Crate Builder

Job Title: Crate Builder / Warehouse Associate
Job Description
This role combines hands-on carpentry and warehouse operations to build custom crates, pallets, and packaging that protect finished products during shipment. You will use hand and power tools to construct high-quality wood packaging, support shipping and receiving activities, and help ensure that every product leaves the facility safely, securely, and on time. This position starts on a contract basis through at least January, with the possibility of extension or conversion based on business needs.
Responsibilities

• Build wood crates, skids, pallets, and other custom packaging according to detailed specifications and shipping requirements.
• Operate power tools and equipment such as saws, nail guns, drills, impact drivers, and other woodworking tools safely and efficiently.
• Read and interpret basic drawings, dimensions, and packaging instructions to ensure accurate crate construction.
• Measure, cut, assemble, and secure lumber and other materials to build structurally sound crates and pallets.
• Inspect completed crates and pallets to verify structural integrity and compliance with shipping and customer requirements.
• Assist with packaging, staging, and preparing finished products for shipment, ensuring proper protection and labeling.
• Load, unload, and move materials and finished goods throughout the warehouse as needed using appropriate equipment.
• Support shipping and receiving activities, including order picking, packing, and general warehouse tasks.
• Maintain inventory of lumber, hardware, and packaging materials, and communicate replenishment needs.
• Use RF scanners and related equipment to support inventory control and order processing as required.
• Keep work areas clean, organized, and free of safety hazards, following 5S and housekeeping standards where applicable.
• Follow all safety procedures and consistently use required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses and hearing protection.
• Operate forklifts and pallet jacks, when trained and authorized, to move materials safely.
• Support other warehouse, production, and shipping functions as business needs require, including general labor and general production tasks.
• Work collaboratively across manufacturing, shipping/receiving, assembly, and testing areas, moving between buildings as needed to support operations.

Essential Skills

• Previous experience in a warehouse, carpentry, construction, manufacturing, or crate-building environment preferred.
• Proficiency using hand tools and power tools, including saws, drills, nail guns, impact drivers, and related equipment.
• Ability to read and use a tape measure accurately for precise cutting and assembly.
• Experience with shipping and receiving processes, including loading, unloading, and material handling.
• Ability to perform assembly work and general labor tasks in a production or warehouse setting.
• Experience with forklifts and pallet jacks, including forklift operating, is strongly preferred.
• Ability to perform order picking, packing, and order fulfillment accurately and efficiently.
• Comfort working with RF scanners or similar devices for inventory and order tracking.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure crates and pallets meet structural and shipping requirements.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, including basic drawings and packaging guidelines.
• Capability to work a schedule that runs roughly to 3:30 p.m., with reliability and consistent attendance.
• Physical ability to lift, carry, and move materials and to stand, bend, and work with tools for extended periods.
• Commitment to working safely, following procedures, and using PPE at all times.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in carpentry or woodworking, including measuring, cutting, and assembling lumber.
• Experience in general production environments, including assembly and testing support.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, rapidly growing operation with changing priorities.
• Ability to work across multiple areas, including manufacturing, shipping/receiving, assembly, and testing.
• Flexibility to move between nearby facilities as needed to support workload demands.
• Interest in long-term opportunities, with potential for contract extension or conversion based on business volume and performance.

Why Work Here?
You join a rapidly growing organization that offers competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and clear opportunities for development. The company supports a healthy work-life balance and provides flexible work schedules to help you manage personal and professional commitments. You benefit from medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement and 401(k) plans, and company-provided life, short-term, and long-term disability coverage. Time-off benefits and career path training programs help you build a stable, long-term future, while a team-oriented culture and temperature-controlled facility create a comfortable and collaborative place to work.
Work Environment
You will work in a large, temperature-controlled facility divided into manufacturing, shipping/receiving, assembly, and testing areas. You may rotate or move between these areas based on operational needs and will regularly work between the main building and a nearby location approximately half a mile away. The environment involves active warehouse and production operations, including use of forklifts, pallet jacks, RF scanners, and a variety of hand and power tools. Typical hours run to approximately 3:30 p.m., with flexibility based on workload. The dress code is casual, allowing appropriate jeans and T-shirts, with required steel-toed boots. Safety glasses with side shields and hearing protection are provided and must be worn as required. The role begins as a contract position through at least January, with the possibility of extension or conversion depending on business demand and performance.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Grimes, IA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $19.00/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 Grimes,IA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 24, 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.