Forklift Operator

Aerotek; South Bend (IN); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Forklift Operator for a warehouse and production environment in South Bend, IN. You will operate forklifts, support shipping, receiving, and material handling, and help move parts to production lines. This is a first shift contract-to-hire role with potential overtime.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years of forklift experience, ability to lift 50 lbs, and a strong attention to detail. You will work safely with a collaborative team to ensure on-time shipments and accurate

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years operating material handling equipment.
• Minimum 2 years shipping and receiving experience.
• Background in industrial or construction environments.
• Proficiency operating sit-down and stand-up forklifts.
• Ability to stand for 812 hour shifts.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds frequently.
• Basic computer skills for data entry and documentation.
• Strong attention to detail when picking, packing, labeling, and verifying materials.
• Effective time management to meet deadlines and production schedules.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a collaborative team.
• Commitment to following safety procedures when operating heavy equipment and handling materials.

Responsibilities

• Prepare items for shipment by picking, packing, and labeling products.
• Coordinate with purchasing and logistics to ensure proper bills of lading, packing slips, and labels.
• Unload inbound shipments from trucks safely and efficiently.
• Verify incoming parts against documentation and part numbers.
• Inspect goods for missing parts or damages and report issues.
• Move parts and materials to production lines as needed.
• Operate forklifts and pallet jacks safely.
• Enter and update shipping, receiving, and inventory data accurately.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area following safety guidelines.
• Manage time to meet shipping and production schedules.
• Communicate with team to coordinate workflow and resolve issues.
• Work independently when needed.

Skills

Forklift operation

Shipping and receiving

Industrial environment

Sit-down forklift

Stand-up forklift

Data entry

Attention to detail

Time management

Independent worker

Safety compliance

Tools

Bobcats

Overhead cranes

Pallet jacks

Job description

Job Title: Forklift Operator Job Description

This role focuses on safely and efficiently handling materials within a busy warehouse and production environment. You will support shipping, receiving, and material handling activities by operating forklifts and other heavy equipment, preparing items for dispatch, unloading inbound shipments, and moving parts to production lines. The position requires consistent physical activity, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team to keep operations running smoothly.

Responsibilities

• Prepare items for shipment by accurately picking, packing, and labeling products into containers, crates, or onto pallets.
• Coordinate with purchasing and logistics teams to ensure all outgoing shipments include proper documentation such as bills of lading (BOLs), packing slips, and tracking labels.
• Unload inbound shipments from trucks, ensuring safe handling of materials and efficient movement into the facility.
• Verify incoming parts and materials against documentation, checking quantities and part numbers as they enter the building.
• Inspect goods upon receipt to identify missing parts, damaged items, or non-conforming materials and promptly report any issues.
• Move parts and materials throughout the warehouse and to production lines to ensure teams have the supplies needed to complete their tasks.
• Operate material handling equipment such as forklifts and pallet jacks in a safe and controlled manner.
• Use basic computer systems to enter and update shipping, receiving, and inventory documentation accurately.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, following all safety guidelines and procedures.
• Manage time effectively to complete daily tasks and meet shipping and production schedules.
• Collaborate with team members and communicate clearly to coordinate workflow and resolve issues.
• Work independently when needed, taking initiative to identify and complete tasks that support warehouse and production operations.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of experience operating material handling equipment such as forklifts, bobcats, overhead cranes, or similar heavy equipment.
• At least 2 years of experience in shipping and receiving operations.
• Background in industrial or construction environments.
• Proficiency operating sit-down and stand-up forklifts.
• Ability to stand for 812 hour shifts.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds frequently throughout the workday.
• Basic computer skills for data entry and documentation.
• Strong attention to detail when picking, packing, labeling, and verifying materials.
• Effective time management skills to meet deadlines and production schedules.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a collaborative team.
• Commitment to following safety procedures when operating heavy equipment and handling materials.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous rigging training is preferred and considered a plus.
• Experience with heavy equipment operation such as bobcats and skid steers.
• Experience working in fast-paced warehouse or production environments.
• Comfort working overtime when required to support operational needs.

Why Work Here?

You will join a dynamic, hands-on environment where your skills with heavy equipment and material handling directly contribute to the success of daily operations. The workplace offers steady, full-time hours with opportunities for overtime, allowing you to grow your experience in industrial and warehouse settings. You will work with a supportive team that values safety, reliability, and strong work ethic, providing a solid foundation for long-term career development in logistics and material handling.

Work Environment

This role is based in a warehouse and production facility operating on a first shift schedule, typically from 5:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can expect regular opportunities for overtime. The environment involves frequent use of forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment, as well as ongoing interaction with shipping, receiving, and production areas. The work is physically demanding, requiring extended periods of standing and frequent lifting of up to 50 pounds. You will work in an industrial setting where adherence to safety procedures and appropriate work attire suitable for a warehouse and heavy equipment environment are essential.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of South Bend, IN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $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 Nov 20, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in South Bend,IN.

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.