Purpose

The Forklift/ Crane operator safely operates powered industrial forklifts and overhead bridge cranes to transport, stage, and install heavy press dies in the stamping press room while providing on-demand material handling support to the shipping/receiving department during peak periods, downtime, or staffing gaps. This dual-role position ensures uninterrupted die changeovers to meet production schedules and maintains accurate, damage-free flow of finished stampings and packaging materials to/from dock areas. The operator follows strict rigging, load securement, and pedestrian safety protocols in high-traffic zones shared by press technicians, maintenance crews, and shipping personnel.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Safely operate overhead bridge cranes (10–50 ton) to lift, transport, and precisely position press dies within 0.5 mm alignment tolerance in progressive, tandem, or transfer press lines
• Operate powered industrial trucks (forklifts up to 30,000 lb capacity) to move dies, coils, and finished stampings between storage racks, press bolsters, die carts, and staging areas
• Execute rapid die changeovers within SMED targets (e.g., <12 minutes for standard dies) using quick-die-change clamps, die lifters, and hydraulic interfaces
• Rig loads correctly by selecting appropriate slings, chains, spreader bars, and lifting points; verify load weight, balance, and tag ratings before every lift
• Inspect cranes, forklifts, and rigging equipment daily; complete pre-shift checklists and report defects immediately to maintenance
• Support shipping/receiving operations as needed by loading/unloading flatbed trailers, verifying bills of lading (BOLs), stretch-wrapping skids, and securing loads with bands/straps
• Maintain clear pedestrian separation zones; use horns, lights, spotters, and radio communication in high-traffic press room and dock aisles
• Follow lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures during die installation/removal and when entering press safety zones
• Scan and verify part numbers, die IDs, and quantities using RF scanners or digital scheduling boards to prevent mislabeled or misrouted materials
• Stage dies and materials in sequence per production schedule to eliminate line stoppages
• Assist press technicians and maintenance with die cart alignment, bolster cleaning, and minor adjustments during changeovers
  
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Qualifications

1. Minimum 3+ years operating forklifts (up to 30,000 lb capacity) and overhead bridge cranes (10–50 ton capacity) in a heavy manufacturing environment, preferably automotive stamping or metal forming

1. 3+ years performing press die changeovers using cranes, die carts, bolsters, and quick-die-change (QDC) systems in progressive, tandem, or transfer press lines

1. 3+ years rigging and safely lifting heavy, unbalanced, or high-value loads (up to 40 tons) with zero damage to dies, presses, or surrounding equipment

1. Hands-on experience supporting shipping/receiving operations, including loading/unloading trailers, verifying bills of lading (BOLs), stretch-wrapping, and securing freight

Required Education & Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• One -Two years of Hi-Lo and Crane experience in a manufacturing environment with an understanding of competencies.

Competencies

• · Safety Judgment – Instinctively recognizes load instability, blind spots, and pinch points; stops work immediately if conditions are unsafe, even under production pressure.
  · Precision Handling – Positions 40-ton dies within 0.5 mm of bolster centerline using crane pendants and forklift inching controls; avoids scratches, dings, or clamp damage.
  · Load-Rigging Expertise – Selects correct slings, shackles, and spreader bars; calculates weight distribution and center-of-gravity for odd-shaped dies and coil racks.
  · Speed under Control – Completes die pulls/sets within SMED windows (<12 min) while maintaining 100 % compliance with LOTO and pedestrian exclusion zones.
  · Situational Awareness – Maintains 360° vigilance in congested press aisles with moving robots, maintenance techs, and overhead cranes; uses mirrors, horns, and spotters proactively.
  · Adaptability – Switches seamlessly from precision press-room die work to high-volume dock loading/unloading without loss of accuracy or pace.
  · Communication Clarity – Uses standardized hand signals, radio call-outs, and digital confirmations to coordinate with press operators, spotters, and shipping clerks.
  · Equipment Care – Performs thorough pre-shift inspections; identifies low hydraulic fluid, worn tires, or frayed slings and tags equipment out until repaired.

Licensure

Hi-Lo License

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in a manufacturing environment.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires very frequent visual effort and concentration, and the ability to move throughout the plant. The employee must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The work requires regular standing, walking, bending, lifting and a variety of physical activities.