Fork-lift Driver - 1st Shift (Heavy Loads)

At Miller Industries, we design, engineer, and manufacture custom products in the USA, with locations in Fenton and Burton, Michigan, and engineering support in El Paso, Texas. Our divisions include Miller Fabricated Systems, Flex Air, Miller Industries Representatives, and MI Service Group. We specialize in custom steel fabrication, commercial and industrial HVAC systems, and modular mechanical and electrical systems, serving automotive, healthcare, institutional, and semiconductor manufacturers worldwide. As a family-operated business, we prioritize quality, employee growth, and exceeding expectations.

About the role

Miller Industries is seeking a Forklift Driver for our Fenton - North location on the 1st Shift. Hours are Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with occasional overtime on weekends as needed for production. This role involves operating a forklift to move structural steel loads up to 10 feet wide and 2,000 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts in accordance with safety guidelines, considering other employees, speed, visibility, and load size in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Visually assess 55,000+ lb. steel loads and determine the safest and most efficient way to load and unload trucks to maximize space and time.
• Supply production with required materials, parts, components, and packaging.
• Return materials, parts, components, and packaging to designated storage areas after each production run.
• Transport finished parts to the next operation or correct storage location.
• Move or prepare parts for assembly operations.
• Load and unload parts, products, or materials onto fixtures and trucks.
• Assist with quality control to ensure all finished materials are in good condition.
• Complete safety check sheets for equipment at the beginning of each shift and address any safety issues with forklifts or cranes before operation.
• Operate cranes and other lift equipment within load limits.
• Determine load weights and verify them against lifting capacities to ensure safe crane operation.
• Direct truck drivers when backing vehicles into loading bays and secure loads for delivery.
• Report damages and items needing repair.
• Perform duties in an environmentally responsible manner.
• Maintain compliance with company policies, work rules, safety, and housekeeping standards.
• Maintain workspace and ensure proper cleaning and maintenance of equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED.
• 2+ years' experience operating forklifts in a fast-paced manufacturing, industrial, or construction environment.
• Prior experience moving structural steel loads.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Flexibility to adapt to change and work well under deadlines while managing multiple priorities.
• Knowledge of dock and truck equipment protocols and mechanical operation.
• Ability to drive and operate forklift and crane equipment; proper licensing required.
• Familiarity with crane load charts and load capacities to ensure safe operation and rigging is a plus.
• Ability to get on and off the forklift frequently during the shift.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay rate.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance, Long-Term Disability (LTD), and Short-Term Disability (STD).
• 401k with immediate match.
• 10 paid holidays.
• Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Profit-sharing bonus eligibility.
• Overtime opportunities.

Schedule

1st Shift: Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with occasional overtime on Saturdays and Sundays as needed for production.