Material Handler

Aerotek
Houston, TX

Job Title: Material Handler
Job Description

This role supports a busy service and repair operation for pumps and rotating equipment by safely moving, organizing, and tracking heavy industrial parts in a warehouse and shop environment. The material handler operates forklifts and overhead cranes to handle pumps, valves, flanges, pipe, lumber, and other large components, and maintains accurate paper-based inventory records to keep the shop running smoothly.

Responsibilities

  • Operate forklifts and overhead cranes to move large manufactured parts, including pumps, valves, flanges, pipe, and lumber, throughout the warehouse and shop.
  • Handle parts of various sizes, from small components to large items measuring up to several feet in length, ensuring safe rigging and secure transport.
  • Strap and secure loads onto flatbed trucks for outbound shipments, following proper safety and load-securing procedures.
  • Perform daily shipping and receiving activities, including unloading incoming materials and loading outgoing products.
  • Maintain accurate paper-based inventory records by logging all parts and movements in the inventory system.
  • Organize the shop and warehouse by part style and category to improve workflow, visibility, and accessibility of parts.
  • Assist with periodic and ongoing inventory control tasks, including counts, reconciliations, and adjustments as needed.
  • Support the reorganization of the shop layout when required to maximize space and efficiency.
  • Use rigging techniques to safely lift, move, and position heavy and awkward parts.
  • Collaborate closely with machinists, pump mechanics, and welders to ensure timely delivery and staging of parts for repair and service work.
  • Perform general labor tasks in the warehouse and shop as needed to support overall operations.
  • Follow all safety procedures and wear required personal protective equipment at all times.
  • Work extended hours and regular overtime, including weekdays and weekends, to meet production and service demands.
Essential Skills
  • At least 5 years of warehouse or material handling experience.
  • Proven experience operating forklifts in a heavy industrial or manufacturing environment.
  • Hands-on experience operating overhead cranes to move large and heavy parts.
  • Strong rigging experience moving big manufactured parts safely and efficiently.
  • Ability to keep accurate records of inventory using paper-based logging methods.
  • Background in shipping and receiving, including loading and unloading trucks.
  • Experience with inventory control processes in a warehouse or shop setting.
  • Comfort working extended shifts and regular overtime, including weekends.
  • Ability to work safely around pumps, valves, flanges, pipe, lumber, and other industrial components.
  • Capability to work independently in a busy, space-constrained shop environment while maintaining organization and safety.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
  • Experience working in the pump or rotating equipment industry.
  • Heavy forklift and overhead crane experience handling large industrial parts.
  • Prior experience reorganizing shops or warehouses to improve layout and efficiency.
  • Familiarity with ERP systems for inventory or warehouse management.
  • Demonstrated ability to thrive in a high-volume, fast-paced industrial setting.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation.
Why Work Here?

The company places a strong emphasis on taking care of employees and creating a workplace where people want to stay long term. Team members enjoy highly competitive pay structures, generous paid time off that can be negotiated within reason, and dedicated paternity leave with the potential for future expansion. The organization offers a 10% night shift differential, a 401(k) with a 3% company match, and profit sharing bonuses that reward collective success. Employees receive comprehensive benefits, including medical coverage with 70% of premiums paid by the company, as well as dental and vision insurance. The culture is team-oriented and supportive, with many employees having long tenure or coming from other shops and choosing to stay. The company regularly provides breakfasts on certain days, occasional lunches, and special meals such as steak and eggs on Saturdays. Team members also receive gear and clothing, generous holiday gifts, and referral bonuses, creating a sense of appreciation and recognition throughout the year.

Work Environment

The role is based in a medium-sized, air-conditioned shop that is very busy and filled with pumps and parts due to strong demand. Space is tight, but there are plans to move to a larger facility in the near future. The day shift typically includes manual machinists, pump mechanics, and a welder, and the night shift also has a dedicated team of machinists, mechanics, and a welder, creating a collaborative, hands-on industrial environment. Day shift generally runs Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with Saturday hours from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., including two paid breaks and an unpaid lunch. Night shift typically runs Monday through Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., with Saturday hours from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., also with two paid breaks and an unpaid lunch, and includes a 10% shift differential. Schedules are structured around 10-hour shifts, and employees can expect 50 to 60 hours of work per week, with occasional Sundays paid at double time. The environment involves regular use of forklifts, overhead cranes, and rigging equipment to move heavy parts, and requires adherence to safety standards. The dress code includes steel-toe footwear, jeans, a work shirt, and safety glasses, reflecting the hands-on, industrial nature of the work.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $21.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Houston,TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 21, 2026.

About Aerotek:

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.

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