Forklift Operator - ALL SHIFTS - 19+ HR

Job Title: Forklift Operator

1st Shift: $19.50

2nd Shift: $20.00

3rd Shift: $20.25

Job Description

This role focuses on safely operating various types of forklifts and material handling equipment to ensure the accurate, timely shipping and receiving of automotive parts. The Forklift Operator supports the flow of materials across multiple shifts, maintains inventory accuracy through SAP, and helps keep the warehouse clean, organized, and efficient.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts and related material handling equipment to move, load, and unload automotive parts safely and efficiently.
• Ensure on-time disposition and shipping of automobile parts to customers and module centers.
• Unload trucks and receive parts using SAP, ensuring accurate documentation and inventory updates.
• Identify damaged packaging during receiving, document the issue, and promptly forward claims to the shift lead.
• Manage returnable and empty packaging, organizing and tracking containers to support efficient reuse.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of shipping performance by following best practices and suggesting process enhancements.
• Monitor and support daily key performance indicators, including on-time deliveries and number of trucks processed per day.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized working environment by following housekeeping and safety standards.
• Assemble and fill boxes and cartons with items that need to be shipped, ensuring proper packing and protection.
• Prepare and print accurate shipping labels according to shipping requirements and customer specifications.
• Affix correct postage or shipping documentation to each package in preparation for dispatch.
• Physically pick items from company stock to fulfill orders, ensuring accuracy of part numbers and quantities.
• Escalate all transfer order and material issues to the logistics clerk on shift for timely resolution.
• Cooperate effectively with team members at all levels, including peers, leads, and managers, to meet operational goals.
• Walk or stand for extended periods while performing material handling and order fulfillment tasks across the shift.

Essential Skills

• At least 2–3 years of recent experience operating forklifts in a warehouse or manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency operating sit-down forklifts, stand-up forklifts, reach trucks, stand-up reach trucks, cherry pickers, tow motors, and order pickers.
• Hands-on experience with shipping and receiving processes, including loading and unloading trucks.
• Ability to use SAP or similar systems for receiving and inventory transactions.
• Capability to lift up to 40 pounds repeatedly and safely throughout the shift.
• Ability to read and interpret work orders, tickets, and related documentation accurately.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to walk or stand for long periods in a fast-paced warehouse or manufacturing setting.
• Commitment to following safety procedures and maintaining a clean and orderly work area.
• Effective teamwork and communication skills to collaborate with colleagues across shifts.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in an automotive manufacturing or high-volume distribution environment.
• Familiarity with inventory control practices and basic stock management.
• Comfort working with performance metrics such as on-time delivery and trucks processed per day.
• Willingness to participate in continuous improvement initiatives and adapt to evolving processes.

Why Work Here?

You join a stable, secure business that partners with leading automotive brands and offers a supportive environment for long-term growth. You benefit from paid time off, a 401(k) plan with company match, and weekly pay that provides consistent financial stability. Performance-based bonus opportunities of up to 5% reward your contribution and results. You gain access to tuition reimbursement to support your professional development and skill enhancement. If your personally owned tools break on the job, the company provides replacement tools, reflecting a strong commitment to supporting your work. You work in an environment that values safety, reliability, and continuous improvement, giving you the opportunity to build a lasting career.

Work Environment

The role is based in an automotive manufacturing and warehouse environment that can be hot in the summer and colder in the winter, so you should be comfortable working in variable temperatures. Work is organized across three shifts: 1st shift from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 2nd shift from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and 3rd shift from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. You will spend most of the day on your feet, walking or standing for long periods, and operating forklifts, reach trucks, cherry pickers, tow motors, and other material handling equipment. The environment is fast-paced and metrics-driven, with a strong emphasis on safety, cleanliness, and adherence to processes while handling automotive parts and packaging.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sandusky, OH.

The pay range for this position is $19.50 - $20.25/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available 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)

This is a fully onsite position in Sandusky,OH.

This position is anticipated to close on May 8, 2026.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

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.