Crane Operator

Job Title: Crane Operator Job Description

The Crane Operator safely operates overhead cranes and related equipment to lift, move, position, and place large metal materials within an industrial warehouse environment. This role includes performing pre-operation inspections, following detailed job specifications and blueprints, and supporting cutting and handling operations to ensure materials are prepared accurately and efficiently for shipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate overhead cranes to lift, move, position, and place metal equipment and materials within the warehouse.

• Use cranes equipped with specialized attachments, including dredging equipment when required, to perform material handling and related tasks.

• Operate cranes to load and unload cargo and materials as needed at designated work areas.

• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and job designs to understand material handling requirements and ensure accurate placement.

• Conduct thorough pre-operational checks on cranes and related equipment to verify safe and proper functioning.

• Clean, lubricate, and refuel equipment regularly to maintain optimal performance and minimize downtime.

• Coordinate with warehouse and production teams to support cutting, processing, and shipping activities for metal materials.

• Follow established safety procedures and best practices at all times, including proper use of personal protective equipment.

• Monitor work area conditions, including noise and moving materials, and adjust operations to maintain a safe environment.

• Perform basic recordkeeping and use computer systems as needed to track jobs, materials, or equipment status.

• Work both independently and collaboratively to meet daily production and material handling goals.

• Maintain a clean and organized work area around cranes, band saws, drill presses, and other machinery.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience operating overhead cranes to move metal materials in an industrial or warehouse setting.

• Ability to safely operate cranes and related equipment for lifting, positioning, loading, and unloading materials.

• Skill in reading and interpreting blueprints or design documents to understand job requirements.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and familiarity with industrial machinery, including band saws, drill presses, and related equipment.

• Basic math skills to support measurements, material quantities, and cutting requirements.

• Basic computer skills to use warehouse or production systems as needed.

• Strong attention to detail with a focus on safety and accuracy in material handling.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while also collaborating effectively as part of a team.

• Physical ability to perform tasks associated with medium work, including standing, walking, and handling materials for extended periods.

• Consistent adherence to safety practices and proper use of personal protective equipment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Experience working with metal materials in an industrial, warehouse, or steel service center environment.

• Comfort working around mechanical equipment such as band saws, drill presses, and other cutting machinery.

• Carpentry or general mechanical skills that support material handling and equipment operation.

• Ability to work in a loud, fast-paced environment with moving machinery and heavy materials.

• Strong communication skills to coordinate with team members and follow written and verbal instructions.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support health, financial security, and overall well-being. Team members have access to medical, dental, and vision coverage with affordable contribution rates, a 401(k) plan with a company match up to 4%, and life and AD&D insurance along with short- and long-term disability coverage. The organization promotes work-life balance through Paid Time Off and nine paid holidays, Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care, and wellness incentives including access to LiveHealth Online. An Employee Assistance Program offers counseling, legal, and financial support, while an employee discount program provides access to thousands of deals. Community engagement and volunteer opportunities foster a culture of giving back and teamwork, creating a supportive and inclusive environment focused on safety, growth, and long-term stability.

Work Environment

This role is based in a non-climate-controlled metal and steel warehouse where large quantities of metal are stored, handled, and cut prior to shipment. The environment is loud due to ongoing material movement and cutting operations performed with band saws, lathe machines, and other equipment. Personal protective equipment is required at all times, including steel-toed metatarsal boots, safety vest or long sleeve safeguards, and a safety hard hat, which is provided. The facility focuses on processing and cutting metal rather than manufacturing it on-site, with frequent use of overhead cranes to move heavy materials. Team members work around active machinery and transported metal, following strict safety protocols and maintaining awareness of their surroundings throughout each shift.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Charlotte, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $25.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Charlotte,NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 14, 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.