Materials Handler

Job Summary

Kairos Power is seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Material Handler who will work under the supervision of the Senior Director, Supply Chain & Procurement or his designate. Responsibilities include efficiently managing the receipt, storage, movement, and distribution of materials and supplies to support manufacturing, shipping and operations at the Kairos Power facility located in Oak Ridge, TN.

The role also requires promptly entering incoming shipments into the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to ensure purchase order and inventory accuracy and identifying and resolving receiving and shipping issues as they arise.

This role requires strong communication, organizational skills, adherence to safety protocols, and a commitment to quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive, inspect, and verify incoming materials against purchase orders and packing lists.
• Accurately label, store, and organize raw materials, finished products, and parts in designated locations.
• Move and stage materials using forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment in accordance with training and established safety procedures.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and perform cycle counts as scheduled.
• Pull, pack, and prepare materials for manufacturing and/or outbound shipments, ensuring proper tracking records.
• Participate in material preparation, staging for shipping, and return-to-stock activities.
• Monitor stock levels and communicate shortages or overages to the supervisor or planner.
• Maintain 5S and housekeeping standards in the warehouse and receiving area.
• Assist with the physical unloading of freight and loading of shipments using appropriate equipment and safety procedures.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements, including material traceability and adherence to internal quality assurance (QA) procedures; promptly report any hazards, safety incidents or equipment malfunctions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, site operations, R&D, receiving, shipping, and procurement teams to optimize material flow and lead times.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 1-3 years of experience in a warehouse, distribution, or manufacturing environment
• Basic computer skills and experience with inventory management systems or spreadsheets
• Valid forklift operator certification or ability to obtain certification
• Ability to operate motor vehicles and be insured on company vehicles

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in material handling, shipping and receiving, or inventory control is preferred.
• Experience in a manufacturing or R&D environment with formal quality assurance, documentation, and material traceability requirements is preferred.
• Experience with lean manufacturing principles or 5S practices is preferred.
• Completion of relevant coursework or a certificate program in logistics, supply chain operations, or a related field at a technical school or community college preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to read and interpret purchase orders, packing lists, and hazardous material labels.
• Basic math skills for counting, weighing, and calculating quantities.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to organize materials and maintain accurate inventory records and data entry.
• Ability to recognize and report hazards and follow established safety procedures.
• Ability to communicate clearly and coordinate material handling activities with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to resolve routine receiving, shipping, and inventory issues within established procedures and escalate issues when needed.
• Ability to prioritize assigned tasks and adapt to changing material needs and shipment schedules.

Physical Demands

• Adjusting, moving, transporting, installing, positioning, or removing objects up to 50 pounds in all directions 
• Moving objects up to 100 pounds with a cart, dolly, or hand truck 
• Ascending or descending ladders and stairs up to 12’ tall, as well as scaffolding, ramps, scissor lifts, articulated boom lifts and the like 
• Working from heights >4 feet with fall protection to rig loads for transport or movement with crane equipment 
• Ability to use hand tools 
• Ability to see, hear, and smell differing conditions to sense or respond to hazards or alarms in the work environment 
• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another
• Communicating with others to exchange information
• Operating material handling equipment, including forklifts and pallet jacks
• Operating motor vehicles

Environmental Conditions 

• General office environment 
• Noisy environments 
• Odors or fumes from chemicals or chemical reactions 
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned 
• High-concentration, demanding and fast-paced 
• Manufacturing/Industrial Environment
• Elevated heights

Safety and PPE 

• Reading and interpreting hazardous warning signs 
• Manipulating, cleaning and disposal of hazardous materials 
• Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditions 
• Wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE), to include face mask, face shields, gloves, safety footwear, and other PPE as required 

Travel 

• None required

Certification 

• Ability to obtain and maintain forklift and boom lift certification

Additional Requirements 

• Occasionally requires overtime 
• Occasionally requires working weekends 
• Occasionally requires schedule flexibility  
• Occasionally requires non-standard work-week hours  
• Occasionally requires extended hours to support launch and critical project timeline

Work Environment
- Location: Kairos Power, Oak Ridge, TN.
- Typical shift: First shift, FT
- May require overtime, weekends, or shift changes based on production schedules.

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