Crate Builder

Aerotek; Grimes (IA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Benefits package including medical, 2

401(k)

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Crate Builder in Grimes, IA, on a contract-to-hire basis. You will load, build crates, and package products for shipment while handling materials and using forklifts and hand/power tools in a safety-focused environment.

The role covers warehouse, production, and shipping activities with potential extension or conversion based on performance and business needs.

Qualifications

• Material handling in warehouse/production setting.
• Safe operation of forklifts, pallet jacks.
• Using hand tools such as hammers and measuring tapes.
• Using power tools like saws, nail guns, drills, and impact drivers.
• Basic carpentry or lumber assembly skills.
• Experience with order picking, packing, loading, and unloading.
• Familiarity with shipping/receiving processes.
• Ability to perform general labor in manufacturing.
• Maintain organized work area and inventory.
• Commitment to safety procedures and PPE.

Responsibilities

• Load, unload, move, and stage materials using forklifts, pallet jacks, and other equipment.
• Organize inventory of raw materials and packaging supplies to support production.
• Pull and stage orders for shipment per customer specs.
• Assist with shipping/receiving and verify quantities and part numbers.
• Build wood crates, skids, pallets, and packaging for transportation.
• Operate hand and power tools safely and efficiently.
• Measure, cut, and assemble lumber for crate construction.
• Package and secure products for shipment to ensure in-transit protection.
• Inspect crates and packaging for quality and safety compliance.
• Maintain accurate lumber and supplies inventory; keep areas clean and safe.

Skills

Material handling

Forklift operation

Hand tools

Power tools

Carpentry basics

Order picking

Shipping/receiving

General labor

Inventory management

Safety PPE

Tools

RF scanners

Pallet jacks

Job description

Job Title: Crate Builder

Job Description

The Crate Builder loads, moves, and organizes materials in a warehouse and production environment while building custom wood crates and packaging to safely ship finished products. This role combines material handling, basic carpentry, and shipping and receiving activities to support efficient production and on‑time deliveries. The position requires safe operation of forklifts and pallet jacks, use of hand and power tools, and careful attention to quality and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Load, unload, move, and stage materials throughout the warehouse and production areas using forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment.
• Organize and maintain inventory of raw materials, finished goods, and packaging supplies to support production and shipping operations.
• Pull, prepare, and stage orders for shipment in accordance with customer specifications and internal requirements.
• Assist with shipping and receiving activities, including verifying quantities, part numbers, and condition of incoming and outgoing materials.
• Build wood crates, skids, pallets, and custom packaging designed to safely transport finished products.
• Operate hand and power tools such as saws, nail guns, drills, impact drivers, and measuring tools in a safe and efficient manner.
• Measure, cut, assemble, and secure lumber and other materials used in crate and pallet construction.
• Package, band, wrap, and secure products for shipment to ensure stability and protection in transit.
• Inspect completed crates, pallets, and packaged products to confirm they meet quality, safety, and shipping requirements.
• Maintain accurate inventory levels of lumber, packaging supplies, and other warehouse materials.
• Keep warehouse, shipping, and work areas clean, organized, and free of safety hazards.
• Follow all safety procedures, use required personal protective equipment (PPE), and contribute to a safe work environment.
• Use RF scanners or similar tools as needed for order picking, inventory tracking, and shipping documentation.
• Support general production and assembly tasks as needed in manufacturing, shipping/receiving, assembly, and testing areas.
• Assist with other warehouse, material handling, and shipping functions as business needs require, including loading and unloading trucks and general labor tasks.

Essential Skills

• Previous material handling experience in a warehouse, production, or shipping and receiving environment.
• Ability to safely operate forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment.
• Experience with hand tools such as hammers, tape measures, and basic carpentry tools.
• Ability to use power tools including saws, nail guns, drills, impact drivers, and related equipment.
• Basic carpentry or assembly skills, including measuring, cutting, and assembling lumber or similar materials.
• Experience with order picking, packing, loading, and unloading materials.
• Familiarity with shipping and receiving processes, including verifying incoming and outgoing materials.
• Capability to perform general labor and general production tasks in a manufacturing or warehouse setting.
• Ability to maintain an organized work area and manage inventory of materials and supplies.
• Commitment to following safety procedures and using required PPE at all times.
• Physical ability to lift, carry, and move materials throughout the shift as required by the job.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Tool experience, including both hand and power tools, is a strong plus.
• Experience with RF scanners for picking, packing, and inventory is beneficial.
• Experience in carpentry, crate building, or wood packaging construction is an advantage.
• Experience working in large manufacturing or distribution facilities is helpful.
• Flexibility to work across multiple areas such as manufacturing, shipping/receiving, assembly, and testing.
• Willingness to work in a contract role with the potential, but not guarantee, of extension or direct hire based on business needs.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a comprehensive total rewards package that supports both their professional growth and personal well‑being. The organization offers competitive compensation, time‑off benefits, and retirement plans including 401(k), along with company‑provided life, short‑term, and long‑term disability insurance. Team members have access to medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as career path training and development opportunities. Flexible work schedules and a healthy work‑life balance are core priorities, supported by a team‑oriented culture in a rapidly growing business that continues to expand its presence as a leading provider in the car wash industry. The company values collaboration, long‑term growth, and a supportive environment where employees can build rewarding careers.

Work Environment

This role is based in a large, temperature‑controlled facility that includes manufacturing, shipping and receiving, assembly, and testing areas for car wash equipment. The Crate Builder may work in any of these areas and will move back and forth between two nearby buildings located approximately half a mile apart. The standard shift runs Monday through Friday from roughly 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The environment involves regular use of forklifts, pallet jacks, RF scanners, hand tools, and power tools, as well as ongoing interaction with production, warehouse, and shipping teams. The dress code is casual, allowing jeans and appropriate T‑shirts, with steel‑toed boots required for safety. Safety glasses (with side shields if prescription lenses are used) and hearing protection are provided and must be worn as required. The position begins as a contract role expected to run at least through January, with the possibility of extension or conversion to a direct role depending on business volume and performance, though this is not guaranteed.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Grimes, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $19.00/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 jobclassification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may besubject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefitsavailable for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long‑term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 29, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Grimes,IA.

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.