-driven work. The company is investing heavily in expansion, including new facilities, and is committed to bringing top performers on directly as part of its long-term internal team. You can expect a collaborative environment, significant overtime opportunities, and exposure to modern supply chain tools and processes that support your professional growth and development.

Work Environment

You will work in a clean, modern facility within a large and expanding organization that has recently secured funding to build a new site. The role is primarily based in Santa Ana and Costa Mesa, CA, supporting day shift hours of approximately 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with frequent overtime, and flexibility to support 2nd or 3rd shifts is a plus. The environment is production- and warehouse-focused, with regular use of forklifts, pallet jacks, and ERP-based inventory systems. You will operate in a structured setting that emphasizes safety, accuracy, and adherence to standard operating procedures while collaborating closely with production and supply chain teams.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tustin, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $25.00/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 Tustin, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 24, 2026.