Material Handler

Job Title: Material Handler

Job Description

This role focuses on reconditioning heat exchange plates from start to finish, including removing and replacing rubber gaskets, cleaning and testing plates for defects, and preparing finished products for shipment. You will work with hand tools, power washing equipment, and material handling tools in a manufacturing environment while supporting consistent production output and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Recondition heat exchange plates by completing all steps from receipt to shipment.

• Remove old rubber gaskets from plates either by hand or by dipping plates into a container of liquid nitrogen.

• Clean plates thoroughly using power washing equipment to remove residue and prepare surfaces for inspection.

• Test plates for cracks, holes, or other defects by applying a detection material and inspecting under a black light.

• Wash and dry plates after testing to remove inspection materials and ensure clean surfaces.

• Glue new rubber gaskets onto plates with careful attention to alignment and adhesion quality.

• Transfer plates into an oven so gaskets properly adhere to the metal, then cool plates safely after curing.

• Package finished plates securely for shipment to ensure safe transport and prevent damage.

• Perform general material handling tasks such as loading, unloading, and moving plates and materials within the warehouse.

• Assist with packing, assembly, and production tasks as needed to support overall manufacturing operations.

• Use hand tools and, when required, forklifts or other material handling equipment in a safe and efficient manner.

• Maintain a clean, organized work area and assist with general cleaning tasks in the warehouse.

• Work collaboratively with team members to meet daily production output and quality goals.

• Follow all safety procedures, including proper use of personal protective equipment and adherence to facility guidelines.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of manufacturing or production experience.

• Demonstrated attention to detail when inspecting, cleaning, and assembling components.

• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.

• Capability to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.

• Self-motivated approach with the ability to stay on task with minimal supervision.

• Experience with general labor tasks such as packing, loading, and material handling.

• Comfort using hand tools for assembly, cleaning, and reconditioning tasks.

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions for production and safety procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• experience in manufacturing, production, or general labor environments.

• Experience with packaging and shipping processes.

• Familiarity with forklift operation or other material handling equipment.

• Experience in cleaning, power washing, or similar industrial cleaning tasks.

• Comfort working with industrial equipment and in an open warehouse setting.

• Willingness to support occasional Saturday work when required to meet production needs.

• Interest in potential travel opportunities with teams that pull exchange plates from manufacturing sites, with per diem provided when away for extended periods.

Why Work Here?

You will join a small, close-knit team in a relaxed and supportive environment where performance matters more than rushing through tasks. Many current employees have grown within the organization, including individuals who advanced from entry-level roles into leadership, demonstrating clear opportunities for career progression. For those interested in travel, there are teams that work on-site at manufacturing locations, offering strong earning potential and per diem for extended assignments. The culture emphasizes steady productivity, teamwork, and long-term growth, making it a strong fit for individuals seeking stability, development, and a collaborative workplace.

Work Environment

This position is based in a manufacturing environment within a very open warehouse. The team operates on a first-shift schedule, working Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with the expectation that employees are comfortable working occasional Saturdays when needed. The atmosphere is laid back and not overly fast-paced, as long as production output goals are met. The facility is not climate controlled, so temperatures may vary with the seasons. Work involves handling thin sheet metal plates approximately the size of a door, using power washers, hand tools, ovens, and inspection equipment such as black lights. Safety is a priority, with steel-toed boots and jeans required as part of the dress code. Safety glasses and gloves are provided. You will work alongside a small group of employees with a mix of current and former contract staff, contributing to a collaborative and supportive warehouse 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 Aug 17, 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.