Warehouse Associate

Methods Machine Tools was established in 1958 with three employees and a handful of refurbished machines. Since then, the company has become one of the largest privately owned machine tool importers in North America.

Methods designs and implements custom machining setups, including machine tool selection, automation integration, and turnkey automation cells. The corporate campus in Sudbury, Mass., comprises a showroom/technical center, which contains automation, applications, and a full range of cutting-edge machines. Methods has more than 300 employees, nine technology centers, one high precision machining center, and has installed more than 40,000 machines throughout North America.

Job Summary: 

The Warehouse Associate is responsible for the safe loading, unloading, rigging, movement, and staging of machinery and equipment weighing up to approximately 30,000 lbs. This role requires hands-on experience with overhead cranes, rigging practices, forklifts, and warehouse material movement procedures in a manufacturing or warehouse environment. The position is critical to maintaining a safe workplace while supporting shipping, receiving, and overall operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Safely load, unload, move, and stage machinery and equipment weighing up to approximately 30,000 lbs.
• Inspect and use overhead cranes, hoists, slings, chains, spreader bars, and other rigging equipment in accordance with safety standards and operating procedures.
• Select proper rigging methods and verify load balance, attachment points, and load security before movement.
• Perform pre-use inspections of cranes, rigging gear, forklifts, and related material handling equipment; report defects or unsafe conditions immediately.
• Coordinate closely with shipping, receiving, production, and service teams to ensure safe and efficient movement of equipment throughout the facility.
• Assist with loading and unloading trucks, including securing loads for transport and verifying shipment condition.
• Follow lockout, PPE, signaling, and crane safety procedures to protect personnel, equipment, and property.
• Maintain organized staging areas and accurate records related to equipment movement, receiving, and shipment preparation.
• Support inventory management by conducting cycle counts. 
• Identify and escalate discrepancies, damage, or safety concerns involving incoming, outgoing, or internally moved equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2+ years of experience in heavy material handling, warehouse operations, manufacturing, or a related industrial environment preferred.
• Basic carpentry skills 
• Demonstrated experience with overhead crane operation and safe rigging practices for large, heavy equipment.
• Ability to inspect and use slings, chains, hooks, shackles, and other rigging devices safely and correctly.
• Forklift experience required; certification preferred.
• Knowledge of load handling principles, weight distribution, and equipment securement methods.
• Strong attention to detail, situational awareness, and commitment to safety.
• Ability to communicate clearly and work effectively with cross-functional teams during equipment moves.
• Basic computer skills for tracking inventory, shipments, or equipment movement records.
• Understanding of warehouse and industrial safety standards; crane or rigging certifications are a plus.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Travel Requirements: 

• Occasional local travel

Physical Requirements: 

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and climbing throughout the shift.
• Ability to safely handle, guide, and position large equipment using overhead cranes, forklifts, and rigging devices.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds independently and assist with the movement of significantly heavier loads using proper equipment.
• Ability to work in warehouse and shop environments with varying temperatures, noise levels, and moving equipment.
• Must wear and adhere to all required PPE and safety guidelines at all times.

Additional Information

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the skills, experience, and education required for the role. It is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Where educational degrees are listed as requirements, the company may consider additional experience, training, or certifications in lieu of specific degree requirements.

Methods Machine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.