Shop Helper/Forklift

Job Title: Shop Helper/Forklift

Job Description

The Shop Helper supports day-to-day operations in a steel fabrication shop by assisting fabricators, welders, and machine operators with material handling, preparation, and general shop tasks. This position requires a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a commitment to working safely around heavy equipment, structural steel, and industrial tools.

Responsibilities

• Assist fabricators, welders, and machine operators with material handling, preparation, and movement of structural steel components throughout the shop.
• Measure and mark materials accurately using appropriate measuring tools to support fitting, layout, and fabrication activities.
• Interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and welding symbols under guidance to understand project specifications and support correct assembly.
• Support the welding and fabrication of structural steel assemblies by preparing joints, positioning components, and assisting with fixtures and setups.
• Operate cutting, grinding, and basic welding-related equipment safely and efficiently as directed, following all safety procedures.
• Assist in welding structural steel components using MIG, TIG, and Stick welding techniques as skill level and supervision allow.
• Inspect welds and fabricated components for accuracy, strength, and compliance with project requirements under the direction of experienced welders or supervisors.
• Perform layout and fitting tasks for steel assemblies, ensuring components are aligned, squared, and prepared for welding or final assembly.
• Collaborate with engineers, welders, and other shop personnel to support quality workmanship and timely completion of projects.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work area by regularly removing debris, storing tools properly, and following housekeeping standards.
• Adhere to all safety protocols and company policies, including proper use of personal protective equipment and safe operation of tools and machinery.
• Assist with routine maintenance of welding equipment, tools, and shop machinery by cleaning, inspecting, and reporting issues promptly.

Essential Skills

• Ability to accurately use measuring tools to mark, cut, and fit structural steel components.
• Working knowledge of fitting and layout practices for structural steel fabrication.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and welding symbols to understand project specifications.
• Hands-on experience with structural steel fabrication processes and shop practices.
• Proficiency or developing skill in welding structural steel components using MIG, TIG, and Stick welding techniques.
• Ability to operate cutting, grinding, and welding equipment safely and efficiently.
• Capability to inspect welds and assemblies for accuracy, strength, and compliance with standards under guidance.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship in a fabrication environment.
• Ability to follow safety protocols and work safely around heavy equipment and industrial tools.
• Reliable work ethic, punctuality, and ability to work effectively as part of a fabrication team.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a structural steel or metal fabrication shop.
• Familiarity with MIG, TIG, and Stick welding processes in an industrial setting.
• Comfort reading and working from blueprints and technical drawings.
• Experience collaborating with engineers, welders, and fabricators on multi-step projects.
• Basic mechanical aptitude for conducting routine maintenance on welding equipment and tools.
• Organizational skills to maintain a clean, orderly, and efficient work area.

Why Work Here?

You will work in a large, established steel fabrication shop that offers exposure to a wide range of structural steel projects and fabrication techniques. The environment supports hands-on learning, skill development in welding and fabrication, and collaboration with experienced tradespeople and technical staff. You can build a solid foundation in industrial fabrication while contributing to meaningful, large-scale projects in a professional and safety-focused setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bakersfield, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Bakersfield,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 24, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.