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Side Loader & Forklift Operator

L&W Engineering, Inc.
Middlebury, IN Full Time
POSTED ON 8/1/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/28/2026

SIDE LOADER & FORKLIFT OPERATOR

Job Description

L&W Engineering is a growing full-line metal fabrication company located in Middlebury, IN. Privately owned and encompassing over 400,000 square feet of manufacturing space, L&W provides a wide range of Steel and Aluminum

Products to various industries. By utilizing modern equipment, including Flat Bed Lasers, Tube Lasers, Robotic Bending Cells, CNC Tube Benders, Machining Centers, Robotic Welders, and an automated Powder Coat line our employees strive to produce quality parts as efficiently as possible.

Currently, we are looking for an individual to join as a forklift\Side loaded Operator. The Side Loader Operator plays a critical role in the efficient collection and transportation of materials using specialized side loader trucks. This position requires the operator to skillfully maneuver the vehicle and operate the side loading mechanism to safely and effectively pick up material. The operator ensures that all materials are collected according to schedule while adhering to safety protocols and regulatory requirements. Attention to detail and mechanical aptitude are essential to identify and report any equipment malfunctions or safety hazards promptly.

Requirements

· Valid driver’s license

· At least 1 years’ experience with a side loader

· Forklift and or Side Loader Certification

· Strong knowledge of safety regulations and best practices related to vehicle\lift operation.

· Good communication skills and the ability to follow detailed instructions.

Responsibilities

  • Unload materials and merchandise from incoming vehicles and stack them in assigned locations.
  • Locate and Transport raw materials to production workstations.
  • Basic knowledge of general plant layout and item identification.
  • Ability to stock, move, arrange, and rotate items by operating instructions and under the guidance of a higher-level employee.
  • Able to complete appropriate forms relating to stock descriptions, quantity, and labeling requirements for incoming and outgoing materials.
  • Basic skills in the use of shrink-wrap or strapping equipment, pallet jacks, carts or hand trucks, and hand tools used in material handling tasks such as hammers, snips, strapping and stretch wrapping tools and equipment, tape fasteners, metal band sheers, and related equipment.
  • Ability to work a flexible work assignment schedule and complete miscellaneous duties as assigned.
  • Comply with company policies.
  • Help maintain a clean, safe, and orderly environment of the facilities.
  • Preform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the vehicle and equipment to ensure operational safety and report any issues to maintenance team.
  • Communicate effectively with the supervisors
  • Perform other duties/projects assigned by the department manager.

This provides a general overview of the typical responsibilities and qualifications for a forklift operator. Actual job duties and requirements may vary depending on workload.

Skills

  • Attention to detail and familiarity with industrial equipment.
  • Basic math skills.
  • Ability to read a tape measure.

The Side Loader Operator utilizes driving skills daily to navigate complex routes safely and efficiently, ensuring timely movement of steel. Mechanical aptitude is applied when operating the side loading mechanism and performing routine vehicle inspections to maintain equipment reliability. Communication skills are essential for coordinating with team members and addressing customer concerns professionally. Time management and organizational skills help the operator adhere to strict schedules and maintain accurate records. Additionally, knowledge of safety protocols is critical to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with regulatory standards throughout all operations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • Requires a minimum of eight hours standing, bending, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling with a full range of body mechanics/movements. Must sit\walk\stand for up to 9 hours a day Regularly required to lift and carry up to 35 (thirty-five) pounds. Frequently required to lift and carry up to fifty-five (55) pounds. operate all specialized material handling vehicles safely, and utilize personal protective equipment (PPE).

BENEFITS:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental Insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

SCHEDULE:

  • 9-hour shift :
  • M-Th 4:30a-2:00p
  • Friday 4:30a-8:30a

PAY:

  • Hourly
  • Weekly
  • $35,360 - $39,520 annually plus weekly Bonus
  • Pay will be discussed further in the interview process

Pay: $35,360.00 - $39,520.00 per year

Benefits:

  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

  • Have you previously worked for L & W Engineering in the past? If so when did you work for us?
  • Reliability is imporant, please rate your attendance at your previous employer. On a scale from 1 -10, One being the the least reliable and Ten being the most reliable. Explain your response.

Experience:

  • Side Loader or similar equipment : 1 year (Required)

Shift availability:

  • Day Shift (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

  • Middlebury, IN 46540 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $35,360 - $39,520

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