OPT Forklift Technician Jobs
Forklift Technician jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in mechanical engineering, industrial technology, or related fields. Many employers in logistics, manufacturing, and warehousing operations hire OPT workers directly, and roles often qualify for STEM OPT extension if your degree program is STEM-designated.
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The Industrial Forklift Operator is responsible for unloading and loading all inbound and outbound products, along with moving, locating, relocating, stacking, and counting product within and throughout the warehouse.
Essential Functions/Key Deliverables
- Inspect the technical condition of the Forklift and other handling equipment before starting work to determine the need for repairs to safely operate machinery.
- Record pre-use checks in the provided system or the vehicle logbook as required.
- Report any faults and/or breakdowns of the Forklift Lead.
- Check the delivered quantities and condition of the goods recording data on the receiving form accurately.
- Unload goods, packaging, raw materials and other from incoming vehicles and stack them to assigned places using FLT.
- Complete orders for distribution, work to quality standards and provided instructions.
- Ensure each product pallet is secured for transit and labelled correctly.
- Load goods or other materials onto the truck for transportation in accordance with work security regulations/instructions using forklift.
- Move stock/goods using forklift throughout the warehouse according to instructions.
- Use the SAP RFID scanning system equipment correctly following set orders and assigned tasks to ensure accuracy of inventory. Coordinate to ensure RF monitors are in good working order.
- Transport materials to the production department complying with FIFO procedures.
- Operate low-lift pallet truck whenever there is a need for loading e.g. sea containers.
- Clean fork-Lift-Trucks and other handling equipment in accordance with ISO and BRC standards.
- Responsible for general warehouse duties when the forklift is not required. This will include general housekeeping, etc. within the warehouse and surrounding grounds.
- Select/sort packaging materials when required and assist with stock take.
- Assist with the implementation and maintenance of CP systems, including performing internal audits as required.
- Safely exchange fork truck gas cylinders, refill fuel tank, or replace, re-charge batteries (whichever applies).
- Must adhere to all plant GMP and BRC requirements.
- Perform any other duty reasonable corresponding with the role.
Knowledge/Skills/Experience
- Engineering or Technical Degree preferred.
- Must have 2 or more years forklift experience - preferred propane, gas, or diesel experience.
- Ability to operate a forklift is required.
- Ability to read and write English.
- Ability to perform basic math functions.
- A basic working knowledge of computer systems, Microsoft Office, SAP.
- Ability to function both independently and as part of a team; must be flexible and excited to grow with the organization.
Physical Demands
N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this position.
O (Occasionally) Position requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs/day)
F (Frequently) Position requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day)
C (Constantly) Position requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)
- Lift/Carry 10 lbs or less F
-
11-25 lbs F
-
Push/Pull 10 lbs or less F
-
11-25 lbs F
-
Stand F
- Walk F
- Sit F
- Manually Manipulate O
- Reach Outward O
- Reach Above Shoulder O
- Climb O
- Crawl O
- Squat or Kneel O
- Bend O
Other Physical Requirements
- Vision (Near, Distance, Color, Peripheral, Depth)
- Sense of Sound - Ability to understand conversational speaking
- Sense of Touch
- Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - per safety guidelines
- Mobility to cover expansive manufacturing environment
Work Environment
Ability to work in an environment that can become very hot (temperature) depending on the weather.
Reasonable Accommodations Statement
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Grupa CANPACK dokłada wszelkich starań, aby zapewnić równe szanse zatrudnienia wszystkim kandydatom i pracownikom. Decyzje o zatrudnieniu opierają się na względach zawodowych, niezależnie od narodowości, koloru skóry, religii, wieku, płci, orientacji seksualnej, tożsamości płciowej, pochodzenia, niepełnosprawności lub innego statusu chronionego prawem, chyba że ewentualne rozróżnienie jest wymagane prawem.
Position Summary
The Industrial Forklift Operator is responsible for unloading and loading all inbound and outbound products, along with moving, locating, relocating, stacking, and counting product within and throughout the warehouse.
Essential Functions/Key Deliverables
- Inspect the technical condition of the Forklift and other handling equipment before starting work to determine the need for repairs to safely operate machinery.
- Record pre-use checks in the provided system or the vehicle logbook as required.
- Report any faults and/or breakdowns of the Forklift Lead.
- Check the delivered quantities and condition of the goods recording data on the receiving form accurately.
- Unload goods, packaging, raw materials and other from incoming vehicles and stack them to assigned places using FLT.
- Complete orders for distribution, work to quality standards and provided instructions.
- Ensure each product pallet is secured for transit and labelled correctly.
- Load goods or other materials onto the truck for transportation in accordance with work security regulations/instructions using forklift.
- Move stock/goods using forklift throughout the warehouse according to instructions.
- Use the SAP RFID scanning system equipment correctly following set orders and assigned tasks to ensure accuracy of inventory. Coordinate to ensure RF monitors are in good working order.
- Transport materials to the production department complying with FIFO procedures.
- Operate low-lift pallet truck whenever there is a need for loading e.g. sea containers.
- Clean fork-Lift-Trucks and other handling equipment in accordance with ISO and BRC standards.
