Job Information
Aerotek Material Handler I, Manufacturing Support - Skilled in Portage, Michigan
Job Title: Material Handler I, Manufacturing Support - Skilled
Job Description
This role supports manufacturing operations by accurately receiving, storing, preparing, and distributing materials, parts, and supplies while maintaining precise inventory records. Working under general supervision, you handle both physical and administrative tasks, ensuring materials are available, organized, and documented to support efficient production and high safety and quality standards.
Responsibilities
Receive incoming materials, parts, and supplies, verify quantities and descriptions, and ensure accurate documentation in inventory systems.
Store materials in designated locations in a safe, organized, and efficient manner to support smooth manufacturing operations.
Prepare and stage materials for production lines, including picking, packing, and material preparation to ensure lines are fully prepped and ready for use.
Distribute materials and components to designated areas on the manufacturing floor according to production requirements and schedules.
Maintain accurate records of materials and inventory, including counts, movements, and any discrepancies, and complete detailed documentation as required.
Operate material handling equipment, such as forklifts, in a safe and efficient manner to move, load, and unload materials as needed.
Follow detailed verbal and written instructions to perform tasks correctly and consistently, adhering to established procedures and training.
Monitor materials and inventory for issues or inconsistencies, identify potential problems, and promptly communicate concerns to the appropriate personnel.
Observe, note, and correct minute inconsistencies in materials, labeling, or documentation to support high quality standards.
Adhere to all safety policies and procedures, including good housekeeping and ergonomics practices, and proactively speak up about safety or quality concerns.
Participate in cross-training and teamwork activities to support multiple material handling and manufacturing support functions.
Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams in a diverse environment, contributing to continuous improvement and effective conflict resolution.
Meet assigned work schedules and overtime requirements, including weekends, to support production demands.
Perform repetitive material handling tasks with sustained stamina while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy.
Essential Skills
High school diploma or GED.
Ability to meet assigned work schedule and overtime requirements, including weekends.
Ability to read and understand procedures, safety sheets, instructions, and policies in English.
Ability to carry out verbal instructions and communicate verbally in English.
Strong attention to detail with the ability to complete detailed documentation accurately.
Ability to adhere to safety requirements, including good housekeeping and ergonomics practices.
Capability to perform repetitive tasks with sufficient stamina.
Ability to observe, note, and correct minute inconsistencies in materials or documentation.
Ability to learn new processes, systems, and equipment used in material handling and manufacturing support.
Demonstrated teamwork skills, including working effectively in a diverse setting and with cross-functional teams.
Motivation to grow, learn, and progress to the next skill level, including willingness to cross-train.
Physical ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Good visual perception and fine motor skills to work with and sort small component parts.
Ability to analyze basic material and inventory issues and use independent judgment to resolve or escalate them.
Experience or capability to operate forklifts and other material handling equipment.
Experience with picker/packer tasks and material preparation for production lines.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Preferred experience working in a manufacturing environment.
Experience with workplace organization practices and following structured training procedures.
Comfort working in a role with a repetitive nature while maintaining accuracy and focus.
Demonstrated propensity to speak up about safety or quality issues and contribute to problem-solving.
Experience supporting production lines by getting materials and components prepped and staged.
Ability to participate in continuous improvement efforts and team-based performance enhancements.
Why Work Here?
You join a team-focused environment that values safety, quality, and continuous improvement while offering opportunities to learn new processes, systems, and equipment. The role encourages cross-training and skill development, allowing you to grow and progress to higher skill levels over time. You work with supportive, cross-functional teams in a diverse setting where open communication, collaboration, and constructive conflict resolution are encouraged. Your attention to detail, initiative, and willingness to speak up about issues are recognized as key contributions to the overall success of the operation.
Work Environment
This position is based in a manufacturing setting that involves active material handling and support of production lines. You work on-site around production areas, frequently moving materials, parts, and supplies and using material handling equipment such as forklifts. The role requires standing, walking, lifting, and carrying materials throughout the shift, with physical demands of lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally and up to 20 pounds constantly. You work with small component parts that require good visual perception and fine motor skills. The environment emphasizes strict adherence to safety procedures, including ergonomics and good housekeeping practices, and requires careful compliance with documented instructions and processes. Work hours follow a defined schedule on first shift, with the need for overtime, including weekends, based on production needs. The dress code typically reflects a manufacturing environment, where practical, safety-conscious attire and any required personal protective equipment support safe and efficient work on the production floor.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Portage, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $18.50 - $18.50/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 Portage,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 4, 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.