Sit-Down Forklift Operator/Material Handler

KINEMATICS LLC; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company matching

Paid time off

Job summary

KINEMATICS LLC is seeking a safety-minded Material Handler / Sit-Down Forklift Operator in Phoenix, AZ. You will stage raw materials, move finished goods, and operate sit-down forklifts to load/unload freight while maintaining strict safety standards.

You must have OSHA forklift certification and 1–2 years of experience, plus familiarity with RF scanners and basic inventory systems. A pre-employment drug screen is required.

Qualifications

• Active OSHA-compliant sit-down forklift certification.
• 1–2 years of sit-down forklift experience in manufacturing/warehouse.
• Ability to safely operate a 26-foot flatbed truck locally between facilities.
• Familiarity with RF scanners, pallet wrapping, and basic inventory control systems.
• Strong attendance, teamwork, and safety mindset.
• Pre-employment drug screening required due to safety sensitivity.

Responsibilities

• Deliver raw materials and packaging supplies to production cells to avoid downtime.
• Move finished goods to staging and storage bays.
• Operate sit-down forklifts to load outbound shipments and unload inbound freight.
• Perform pre-shift OSHA inspections and log maintenance issues promptly.
• Scan barcodes and log material movement in the WMS.
• Maintain clean driving aisles and comply with safety guidelines.

Skills

Forklift certification

Forklift operation

Safe driving

RF scanners

Pallet wrapping

Inventory control

Team player

Pre-employment drug screen

Tools

RF scanners

Pallet wrapping

Inventory control systems

Job description

Description

About Kinematics

Kinematics creates motion control solutions for mission-critical systems in demanding environments. Based in the U.S. with six global manufacturing centers and seven service centers, we reliably deliver on diverse customer needs and have the manufacturing expertise to deliver any volume cost effectively.

For close to three decades, we have been innovating solutions and working closely with our customers to provide the most reliable, bankable drives across multiple industries. Today, with over 3 million drives and 1 million electronic controllers globally deployed, representing hundreds of millions of hours of operation, we are proud of our role in sustainably supporting critical applications across the industrial, satellite and solar sectors.

Kinematics was founded in 1996, has over 750 employees globally, is headquartered in Phoenix, AZ, with sales offices in North America and Europe, and manufacturing operations in the United States, China, Mexico, and Spain.

Job Title

Material Handler /Sit-Down Forklift Operator (Manufacturing)

Reporting to

Production Supervisor

Position Location

Phoenix, AZ

Schedule

Full-Time

Week 1 - Monday - Thursday 6 am - 3:30 pm and Friday 6 am - 2:30 pm

Week 2 - Monday - Thursday 6 am - 3:30 pm and Friday off

Position Description

We are seeking a safety-minded Sit-Down Forklift Operator to support our manufacturing operations. In this role, you will safely stage raw materials along active assembly lines, transport finished goods to warehouse storage, and load/unload freight trailers. The ideal candidate maintains high attention to detail in a fast-paced production environment and prioritizes plant safety.

Responsibilities

• Line Replenishment: Deliver raw materials, packaging supplies, and parts directly to production cells to avoid manufacturing downtime.
• Finished Goods Staging: Safely remove palletized products from the end of production lines and transport them to designated staging and storage bays.
• Loading & Unloading: Operate sit-down forklifts to load outbound shipments and unload inbound flatbeds, dry vans, and freight trailers.
• Daily Inspections: Complete pre-shift OSHA inspection checklists (fluid levels, hydraulics, brakes, steering, horn) and log maintenance issues promptly.
• Inventory Tracking: Scan barcodes and log material movement using handheld RF scanners to keep warehouse management system (WMS) records accurate.
• Facility Housekeeping: Maintain clean, clear driving aisles and staging lanes in compliance with plant safety guidelines.

Requirements

Qualifications & Requirements

• Certification: Active, OSHA-compliant sit-down forklift certification.
• Experience: Minimum 1-2 years of experience operating sit-down forklifts in a manufacturing or fast-paced warehouse environment.
• Driving: Ability to safely operate a 26-foot flatbed truck for local transportation between company facilities.
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with RF scanners, pallet wrapping, and basic inventory control systems.
• Work Ethic: Strong spatial awareness, dependable attendance, and a team-first mindset.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of employment due to the safety-sensitive nature of operating heavy machinery.

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit for extended periods, frequently mount/dismount equipment, bend, stoop, and lift up to 50 lbs unassisted.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly Wage: $22.00 - $24.00 per hour depending on experience
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance options
• Retirement: 401(k) plan with company matching contributions
• Paid Leave: Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO) package plus paid company holidays

This position is formally designated as a Safety-Sensitive Position under Arizona Revised Statutes (§ 23-493). The duties of this role involve the operation, maintenance, and programming of high-risk manufacturing machinery (CNC equipment) where temporary physical or mental impairment could result in severe injury or property damage. Consequently, candidates must pass a pre-employment drug screen. In accordance with Arizona law, the company maintains a zero-tolerance policy for workplace impairment, possession, or positive drug screens for this role, regardless of medical marijuana cardholder status