- Responsible for general warehouse duties when the forklift is not required. This will include general housekeeping, etc. within the warehouse and surrounding grounds.
- Select/sort packaging materials when required and assist with stock take.
- Assist with the implementation and maintenance of CP systems, including performing internal audits as required.
- Safely exchange fork truck gas cylinders, refill fuel tank, or replace, re-charge batteries (whichever applies).
- Must adhere to all plant GMP and BRC requirements.
- Perform any other duty reasonable corresponding with the role.
Knowledge/Skills/Experience
- Engineering or Technical Degree preferred.
- Must have 2 or more years forklift experience - preferred propane, gas, or diesel experience.
- Ability to operate a forklift is required.
- Ability to read and write English.
- Ability to perform basic math functions.
- A basic working knowledge of computer systems, Microsoft Office, SAP.
- Ability to function both independently and as part of a team; must be flexible and excited to grow with the organization.
Physical Demands
N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this position.
O (Occasionally) Position requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs/day)
F (Frequently) Position requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day)
C (Constantly) Position requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)
- Lift/Carry 10 lbs or less F
-
11-25 lbs F
-
Push/Pull 10 lbs or less F
-
11-25 lbs F
-
Stand F
- Walk F
- Sit F
- Manually Manipulate O
- Reach Outward O
- Reach Above Shoulder O
- Climb O
- Crawl O
- Squat or Kneel O
- Bend O
Other Physical Requirements
- Vision (Near, Distance, Color, Peripheral, Depth)
- Sense of Sound - Ability to understand conversational speaking
- Sense of Touch
- Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - per safety guidelines
- Mobility to cover expansive manufacturing environment
Work Environment
Ability to work in an environment that can become very hot (temperature) depending on the weather.
Reasonable Accommodations Statement
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Grupa CANPACK dokłada wszelkich starań, aby zapewnić równe szanse zatrudnienia wszystkim kandydatom i pracownikom. Decyzje o zatrudnieniu opierają się na względach zawodowych, niezależnie od narodowości, koloru skóry, religii, wieku, płci, orientacji seksualnej, tożsamości płciowej, pochodzenia, niepełnosprawności lub innego statusu chronionego prawem, chyba że ewentualne rozróżnienie jest wymagane prawem.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Forklift Technician
Confirm your degree qualifies the role
Forklift Technician positions must connect to your field of study to satisfy OPT requirements. A mechanical engineering or industrial technology degree strengthens your case. Document the technical overlap clearly before accepting any offer to avoid authorization issues.
Target employers with existing OPT experience
Large logistics operators, equipment dealers, and manufacturers are far more likely to have hired OPT students before. Smaller shops may not know the process. Prioritize employers with structured HR departments who can navigate work authorization paperwork without delays.
Check whether your degree is STEM-designated
A STEM OPT extension gives you 24 additional months of work authorization beyond standard OPT. Degrees in mechanical engineering, mechatronics, or industrial engineering typically qualify. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before your initial OPT period ends.
Apply before your OPT start date
Many employers will not hold a role open while waiting for OPT authorization to begin. Apply three to four months before graduation so you can align your OPT start date with the employer's onboarding timeline and avoid a gap in employment eligibility.
Be upfront about your authorization type
Tell recruiters you have OPT work authorization early in the process. Some employers confuse OPT with H-1B visa sponsorship and decline unnecessarily. Clarifying that OPT requires no employer petition and no cost often changes the conversation significantly.
Track your employment carefully for STEM extension
If you plan to apply for a STEM OPT extension, your employer must enroll in E-Verify and sign a formal training plan. Confirm these requirements before accepting an offer so you are not scrambling to meet them when your initial OPT period approaches its end.
Forklift Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students legally work as Forklift Technicians?
Yes, if the role is directly related to your field of study. Forklift Technician positions align well with degrees in mechanical engineering, industrial technology, or mechatronics. Your DSO must authorize OPT for a position related to your program, so confirm the connection between your specific degree and the job duties before applying.
Do Forklift Technician jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
They can, depending on your degree. If your degree is in a STEM-designated program such as mechanical engineering or industrial engineering, and the Forklift Technician role uses those skills, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. The employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify and agree to a formal training plan. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO.
How do I find Forklift Technician employers who hire OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the best place to start. It filters job listings specifically for international students on OPT, so you can browse Forklift Technician roles at employers already familiar with work authorization requirements. This saves time compared to applying broadly and running into employers who are unfamiliar with or unwilling to hire OPT workers.
Does my employer need to sponsor me or file anything for OPT?
No employer petition or sponsorship is required for OPT. Your work authorization comes from USCIS through your school's DSO, not from your employer. The employer does not file anything for standard OPT. For STEM OPT extension, the employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and co-sign a training plan, but that is a lighter process than H-1B sponsorship.
What happens if my OPT expires before I find a Forklift Technician job?
If your OPT expires without employment, you enter a 60-day grace period during which you cannot work but can remain in the U.S. to prepare to change status, depart, or explore other options. You cannot begin a new OPT period for the same degree level. If you have a STEM-eligible degree and were employed, applying for the STEM extension before expiration is the most common next step.