Heavy Machine Operator

Gtifabrication; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 33,062 - 44,083; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Company-paid life insurance

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Gtifabrication in Buffalo, NY, is hiring a Heavy Equipment Operator for 3rd shift to support fabrication and manufacturing operations. Responsibilities include operating heavy equipment, performing rigging, and coordinating with production teams.

The ideal candidate should have heavy equipment, rigging, and crane operation experience. A competitive hourly wage of $24 - $32 is offered, along with comprehensive benefits including medical, 401(k), and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Experience with heavy equipment operation and rigging setup.
• Knowledge of safety procedures for lifting and material handling.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate and support heavy equipment for material movement.
• Perform rigging duties for safe lifting operations.
• Coordinate closely with production teams during lifts.

Skills

Heavy Equipment Operation

Rigging

Crane Operation

OSHA Regulations

Material Handling

Education

NCCCO Certification

Tools

Heavy Equipment

Overhead Cranes

Forklifts

Job description

GTI is a contract manufacturing partner supporting customers in renewable energy, power generation, infrastructure, and industrial systems.

We fabricate custom designed, purpose-built enclosures and skids for our customers and perform mechanical and electrical integration in‑house, delivering a true turn‑key product to our customers. Our scope spans Engineering, prototype builds, through full production, requiring teams that can move fast, adapt, and execute with precision.

GTI Values: Safey I Quality I Customer Obsession I Speed I Agility

Responsibilities

Heavy Equipment Operator

• Perform Heavy Equipment Operator duties supporting fabrication, manufacturing, assembly, and material movement operations
• Safely move large weldments, steel structures, modular assemblies, industrial equipment, and fabricated components throughout the facility
• Support production teams with staging, positioning, loading, unloading, and movement of manufacturing materials
• Operate material handling equipment safely and efficiently in a fast‑paced industrial manufacturing environment
• Coordinate with welders, fabricators, assemblers, and production teams during heavy movement operations
• Support Heavy Equipment Operator activities tied to modular data center infrastructure and industrial manufacturing builds

Rigger

• Perform Rigger duties supporting overhead lifting, rigging setup, load balancing, and material positioning activities
• Inspect slings, chains, hooks, spreader bars, lifting devices, and rigging hardware prior to use
• Properly rig large structural assemblies, fabricated weldments, skids, and industrial equipment for safe lifting and transport
• Determine load weights, center of gravity, lifting points, and safe rigging configurations
• Communicate with crane operators and production teams using standard hand signals and safe lifting procedures
• Support Rigger activities tied to fabrication, welding, modular assembly, and industrial manufacturing operations

Overhead Crane Operator

• Operate overhead cranes to safely lift, transport, rotate, stage, and position heavy materials and assemblies
• Support movement of fabricated structures, containers, steel components, skids, electrical equipment, and modular systems
• Conduct pre‑shift inspections and safety checks on overhead crane equipment
• Maintain awareness of load clearances, personnel safety, and production flow during crane operations
• Coordinate closely with Riggers and manufacturing personnel during heavy lifts and material movement activities
• Maintain Overhead Crane Operator safety and operational standards at all times

Material Handling & Manufacturing Support

• Assist with production staging, material flow, and movement of parts throughout fabrication and assembly operations
• Support loading and unloading activities for incoming and outgoing materials
• Maintain organized staging areas and safe work zones throughout manufacturing operations
• Assist production teams with positioning materials and assemblies for welding, fabrication, paint, electrical integration, and final assembly
• Support inventory movement and operational readiness activities across the facility

Safety & Operational Discipline

• Follow OSHA regulations, rigging standards, crane safety procedures, and internal manufacturing safety protocols
• Perform all lifting and movement operations in accordance with safe rigging and load handling practices
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas
• Participate in safety meetings, operational training, and continuous improvement activities
• Stop work immediately if unsafe lifting conditions or operational hazards are identified

Preferred Qualifications

• NCCCO, rigging, crane, or heavy equipment certifications preferred
• Forklift or industrial material handling equipment experience preferred
• Experience supporting modular construction, industrial fabrication, or engineered product manufacturing preferred
• Experience working around weldments, steel fabrication, containers, skids, or industrial assemblies preferred
• Knowledge of lockout/tagout, industrial safety standards, and crane inspection procedures preferred

Shift

3rd Shift: Monday - Friday 10pm - 6:30am

Perks & Benefits

GTI Fabrication offers a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to support employees and their families while providing long‑term career growth opportunities within a fast‑growing manufacturing organization. Benefits may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match (where applicable)
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Sick time in accordance with state and local requirements
• Company‑paid life insurance and disability coverage
• Career advancement opportunities within a rapidly growing organization
• Exposure to advanced manufacturing, modular infrastructure, and large‑scale industrial projects
• Collaborative, fast‑paced environment with strong operational leadership
• Employee‑focused culture centered on safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement

Benefits eligibility and offerings may vary based on position, location, and employment classification.

$24 - $32 an hour

GTI promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other Federal or State legally‑protected classes. We also value the safety of all employees and work hard to maintain a Drug Free Workplace.