Forklift Operator

Job Title:

Forklift Operator Job Description The Forklift Operator safely and efficiently pulls orders, moves materials throughout the facility, and supports shipping and receiving operations in a high-volume automotive manufacturing environment. This role ensures accurate staging of shipments, timely delivery of parts to assembly lines and presses, and adherence to safety, quality, and productivity standards on a night shift schedule. Responsibilities Pull orders accurately and efficiently to support on-time shipment to customers. Manage direct ship ports, truck load reports, and other shipping functions as trained and required. Move parts from market areas to assembly lines and transfer finished goods from the lines to designated storage or shipping areas. Supply presses with appropriate containers and move stampings from presses to the market area. Move trailers with a switcher truck as needed to support shipping and receiving operations. Observe and follow all facility rules, regulations, and safety policies at all times. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area by consistently applying 5S principles. Perform all required daily safety checks on tow motors and forklifts before operation. Inspect docks and platforms before use and engage dock locks before entering trailers. Follow all tow motor refueling procedures safely and consistently. Inspect racks for damage during unloading and cleaning, and remove old labels from empty racks. Inspect staged shipments for damaged or improperly adjusted racks that could cause parts to fall or become bent. Verify that no parts are protruding above racks before moving them to prevent damage. Inspect the inside of trailers before loading for hazards such as loose wood, metal, or roof damage. Pack service parts in a manner that prevents damage during transportation, following packaging instructions when available. Request guidance from management for irregular work and report when packaging instructions are missing. Ensure that bar code labels attached to racks match the part numbers on manufacturing labels. Verify that bar code labels are in good condition for scanning and scan all labels according to work instructions. Ensure that HOLD tags are moved to appropriate HOLD or REWORK areas and are not shipped to customers. Pull parts from stock using FIFO (first in, first out) for all shipment staging. Maintain accurate part placement on Kanban master boards to prevent incorrect issuing to production lines. Maintain proper flow of press and small parts Kanban materials to support continuous production. Support company goals and objectives by providing input and countermeasures to reduce line downtime caused by material handling issues. Maintain tow motor and forklift equipment in good working condition to support stable productivity. Learn and follow proper material handling procedures, including supplying correct parts to assembly lines. Work overtime and weekends as required to meet production and shipping demands. Accurately report production when picking up and setting down racks. Follow all rules and instructions posted on EH boards and other operational signage. Place parts in designated fixed locations to maintain compliance and inventory accuracy. Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to perform a variety of duties, including changing priorities without loss of efficiency or composure. Lead by example in attendance, work quality, attitude, and accountability. Perform other material handling, loading, shipping, receiving, and order picking assignments as directed by management. Essential Skills 3-4 years of experience in a manufacturing environment. Proven experience operating forklifts, including sit-down forklifts and tow motors. Shipping and receiving experience in an industrial or manufacturing setting. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds without mechanical assistance. Good basic math skills for counts, inventory, and documentation. Good verbal and written communication skills to follow instructions and complete documentation. Excellent organization and coordination skills to manage multiple tasks and priorities. Ability to work night shift hours, typically 3:00 p.m. - 1:45 a.m., with flexibility for extended hours such as 5:00 p.m. - 4:30 a.m. as required. High School Diploma or GED equivalent. Willingness and ability to successfully complete tow motor training and certification prior to assuming full job duties. Demonstrated reliability in attendance and adherence to safety and quality standards. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience with RF scanners for inventory control, picking, and shipping transactions. Order picking experience in a fast-paced distribution or manufacturing environment. Material handling experience supporting assembly lines and press operations. Experience loading and unloading trailers using forklifts and related equipment. Familiarity with Kanban systems and visual management boards. Ability to maintain composure and efficiency when priorities change. Strong attention to detail when inspecting racks, trailers, and bar code labels. Comfort working in a structured, process-driven automotive manufacturing setting. Why Work Here? Employees join a stable, fast-paced, and team-oriented automotive manufacturing operation that offers clear pathways for internal advancement. Many leaders and supervisors began their careers on the production floor, creating a culture that values hands-on experience, mentorship, and growth from within. The organization provides a comprehensive benefits package tailored to manufacturing professionals, including health insurance, 401(k) matching, and access to a free on-site CareHere clinic for employees and their dependents, supporting both financial security and overall well-being. Work Environment This role is based in an automotive manufacturing facility that features more than 50 automated welding robot cells and 8 stamping presses. Team members work in an industrial environment with exposure to sparks, smoke, and noise from robotic welders and press operations. The position follows a night shift schedule, typically 3:00 p.m. - 1:45 a.m., with the expectation of flexibility for extended hours such as 5:00 p.m. - 4:30 a.m. and additional overtime or weekend work when production demands require it. Work involves frequent forklift and tow motor operation, movement of materials between market areas, assembly lines, presses, and shipping docks, and regular interaction with trailers and loading docks. Employees are expected to follow all safety procedures, use appropriate personal protective equipment, and maintain a clean, organized work area consistent with 5S practices. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Portland, TN. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $17.50 - $17.85/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 Portland,TN.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 2, 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.

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.