Forklift Operator

This role focuses on safely and efficiently handling materials to support production and shipping operations in a high-volume automotive manufacturing facility. The forklift operator pulls and stages orders for shipment, supplies assembly lines and presses with parts and containers, moves finished goods and stampings, and supports shipping and receiving activities, including managing trailers with a switcher truck as needed.

Responsibilities

• Pull orders and parts from stock in FIFO (first in, first out) order for all shipment staging to ensure accurate and timely deliveries.
• Move parts from market areas to assembly lines and transfer finished goods from production lines to designated storage or shipping areas.
• Supply presses with containers and move stampings to the market area to maintain consistent production flow.
• Operate forklifts, tow motors, and a switcher truck to move trailers and materials safely and efficiently within the facility.
• Perform daily safety checks on tow motors before start-up and follow all refueling procedures at all times.
• Inspect docks and platforms before use and engage dock locks before entering trailers to ensure safe loading and unloading.
• Inspect racks for damage during unloading and cleaning, remove old labels from empty racks, and ensure no parts protrude above racks before moving them.
• Inspect staged shipments for damaged or improperly adjusted racks that could cause parts to fall or bend during handling or transport.
• Inspect trailers before loading for hazards such as wood, metal debris, or holes in the roof, and report any issues as needed.
• Pack service parts in a manner that prevents damage during transportation, follow available packaging instructions, and seek guidance when instructions are unclear or missing.
• Verify that bar code labels attached to racks match the part numbers on manufacturing labels and ensure labels are in good condition for scanning.
• Scan bar code labels according to work instructions to maintain accurate inventory and shipment records.
• Ensure HOLD tags are moved to the appropriate HOLD or REWORK areas and prevent these items from being shipped to customers.
• Maintain proper flow of press and small parts Kanban systems and place items in proper locations to avoid incorrect issuing to production lines.
• Support company goals and objectives by providing input and countermeasures to reduce line downtime caused by material handling issues.
• Maintain tow motor and related material handling equipment in good operating condition to support stable productivity.
• Learn and consistently practice proper material handling functions, including supplying correct parts to assembly lines and following EH Board rules.
• Report production when picking up and setting down racks to ensure accurate tracking of material movement.
• Place parts in fixed, designated locations to ensure compliance with material storage and tracking requirements.
• Lead by example in attendance, quality, attitude, and accountability, and maintain a clean and organized work area by following 5S principles.
• Adapt to changing priorities and perform a wide variety of duties without loss of efficiency or composure.
• Work overtime and weekends as required to meet production and shipping demands.
• Complete other assignments as deemed necessary by management to support overall operations.

• 3–4 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven forklift and sit-down forklift operation experience.
• Tow motor operation experience.
• Shipping and receiving experience, including loading and order picking.
• Material handling experience in a production or warehouse setting.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs without mechanical assistance.
• Good basic math skills for counts, inventory, and documentation.
• Good verbal and written communication skills to follow instructions and document work accurately.
• Excellent organization and coordination skills to manage multiple tasks and maintain material flow.
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Ability and willingness to work night shift and required overtime and weekends.
• Capability to work safely in a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment with automated equipment.

• Experience using RF scanners for inventory and shipment tracking.
• Prior experience with packing and order picking in a manufacturing or distribution setting.
• Experience working with Kanban or similar material flow systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead by example in attendance, quality, and accountability.
• Willingness to perform a wide variety of duties and adjust to changing priorities.
• Successful completion of tow motor training and certification prior to or as part of the job move.

Employees join a stable, fast-paced, and team-oriented automotive manufacturing organization that values internal growth and promotion from within. Many leaders have advanced from floor positions into leadership roles, creating clear opportunities for career development. The company offers a comprehensive benefits package designed for manufacturing professionals, including health insurance, 401(k) matching, and access to a free on-site clinic for employees and their dependents, supporting both financial security and overall well-being.

Work Environment

The position is based in an automotive manufacturing facility that operates over 50 automated welding robot cells and 8 stamping presses. Team members work in a dynamic production environment with exposure to sparks and smoke from robotic welders and must consistently follow safety rules and regulations. The role involves operating forklifts, tow motors, and a switcher truck on the production floor and at docks, working around active assembly lines, presses, and material storage areas. This is a night shift role, with typical hours from approximately 3:00 p.m. to 1:45 a.m., and a normal shift time without overtime of approximately 5:00 p.m. to 4:30 a.m., with overtime and weekend work required based on production needs. The work requires frequent movement, material handling, and lifting up to 50 lbs, along with adherence to 5S standards to maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area. Appropriate industrial attire suitable for a manufacturing environment with welding operations is required.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Portland, TN.

The pay range for this position is $17.50 - $17.85/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 Portland,TN.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 17, 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.