Forklift Operator

Job Title:

Forklift Operator / Material Handler Job Description This role focuses on safely operating stand-up and sit-down forklifts to load and unload trucks, move materials throughout the facility, and support production by staging, replenishing, and documenting inventory. You will work a 12-hour rotating schedule on either day or night shift, using RF scanners and material handling equipment in a fast-paced manufacturing environment that supports medical industry products. Responsibilities Follow all safety procedures at all times, including the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Respond to alarms, identify issues, and assist in basic troubleshooting of material handling and related equipment. Load and unload trucks efficiently and safely, primarily working on the docks. Move inventory to various locations manually and by operating mechanical equipment, including stand-up and sit-down forklifts, pallet jacks, and handcarts. Maintain neat and orderly warehouse, staging, and material loading areas, following 5S and housekeeping standards. Use RF scanners to track, verify, and document inventory movements and locations accurately. Maintain proper documentation for materials, including batches, material changes, and material locations. Maintain tools, components, and work areas in compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). Assist with physical inventory counts and perform cycle counts to ensure accurate stock levels. Stage resins and components to work orders and allocate materials to the appropriate production areas according to the production schedule. Perform daily cleaning of all blender and dryer filters and ensure all blenders and dryers remain full and functioning properly. Complete all required paperwork in a timely and accurate manner, including lot changes, job verifications, material verification reports, and two-hour checklists. Restock materials correctly and plan material and color changes to occur on time in line with production requirements. Communicate potential material shortages and any supply issues to warehouse leadership and production teams. Control and maintain scrap generated by production, ensuring proper handling and documentation. Perform line clearances outside of the clean room as required. Fill out inventory tags for restocked material after orders are complete. Assemble cartons and containers using appropriate hand tools to support packaging operations. Assist with packaging and sealing molded and/or assembled products according to company and customer specifications when needed. Ensure products are packaged, labeled, and stacked on skids per lot information and product specifications. Monitor the performance of equipment related to resins and materials and report any issues promptly. Clean and maintain auxiliary material handling systems and support equipment, including loaders and grinders. Support and participate in lean and continuous improvement initiatives within the warehouse and production support areas. Operate packaging equipment as required by product specifications and work instructions. Perform Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) activities on packaging auxiliary equipment as needed. Retrieve packing materials from the warehouse and ensure adequate supplies are available for production. Follow instructions as outlined in ID sheets, visual aids, and standard work procedures. Report any out-of-line conditions, damaged equipment, or safety concerns to supervision or maintenance. Comply with all company policies, including Health and Safety requirements, GMP, standard work procedures, Continuous Improvement, and ISO standards. Perform other related duties as assigned to support warehouse and production operations. Essential Skills At least 1 year of stand-up forklift operating experience or at least 5 years of sit-down forklift operating experience. Proven ability to safely operate forklifts in a busy warehouse or manufacturing environment. Experience using RF scanners for inventory tracking and material movements. Ability to work a 12-hour rotating schedule on day or night shift. Capability to load and unload trucks and handle materials safely and efficiently. Ability to move inventory manually and with mechanical equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and handcarts. Strong attention to detail for completing paperwork, lot changes, and material verification reports accurately. Ability to follow written and visual work instructions, ID sheets, and standard operating procedures. Commitment to following safety procedures, PPE requirements, and Good Manufacturing Practices. Ability to maintain clean, organized, and compliant work areas in line with 5S and housekeeping standards. Additional Skills & Qualifications Previous experience operating Hyster brand stand-up forklifts. Past experience working a 12-hour rotating shift schedule. Familiarity with packaging operations, including assembling cartons and containers and operating packaging equipment. Experience working in a manufacturing environment, preferably supporting medical or similarly regulated products. Understanding of lean principles, continuous improvement practices, and 5S methodologies. Experience working under ISO standards and within a cGMP-compliant operation. Ability to perform basic troubleshooting of alarms and material handling equipment. Comfort working with documentation related to batches, material changes, and inventory tags. Why Work Here? This opportunity offers a long-term, permanent role with clear pathways for advancement and increasing pay levels as you grow your skills and responsibilities. You can progress through multiple pay grades, with higher earnings available at advanced levels, and benefit from a shift premium for night work. The organization supports continuous improvement, structured processes, and a stable manufacturing environment where your contributions to safety, quality, and efficiency are valued. Work Environment The role is based in a contract manufacturing environment that primarily produces products for the medical industry. Work takes place across modern facilities, including multiple buildings in the same area and a newly built site. You will spend most of your time in warehouse, dock, and production support areas, operating stand-up (including Hyster brand) and sit-down forklifts, pallet jacks, handcarts, and auxiliary material handling equipment such as blenders, dryers, loaders, and grinders. The position follows a 12-hour rotating schedule on either day shift (6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) or night shift (6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.), requiring comfort with extended shifts and rotation. The environment emphasizes Good Manufacturing Practices, ISO standards, lean and continuous improvement, and 5S housekeeping, with a strong focus on safety, cleanliness, and organization. You will use RF scanners and follow detailed work instructions, visuals, and standard procedures while working in and around warehouse, staging, material loading areas, airlocks, and packaging zones. Job Type & Location This is a Permanent position based out of Buffalo Grove, IL. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $19.50 - $26.00/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 Buffalo Grove,IL.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 18, 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.