Sit-Down Forklift Operator/Material Handler

Description

About Kinematics:

Kinematics creates motion control solutions for mission-critical systems in demanding environments. Based in the U.S. with six global manufacturing centers and seven service centers, we reliably deliver on diverse customer needs and have the manufacturing expertise to deliver any volume cost effectively.

For close to three decades, we have been innovating solutions and working closely with our customers to provide the most reliable, bankable drives across multiple industries. Today, with over 3 million drives and 1 million electronic controllers globally deployed, representing hundreds of millions of hours of operation, we are proud of our role in sustainably supporting critical applications across the industrial, satellite and solar sectors.

Kinematics was founded in 1996, has over 750 employees globally, is headquartered in Phoenix, AZ, with sales offices in North America and Europe, and manufacturing operations in the United States, China, Mexico, and Spain.

Job Title: Material Handler /Sit-Down Forklift Operator (Manufacturing)

Reporting to: Production Supervisor

• Position Location : Phoenix, AZ
• Schedule : Full-Time

Week 1 – Monday – Thursday 6 am – 3:30 pm and Friday 6 am - 2:30 pm

Week 2 – Monday – Thursday 6 am – 3:30 pm and Friday off

Position Description :

We are seeking a safety-minded Sit-Down Forklift Operator to support our manufacturing operations. In this role, you will safely stage raw materials along active assembly lines, transport finished goods to warehouse storage, and load/unload freight trailers. The ideal candidate maintains high attention to detail in a fast-paced production environment and prioritizes plant safety.

Responsibilities:

• •Line Replenishment: Deliver raw materials, packaging supplies, and parts directly to production cells to avoid manufacturing downtime.
• •Finished Goods Staging: Safely remove palletized products from the end of production lines and transport them to designated staging and storage bays.
• •Loading & Unloading: Operate sit-down forklifts to load outbound shipments and unload inbound flatbeds, dry vans, and freight trailers.
• •Daily Inspections: Complete pre-shift OSHA inspection checklists (fluid levels, hydraulics, brakes, steering, horn) and log maintenance issues promptly.
• •Inventory Tracking: Scan barcodes and log material movement using handheld RF scanners to keep warehouse management system (WMS) records accurate.
• •Facility Housekeeping: Maintain clean, clear driving aisles and staging lanes in compliance with plant safety guidelines.

Requirements

Qualifications & Requirements

• •Certification: Active, OSHA-compliant sit-down forklift certification.
• •Experience: Minimum 1–2 years of experience operating sit-down forklifts in a manufacturing or fast-paced warehouse environment.
• •Driving: Ability to safely operate a 26-foot flatbed truck for local transportation between company facilities.
• •Technical Skills: Familiarity with RF scanners, pallet wrapping, and basic inventory control systems.
• •Work Ethic: Strong spatial awareness, dependable attendance, and a team-first mindset.
• •Pre-Employment Screening: Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of employment due to the safety-sensitive nature of operating heavy machinery.

Physical Demands

Ability to sit for extended periods, frequently mount/dismount equipment, bend, stoop, and lift up to 50 lbs unassisted.

Compensation & Benefits

• •Hourly Wage: $22.00 – $24.00 per hour depending on experience
• •Health & Wellness: Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance options
• •Retirement: 401(k) plan with company matching contributions
• •Paid Leave: Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO) package plus paid company holidays

This position is formally designated as a Safety-Sensitive Position under Arizona Revised Statutes (§ 23-493). The duties of this role involve the operation, maintenance, and programming of high-risk manufacturing machinery (CNC equipment) where temporary physical or mental impairment could result in severe injury or property damage. Consequently, candidates must pass a pre-employment drug screen. In accordance with Arizona law, the company maintains a zero-tolerance policy for workplace impairment, possession, or positive drug screens for this role, regardless of medical marijuana cardholder status