Forklift Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: 2nd Shift Sit-Down Forklift Operator Job Description

This role supports a busy manufacturing and machine shop environment by safely moving, staging, loading, unloading, and organizing raw materials and finished metal products on 2nd shift. You will work largely independently after day shift to reorganize and stage materials, ensuring production areas remain supplied, organized, and safe while closely supporting machine operators, welders, and production teams.

• Operate a sit-down forklift to transport raw materials, fabricated metal parts, and finished products throughout the facility.
• Work independently on 2nd shift to reorganize and stage materials after day shift to support the next production cycle.
• Safely handle oversized, oddly shaped, and non-uniform metal pieces, including steel plates, tubing, structural components, and machined parts.
• Load and unload trucks while ensuring materials are properly secured and accurately documented.
• Stage materials for production according to work orders and manufacturing schedules.
• Deliver raw materials to CNC machines, fabrication areas, welding stations, and assembly departments.
• Remove finished products and scrap materials from production areas and transport them to designated locations.
• Perform routine inspections of forklift equipment and promptly report any maintenance concerns.
• Utilize lifting attachments, dunnage, straps, and safe material-handling techniques when moving irregular or heavy loads.
• Maintain accurate inventory locations and assist with cycle counts as needed.
• Follow all OSHA, company safety, and machine shop procedures related to material handling and forklift operation.
• Keep warehouse and production areas organized, clean, and free from hazards.
• Assist with packaging, shipping, receiving, and general material movement duties as needed.
• Collaborate with production teams to ensure timely delivery of materials and removal of completed work to maintain workflow.

• Previous experience operating a sit-down forklift in a manufacturing, fabrication, machine shop, or metal processing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to safely maneuver forklifts in tight production environments.
• Experience handling large, heavy, or irregularly shaped metal materials (preferred but strongly valued).
• Strong understanding of load balancing, weight distribution, and forklift safety practices.
• Ability to read and interpret work orders, shipping documents, and inventory labels.
• Basic ability to use RF scanners or inventory systems (experience is a plus).
• Ability to work independently, especially on 2nd shift, while also collaborating effectively as part of a team.
• Reliable attendance and strong attention to detail.
• Commitment to following safety procedures and maintaining a safety-focused mindset in a metal fabrication and machine shop environment.

• Previous experience in a metal fabrication, machining, or welding-focused facility.
• Comfort working around CNC machines, fabrication areas, welding stations, and assembly departments.
• General material handling experience, including loading, unloading, and staging materials.
• Exposure to inventory control processes, including maintaining inventory locations and assisting with cycle counts.
• Willingness to perform general labor tasks related to material movement, packaging, shipping, and receiving.
• Ability to adapt to changing production priorities and work orders.
• Strong spatial awareness and ability to safely handle non-uniform and irregular loads using appropriate attachments and securing methods.

You will join a high-activity manufacturing environment that offers consistent opportunities for overtime and strong earning potential. The role provides steady, hands-on work with clear responsibilities and the chance to become a key contributor to nightly production flow. You will work with experienced production teams, gain exposure to a variety of metal fabrication processes, and build valuable skills in material handling and inventory support. The schedule offers predictable evening hours, with additional overtime available for those who want to maximize their hours and income.

This position is based in a semi climate-controlled metal fabrication shop that supports machining, welding, and assembly operations. The environment includes exposure to metal dust, noise, and typical conditions found in a busy machine shop and welding area, which can be dirty due to machining and welding processes. You will operate a sit-down forklift and use lifting attachments, dunnage, straps, and related material-handling equipment throughout your shift. The standard schedule is 2nd shift from 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM, with regular overtime available up to approximately 4:00 AM and additional Saturday work as needed. You will spend most of your time on the shop floor and in production areas, working around CNC machines, fabrication equipment, welding stations, and storage areas while following all safety and shop procedures.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fredericksburg, VA.

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $23.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Fredericksburg,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 8, 2026.

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.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.