Material Handler

Job Title: Material Handler
Job Description
This role focuses on reconditioning heat exchange plates from arrival at the warehouse through to final packaging for shipment. You will remove old rubber gaskets, thoroughly clean and inspect the plates for defects, apply new gaskets, and prepare the finished product for delivery, ensuring quality and consistency throughout the process.
Responsibilities

• Receive heat exchange plates in the warehouse and prepare them for reconditioning.
• Remove rubber gaskets from plates either by hand or by dipping plates into a container of liquid nitrogen.
• Clean plates using power washing equipment to ensure all debris and residue are removed.
• Test plates for cracks, holes, or other defects by applying inspection material and using a black light to identify issues.
• Wash and dry plates after testing to remove inspection materials and prepare surfaces for regasketing.
• Apply and glue new rubber gaskets onto the cleaned plates with careful attention to alignment and adhesion.
• Transfer plates into an oven to allow gaskets to properly adhere to the metal surfaces.
• Cool plates after oven processing and ensure they are ready for final handling.
• Package reconditioned plates securely for shipment, following established packing and labeling procedures.
• Handle materials, products, and packaging within a manufacturing and warehouse environment, including loading and moving items as needed.
• Use hand tools and basic equipment safely and correctly during cleaning, assembly, and packaging tasks.
• Operate or assist with forklift use when required, following all safety protocols (if trained and authorized).
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, including regular cleaning tasks in the warehouse and production space.
• Work collaboratively with a small, laid-back production team to meet daily and weekly output goals.
• Follow all safety guidelines, including use of required personal protective equipment, and report any issues or defects promptly.
• Lift and move materials and products up to 50 pounds as part of daily duties.
• Consistently meet production expectations while maintaining quality standards for reconditioned plates.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of manufacturing or production experience.
• Demonstrated attention to detail when inspecting and handling materials.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Capability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Self-motivated approach with the ability to stay productive in a relaxed atmosphere.
• Comfort working in a general labor, material handling, and production setting.
• Basic proficiency using hand tools for assembly, cleaning, and packaging tasks.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions for reconditioning processes and safety procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in general labor, packing, and production work.
• Experience in manufacturing, material handling, and assembly.
• Familiarity with packaging processes and standards.
• Experience with loading and unloading materials in a warehouse environment.
• Prior use of hand tools in an industrial or manufacturing setting.
• Forklift experience or certification is an asset.
• Comfort performing cleaning tasks, including power washing and general warehouse cleanliness.
• Willingness to work first shift hours from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with the ability to work Saturdays when needed.
• Interest in potential travel opportunities to manufacturing sites for specialized plate removal work, which may include extended periods away from home.

Why Work Here?
You will join a small, supportive team in a relaxed production environment where meeting output goals matters more than rushing through tasks. There are clear opportunities for advancement, with examples of team members growing into leadership roles. For those open to travel, there are specialized field teams that visit manufacturing sites to work on heat exchange plates, offering strong earning potential and per diem for extended trips. The culture emphasizes teamwork, steady productivity, and long-term growth for employees.
Work Environment
This position is based in a manufacturing environment within a very open warehouse. The atmosphere is laid back, and as long as production output is met, the pace is steady rather than rushed. The facility is not climate controlled, so temperatures will vary with the seasons. The role is a first shift position, working 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with the expectation of being available to work Saturdays when required. You will work around industrial equipment such as power washers, ovens used to adhere gaskets, inspection tools including black lights, and standard warehouse material handling equipment. The dress code requires steel-toed boots and jeans, and safety glasses and gloves are provided. The environment supports collaboration among a small group of production employees with a mix of current and former staffing agency workers, fostering a friendly, team-oriented setting focused on safe, consistent production.
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.
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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ankeny, IA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 9, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Ankeny,IA.

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.