Forklift Operator

Job Title: Forklift Operator / Material Handler

Job Description

This role focuses on safely operating stand-up forklifts and other material handling equipment to load and unload trucks, move inventory throughout the facility, and support production with timely delivery of materials. You will work a 12-hour rotating shift on either days or nights, follow strict safety and Good Manufacturing Practices, and help maintain accurate inventory and clean, organized warehouse and staging areas.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload trucks efficiently and safely using stand-up forklifts and other material handling equipment.
• Move inventory to various locations manually and by operating mechanical equipment, including forklift, pallet jack, and handcart.
• Follow all safety procedures at all times, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Respond to alarms, identify issues, and assist in basic troubleshooting of material handling or related equipment.
• Maintain neat and orderly warehouse and staging areas, including adherence to 5S and housekeeping standards.
• Maintain proper documentation for materials, including batches, material changes, and material locations.
• Assist with physical inventory counts and perform cycle counts to ensure accurate stock levels.
• Stage resins and components to work orders and allocate materials to appropriate production areas according to schedule.
• Perform daily cleaning of all blender and dryer filters and ensure blenders and dryers remain full and operating properly.
• Complete all required paperwork in a timely and accurate manner, including lot changes, job verifications, material verification reports, and two-hour checklists.
• Restock materials correctly and ensure materials and color changes occur on time in line with the production schedule.
• Communicate potential material shortages promptly to warehouse leadership and production teams.
• Control and maintain scrap generated by production and ensure scrap handling follows company procedures.
• Perform line clearances outside of the clean room to support product changeovers and quality standards.
• Fill out inventory tags for restocked material after orders are complete.
• Assemble cartons and containers using appropriate hand tools as needed.
• Assist with packaging and sealing molded and/or assembled products according to company and customer specifications when required.
• Label and stack products on skids according to lot information and product specifications.
• Ensure proper performance of equipment related to resins and materials and report any out-of-line conditions or damaged equipment.
• Clean and maintain auxiliary material handling systems and support equipment, including grinders and other related machinery.
• Maintain housekeeping of material loading areas and airlock to support a clean and safe working environment.
• Participate in lean and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
• Retrieve packing materials from the warehouse to support packaging operations.
• Follow and maintain all company policies, including Health and Safety requirements, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), standard work procedures, Continuous Improvement, and ISO standards.
• Operate packaging equipment as required according to product specifications and work instructions.
• Complete Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) activities on packaging auxiliary equipment as needed.
• Follow instructions as required per ID sheets and visual work instructions.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support warehouse and production operations.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of stand-up forklift experience or at least 5 years of sit-down forklift experience.
• Proficiency using RF scanners for inventory and material tracking.
• Ability to safely operate stand-up forklifts and other material handling equipment such as pallet jacks and handcarts.
• Ability to work a 12-hour rotating schedule on either day or night shift.
• Strong attention to safety procedures and consistent use of required PPE.
• Ability to follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and standard work procedures.
• Basic ability to respond to alarms and identify issues with material handling processes or equipment.
• Capability to complete documentation and paperwork accurately and on time.
• Ability to perform physical tasks, including loading, unloading, lifting, and moving materials throughout the facility.
• Strong organizational skills to maintain neat and orderly warehouse and staging areas.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating Hyster brand stand-up forklifts.
• Previous experience working 12-hour rotating shifts.
• Familiarity with medical or contract manufacturing environments.
• Experience with cycle counting and physical inventory processes.
• Exposure to lean manufacturing and continuous improvement practices.
• Comfort working with packaging equipment and auxiliary systems such as blenders, dryers, and grinders.
• Ability to read and follow ID sheets, visual work instructions, and product specifications.

Why Work Here?

You join a long-term opportunity with clear paths for advancement and skill development. As you grow in the role, you can progress through multiple pay levels, with higher earning potential at advanced levels and an additional shift premium for night work. The environment emphasizes safety, quality, and continuous improvement, offering stability and the chance to build a lasting career in a modern manufacturing setting.

Work Environment

The role is based in a modern contract manufacturing environment that primarily supports the medical industry, with multiple facilities in the area, including two buildings in Buffalo Grove and a new site in Libertyville. You will work a 12-hour rotating schedule on either a day shift (6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) or night shift (6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.). The facility uses stand-up Hyster brand forklifts along with RF scanners, pallet jacks, handcarts, blenders, dryers, grinders, and packaging equipment. Work takes place in warehouse, dock, and production support areas, including material loading zones and airlocks, with a strong focus on housekeeping, 5S, and adherence to GMP and ISO standards. You will wear appropriate PPE and follow defined safety and cleanliness procedures while working around active production and material handling operations.

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

The pay range for this position is $19.50 - $26.00/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 Buffalo Grove,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on May 11, 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.