Utility Helper

Aerotek; Alsip (IL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Life insurance

Disability insurance

HSA

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Paid time off

Job summary

Aerotek is hiring a Utility Helper in Alsip, IL to support daily production in a steel processing environment. The role involves moving materials with forklifts and overhead cranes, staging and loading into machines, packaging, and accurate data entry for inventory tracking.

The position emphasizes safety, teamwork with machine operators, and adherence to quality standards. It is a contract-to-hire role with growth opportunities in operations.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of manufacturing experience in production or general labor.
• Forklift experience with safe operation in warehouse or production.
• Experience operating or assisting with machines in production or packaging.
• Ability to operate an overhead crane to move and position steel materials.
• Basic computer skills for entering data in inventory or production systems.
• Experience with packaging and machine operator duties.
• Proficiency with hand tools in a manufacturing setting.
• Ability to use a tape measure accurately for precise measurements.
• Experience with basic inspection tasks to verify product quality.
• Strong attention to detail in recording inventory data and tagging.

Responsibilities

• Work safely in and around machine areas, following all safety procedures.
• Pull and move coils, skids, and materials throughout the warehouse using equipment.
• Operate an overhead crane and forklift to move and position materials safely.
• Band and package material according to customer specs and inventory tags.
• Generate and apply inventory tags to products.
• Enter tag and inventory data into the computer system.
• Use tape measures and cutters for precise measurements and cuts.
• Keep the work area clean, organized, and hazard-free.
• Cut cores for machine operators to support production.
• Stage supplies for upcoming orders to ensure workflow.
• Move finished skids to designated areas and weigh them for accuracy.
• Band and skid finished products for storage or shipment.
• Load material into machines per production requirements.
• Clean work areas regularly and maintain safety.
• Collaborate with machine operators and helpers to maintain flow.
• Promote a strong safety culture among coworkers.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Forklift operation

Machine operation

Overhead crane

Data entry

Packaging experience

Hand tools

Tape measure

Quality inspection

Inventory tagging

Safety-focused

Team collaboration

Job description

Job Title: Utility Helper

Job Description

The Utility Helper supports daily production operations by safely moving materials, assisting machine operators, and ensuring products are accurately packaged and documented. This role involves operating overhead cranes and forklifts, staging and loading materials into machines, using basic hand tools and measuring devices, and maintaining a clean, organized work area in a steel processing environment.

Responsibilities

• Work safely in and around machine areas, consistently following all safety procedures and guidelines.

• Pull and move coils, skids, and other materials throughout the warehouse using appropriate equipment.

• Operate an overhead crane and forklift to move, load, and position materials safely and efficiently.

• Band and package material according to customer specifications and material requirements indicated on inventory tags.

• Generate inventory tags for completed material and ensure they are correctly applied to products.

• Accurately enter tag and inventory data into the computer system to maintain up-to-date records.

• Use precision when operating tools such as tape measures, cutters, and other hand tools to ensure accurate measurements and cuts.

• Keep the immediate work area clean, organized, and free of hazards throughout the day.

• Cut cores for machine operators to support continuous production.

• Stage required supplies and materials for upcoming orders to ensure smooth workflow.

• Move finished skids to designated areas and weigh them to verify accuracy.

• Band and skid finished products in preparation for storage or shipment.

• Load material into machines according to production requirements and operator instructions.

• Clean work areas regularly to maintain a safe and orderly environment.

• Collaborate with machine operators and other helpers to support efficient production and material flow.

• Actively participate in maintaining a strong safety culture by working safely and encouraging co-workers to do the same.

Essential Skills

• 2–3 years of manufacturing experience in a production, general labor, or general production environment.

• Forklift (FL) experience and the ability to safely operate a forklift in a warehouse or production setting.

• Experience operating or assisting with machines in a production or packaging environment.

• Ability to operate an overhead crane to move and position steel coils and other materials.

• Basic computer experience, including entering data accurately into inventory or production systems.

• Experience with packaging, production line work, and machine operator or assistant duties.

• Proficiency using hand tools such as cutters and other basic tools in a manufacturing setting.

• Ability to use a tape measure accurately and work with precise measurements.

• Experience with basic inspection tasks to verify product accuracy and quality.

• Comfort working with inventory, including tagging, tracking, and organizing materials.

• Strong commitment to safety, including following safety procedures and helping maintain a safe work environment.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team with machine operators and other helpers.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in steel processing, metal fabrication, or similar heavy industrial environments is a strong plus.

• Experience with banding, skidding, and packaging finished products is beneficial.

• Familiarity with staging materials and supplies for production orders is helpful.

• Comfort working with modern, organized production facilities and following clearly marked workflows.

• Willingness to learn new machinery and processes and grow into higher-level production roles.

• Reliability and consistency in attendance and work habits.

• Strong attention to detail when recording inventory data and applying tags.

Why Work Here?

Employees join a stable, profitable organization where they can start in a foundational role and gain hands‑on experience with modern machinery and production processes. The company offers clear opportunities for advancement, including learning to operate additional equipment and moving into higher-level positions. Team members receive support and training directly from leadership, along with access to benefits such as insurance and the potential for raises. The facility is clean, modern, and well‑organized, promoting a safe and comfortable workplace where safety and employee development are prioritized.

Work Environment

This role is based in a steel processing facility that, while generally clean and well‑organized, can become quite hot due to the nature of the work. The shop is clearly organized and marked, with a strong emphasis on safety as a core value. Team members work closely with one machine operator and possibly one or two additional helpers, fostering a collaborative, production‑focused environment. The facility uses overhead cranes, forklifts, and other standard steel processing equipment. Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as helmets, safety glasses, ear plugs, and other gear is provided. Steel‑toe footwear is required, and employees must wear long sleeves as part of the dress code. The position operates on a first shift schedule, typically from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. or 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., depending on daily production needs and order volume.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Alsip, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.50 - $18.50/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 & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long‑term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Alsip,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 16, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

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.