Shipping Department Forklift Operator | Temp-To-Hire

Ms Companies, LLC; Smyrna (TN); On-site; USD 51,577,000 - 57,308,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on Bonus

Referral Bonus

Temp-to-Hire

Insurance & Benefits

Training & Advancement

Team culture

Earned wages via Daily Pay

Job summary

MS Companies is seeking a reliable Forklift Operator in Smyrna, TN. This entry-level, temporary-to-hire role pays $18 per hour, with Sunday 6:00 PM–4:30 AM and Mon–Thu 8:00 PM–4:30 AM shifts, plus a $150 Sign On Bonus and a $100 referral bonus.

The position supports production, quality, and warehouse operations, emphasizing safety, accuracy, and efficiency. Training and career opportunities may follow based on performance and business needs.

Qualifications

• Valid forklift certification/license required.
• 1+ year forklift experience in manufacturing or warehouse setting.
• May be required to pass on-site customer forklift testing and certification.
• Ability to communicate clearly and follow detailed verbal instructions.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts and material handling equipment safely and efficiently.
• Transport materials to designated areas to support quality inspection and production flow.
• Assist Quality Team by staging materials for inspection and returning components.
• Log part movement using scanning equipment or manual logs.
• Inspect and maintain forklift equipment daily and report safety concerns.
• Adhere to plant safety protocols and quality standards.
• Support sorting, containment, or rework as directed by leads.
• Participate in 5S and keep the work area clean and organized.

Skills

Forklift cert

Clear communication

Safety focus

Job description

Sep 14, 2026 Smyrna , TN

Pay Rate : $18 per hour

Position Summary:

MS Companies is seeking a reliable and safety-focused Forklift Operator to support operations within the fast-paced automotive manufacturing industry. This entry-level opportunity is a temporary-to-hire position with the potential for direct hire by the customer, offering employees a pathway to long-term career opportunities based on performance, attendance, and business needs. Forklift Operators play a key role in supporting production, quality, and warehouse operations while upholding company standards for safety, quality, and efficiency.

Hourly Pay Rate: $18

Shift Hours: Sunday-6:00PM to 4:30 AM, Monday- Thursday - 8:00 PM to 4:30 AM

$150 Sign On Bonus

Referral Bonus: $100

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate forklifts and other material handling equipment safely and efficiently.
• Transport raw materials, in-process components, and finished goods to designated areas to support quality inspection and production flow.
• Assist the Quality Team by staging materials for inspection and returning sorted/approved components to appropriate locations.
• Ensure accurate tracking of part movement using scanning equipment or manual logs.
• Inspect and maintain forklift equipment daily and report any issues or safety concerns.
• Adhere to plant safety protocols, quality standards, and operational procedures.
• Support sorting, containment, or rework activities as directed by Quality Inspectors or Leads.
• Participate in 5S initiatives and maintain a clean and organized work area.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to visually identify defects in color, shape, size, or texture of parts
• Must be able to hear and differentiate sounds in a manufacturing environment
• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, and move throughout the workday for extended periods on concrete floors (up to 12 hours)
• Must be able to move within buildings and operational areas, including ascending and descending stairs
• Must be able to reach, turn, stoop, bend, crouch, kneel, and maintain balance to prevent falls
• Must be able to reach overhead and perform repetitive movements
• Must be able to lift, carry, transfer, push, and pull up to 35 lbs.
• Must be able to grasp with both hands and perform fine motor tasks requiring coordination and repetitive motion
• Good hand-eye coordination for inspection and material handling
• Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment with varying temperatures

Qualifications

• Valid forklift certification/license required
• 1+ Year of forklift experience in a manufacturing or warehouse setting (automotive preferred).
• May be required to pass on-site customer forklift testing and certification
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, including understanding and following detailed verbal instructions
• Previous manufacturing, warehouse, production, or automotive experience preferred but not required

Work Hours

Work hours and schedules may vary by location, the nature of work, your department, and customers’ needs, and are subject to change from time to time to meet business needs.

Labor Pool – Variable Schedule Based on Business Needs (Hours Not Guaranteed)

• Temp-to-Hire Opportunity
• Comprehensive insurance and benefits packages
• Training provided for career advancement opportunities
• Team-oriented company culture
• Access to earned wages through Daily Pay

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. The above requirements outline management’s assignment of essential job functions. This information contained herein does not constitute a contract, express or implied.

Work Authorization Requirements

Authorized to work in the United States of America.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

MS Companies is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local laws.

MS Companies prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind and applies this policy to all employment practices, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and development. Employment decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.