Job Title: Shipping Forklift Operator
Job Description
This role focuses on safely and efficiently moving goods within a manufacturing plant, supporting shipping, receiving, and inventory activities. You will operate a sit-down propane forklift to load and unload trucks, transport materials between storage and loading areas, and help maintain accurate inventory records in the warehouse management system.
Responsibilities
Move goods from storage areas to loading areas to prepare them for transport.
Unload deliveries and safely relocate goods to their designated storage locations.
Manage materials handling tasks, including stacking, sorting, and storing products in assigned areas.
Collaborate with warehouse supervisors to optimize workflows and maintain accurate inventory within the warehouse management system.
Assist with shipping and receiving activities, ensuring all documentation is completed accurately and on time.
Ensure all forklift driving areas remain free from spills, debris, and other obstructions to maintain a safe work environment.
Regularly inspect forklift equipment for faults, damages, or safety concerns and report issues promptly.
Use industrial plastic wrap and wooden pallets to safely stack, secure, and package goods for transport.
Stay current on health and safety requirements and follow all forklift operating procedures.
Consolidate partial pallets for incoming goods to maximize storage efficiency.
Load manufacturing equipment onto 53-foot flatbed trailers using a forklift.
Load and unload trucks safely and efficiently while protecting products from damage.
Support production and assembly operations by ensuring timely delivery of materials to the appropriate areas.
Assist with inventory tasks, including cycle counts, to help maintain accurate stock levels.
Essential Skills
Proven experience operating a sit-down propane forklift in a warehouse or manufacturing environment.
Experience loading and unloading trucks using a forklift.
Ability to load manufacturing equipment onto 53-foot flatbed trailers safely.
Experience performing inventory cycle counts.
Experience in production or manufacturing support.
Ability to work first shift from 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., including Saturdays for approximately 6 hours, for a total of about 50-60 hours per week.
Strong awareness of health and safety requirements and adherence to forklift operating procedures.
Ability to maintain clean and obstruction-free forklift driving areas.
Capability to inspect equipment and identify faults or damages.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with PLEX or similar warehouse or manufacturing management systems.
Experience in assembly and inventory support.
Familiarity with using industrial plastic wrap and wooden pallets to secure and package goods.
Comfort working in a fast-paced manufacturing and production environment.
Attention to detail when completing shipping and receiving documentation.
Why Work Here?
You will join a large, family-owned organization with a hands-on leadership style that values teamwork, reliability, and long-term relationships. The company offers solid benefits, including insurance coverage and a 401(k) plan, supporting both your financial security and overall well-being. You can expect a stable work schedule with opportunities for overtime, along with a culture that appreciates hard work and practical problem-solving.
Work Environment
This position is based in a manufacturing plant environment, working primarily in Plant 10. You will spend most of your time on the production floor and in warehouse areas, operating a sit-down propane forklift and handling materials. The schedule is first shift, typically 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with additional Saturday work of about 6 hours, totaling approximately 50-60 hours per week. The environment is fast-paced and production-oriented, with regular interaction with shipping, receiving, and inventory functions, and use of systems such as PLEX for managing warehouse and manufacturing activities. Appropriate work attire suitable for a manufacturing and plant setting is required.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sterling Heights, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/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 Sterling Heights,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 28, 2026.
About Aerotek:
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 meets 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 solving for 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.
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.
