Job Title: Material Handler
Job Description
The Material Handler supports a high-volume medical manufacturing facility by ensuring production machines receive a continuous supply of materials and packaging. This role works a 12-hour shift schedule on either days or nights and uses electric pallet jacks and, over time, stand-up forklifts to move pallets between production areas and the warehouse. It is an entry-level opportunity with structured paths for advancement into technical and maintenance roles.
Responsibilities
Ensure production machines have a continuous supply of materials so they can run without interruption.
Replenish materials and cardboard boxes at each machine according to production needs.
Move full pallets from the production machines to the warehouse in a safe and timely manner.
Use electric pallet jacks to transport materials throughout the manufacturing and warehouse areas.
Operate a stand-up forklift (after training) to bring additional material from storage racks down to the production floor.
Load, lift, pack, and stack products and materials as required to support production and warehouse operations.
Follow all safety procedures while operating material handling equipment and working around machinery.
Maintain a clean and organized work area around machines and in material storage locations.
Communicate with machine operators and other team members to anticipate material needs and prevent downtime.
Support 24/7 manufacturing operations by working a consistent 12-hour shift schedule, including weekends as required.
Essential Skills
Ability to operate or learn to operate electric pallet jacks.
Willingness to train on and operate a stand-up forklift.
Ability to speak English or Spanish.
Ability to stand for 12-hour shifts.
Ability to lift 30-50 pounds on a regular basis.
Comfort working in a semi-loud manufacturing environment.
Willingness to wear a hair net, ear plugs, safety shoes, and other required personal protective equipment.
Reliability to work a rotating 12-hour schedule that includes weekends.
Attention to detail to ensure machines receive the correct materials and packaging.
Commitment to safe work practices in a manufacturing setting.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Previous production or manufacturing experience is a plus.
Previous experience working 12-hour shifts is preferred.
Prior experience using pallet jacks or stand-up forklifts is beneficial.
Experience in a warehouse or distribution environment is an advantage.
Comfort working around injection molding machines and other automated equipment.
Why Work Here?
The company offers a stable, growing environment with a strong track record of consistent expansion and no layoffs during recent economic disruptions. Employees benefit from a 12-hour schedule that provides approximately 50% more days off over the course of the year, along with regular opportunities for overtime. After conversion to a permanent role, employees can earn substantial monthly bonuses based on attendance, punctuality, quality, and productivity, significantly increasing their effective hourly rate. The organization emphasizes internal promotion, with a large percentage of supervisors, managers, and even leaders having started in entry-level roles, creating clear paths for career growth and relocation opportunities. Employees enjoy heavily discounted cafeteria options, including meals discounted up to 80-90%, and periodic catered meals such as taco trucks, contributing to an appealing and supportive workplace culture.
Work Environment
This role is based at a large manufacturing site that also includes a distribution center and corporate cafeteria. The facility operates injection molding machines that produce small to medium-sized plastic medical device components in a 24/7 operation. Material handlers work 12-hour shifts: a day shift from approximately 6:45 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and a night shift from approximately 6:45 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., with a rotating schedule where one week includes 48 hours and the next week 36 hours. A shift differential applies to night shift. Two of the three production rooms are air conditioned, while one room can become warm; employees rotate between rooms so no one remains in the warmer area for extended periods. The environment is semi-loud due to running machinery, and ear plugs are provided and required. Employees use electric pallet jacks and, after training, stand-up forklifts and other material handling equipment to move pallets between machines and warehouse racks. The site includes a secure, well-established manufacturing operation with a corporate lunchroom and cafeteria offering numerous food options at heavily discounted prices. The dress code requires appropriate personal protective equipment, including hair nets, ear plugs, safety shoes, and other safety gear suitable for a clean, medical-component manufacturing environment.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of MUNDELEIN, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $22.25/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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in MUNDELEIN,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 3, 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.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
