Material Handling Technician

Nelson Connects; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Nelson Connects in Oakland is seeking an experienced Material Handling Technician to support a new manufacturing facility. You will safely move heavy equipment, develop lift plans, and train staff while coordinating with OEM riggers and internal teams.

This role emphasizes precision handling, safety-first mindset, and the ability to establish SOPs, maintain records, and stop unsafe lifts as needed. Strong hands-on rigging skills and forklift qualifications are essential to keep research and

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience rigging heavy machinery and industrial equipment.
• Experience developing and implementing safety programs and SOPs.
• Ability to train personnel and coordinate with OEMs and internal teams.

Responsibilities

• Establish safety programs and SOPs for heavy-lift systems (cranes, hoists, forklifts, jacks, skates).
• Own and authorize all rigging operations on site with qualified personnel.
• Develop lift plans including load calculations and CG analysis.
• Coordinate with OEM logistics on shipping, delivery, and receiving.
• Manage equipment receipt, uncrating, transport, and placement during installation.
• Inspect and retire rigging hardware and maintain records.
• Provide forklift, crane, and equipment operator training and certification.

Skills

Rigging experience

Forklift qualifications

Load charts & CG

OSHA/ASME knowledge

Safety program development

Training materials development

Strong communication

Attention to detail

Ownership mindset

Job description

Material Handling Technician - Shop Team

You are an experienced Material Handling Technician with strong hands-on experience moving and positioning heavy industrial equipment. You understand that precision equipment requires precision handling, and you take ownership of safety, equipment protection, and efficient material movement.

You will join the Shop Team and you will play a critical role in supporting a new manufacturing facility where research teams and production lines operate alongside large-scale industrial equipment.

Reporting to the Shop Lead, you will work closely with Facilities, Machine Tool and Metrology Technicians, OEM logistics partners, and other teams to safely move equipment from delivery through final installation.

This Position Pays: $30-$38

What You Will Be Doing

• Establish safety programs, facility requirements, and SOPs for heavy-lift systems, including cranes, hoists, forklifts, jacks, skates, and air bearings.
• Own and authorize all rigging operations on site, ensuring personnel are properly qualified and the correct equipment and plans are used.
• Develop and execute detailed lift plans for machine tools and precision instruments, including load calculations, center-of-gravity analysis, rigging selection, and path planning.
• Coordinate with OEM logistics providers on shipping, delivery schedules, dock access, and receiving.
• Manage equipment receipt, uncrating, transportation, and placement while working with machine tool and metrology technicians during installation.
• Inspect, tag, document, and retire rigging hardware, including slings, shackles, chains, and lifting devices.
• Conduct forklift, crane, and other equipment operator training and certification for employees, including research personnel.
• Maintain accurate training, qualification, inspection, and certification records.
• Establish efficient material flow, storage, and staging throughout the facility.
• Keep work areas organized and clear so research and production activities can operate efficiently.
• Partner with OEM riggers, millwrights, logistics providers, and internal teams while ensuring site safety standards are followed.
• Take immediate action when a lift or material movement operation is unsafe, regardless of schedule or production pressure.

What You Bring

• Deep, hands-on industrial rigging experience, including experience moving heavy machine tools and industrial equipment - not just pallets or general warehouse materials.
• Current forklift qualifications.
• Strong understanding of load charts, equipment capacity limits, center of gravity, rigging selection, and rigging calculations.
• Working knowledge of OSHA and ASME requirements related to rigging, cranes, and powered industrial trucks.
• Experience developing and implementing safety programs, SOPs, training programs, and equipment qualification processes.
• Experience coordinating with OEM riggers, millwrights, logistics providers, and equipment installation teams.
• Ability to develop clear, accurate lift plans, SOPs, and training materials.
• Strong communication and training skills, including the ability to train individuals with limited manufacturing experience.
• Exceptional safety judgment and the confidence to stop a lift or operation when conditions are not right.
• A service-oriented mindset and the ability to keep research and production teams moving efficiently.
• A strong attention to detail and appreciation for precision equipment where proper handling directly impacts equipment performance.
• Ability to take ownership and build programs from the ground up in a new and evolving facility.