Power Vehicle Operator

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading home appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. As the only major U.S.-based manufacturer of kitchen and laundry appliances, the company drives meaningful innovation through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. In 2025, the company reported approximately $16 billion in annual net sales, 41,000 employees, and 35 manufacturing and technology research centers.

About the role

The Materials Handler is responsible for the safe and efficient movement, storage, packaging, and organization of all materials, components, and finished goods throughout the plant, yard, or warehouse. This role supports production lines, logistics, and quality teams by operating powered industrial vehicles, executing material transactions, and performing value-add packaging and assembly support functions. Current openings on 2nd shift.

Responsibilities

• Powered Vehicle Operation & Material Transport:
  • Safely operate and maneuver various powered industrial vehicles (PIV), including forklifts, reach trucks, clamp trucks, tuggers with dolly trains, and Turret trucks (including work at heights up to 20 feet).
  • Perform pre-shift inspections on all PIV equipment and perform basic upkeep, such as managing battery/gas levels or changing propane gas tanks.
  • Perform precise material handling, loading, and tiering of materials into high-density storage areas to ensure production lines are constantly supplied with raw materials.
  • Load and unload trays, racks, shelves, and pallets by hand or via PIV, and use hand trucks, electric dollies, or wheelbarrows for local conveyance.
  • Secure outbound loads onto vehicles using strapping, bracing, or padding; load and unload trucks.
  • Attach lifting gear to heavy loads and operate hand-operated cranes or hoists (or signal overhead crane operators).
• Production Line & Packaging Support:
  • Execute assembly and value-add tasks such as kitting, simple subassembly, or packaging.
  • Compile customer orders per shipping manifest and package orders for transport, including operating power stretch wrappers and shrink bundlers.
  • Verify components against the Bill of Materials (BOM) and perform visual inspection to ensure parts or cartons are not damaged; dispose of non-conforming materials appropriately.
  • Manage production flow by stocking cartons, units, and filters as needed; place, remove, and transport paint racks from the paint line.
  • Assemble crates, open containers, and use banding machines and clinchers to secure bundles of material.
  • Assemble and align portable conveyor sections for efficient product flow and perform minor changeover duties (e.g., hook changes).
  • Shovel loose materials (sand, metal, plastics, or chemicals) into hoppers or containers.
  • Extract material samples, label them accurately, and transport them to the lab for quality analysis, and support packaging test execution (e.g., rough handling).
• Inventory Management & Documentation:
  • Count, weigh, and record units moved on daily production sheets; attach identifying tags or labels to containers.
  • Verify part numbers, confirm quantities, and accurately scan inventory and complete required system transactions using a personal computer or RF scan gun.
  • Process the receiving paperwork for raw materials coming into the warehouse.
  • Perform inventory practices with emphasis on cycle counts (daily, quarterly, yearly).

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED
• At least 18 years old
• 1+ years of consistent work history
• 6+ months of experience working in a manufacturing or warehouse environment (1-2 years preferred)
• Ability to perform basic math functions (addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication)

Preferred Skills

• Forklift or power vehicle experience

Pay

Starting wage: $20.85/hour + $1.25/hour shift premium for 2nd shift. Earning potential: up to $26.47/hour based on time.

Benefits

• Healthcare: Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Plans
• Financial Protection: 401(k) Retirement Plan & Life Insurance
• Education: Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Time Off & Work Schedule:
  • Paid Time Off (PTO): Up to 120 hours in your first year (prorated based on start date)
  • Holidays: 12 Paid Holidays annually