ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Manufacturing Operator Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

Rocket Lab Corporation

Operator I-III

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

... space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft ... High school diploma or GED QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS OPERATOR II, PRODUCTION: * High school ...

Rocket Lab Corporation

Operator I-III

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$17.25 - $23/hr

High school diploma or GED * 2+ years of work experience in a production or manufacturing ... OPERATOR III, PRODUCTION: * High school diploma or GED * 5+ years of work experience in a ...

Rocket Lab Corporation

Operator I-III

Albuquerque, NM

$17.25 - $23/hr

High school diploma or GED * 2+ years of work experience in a production or manufacturing ... OPERATOR III, PRODUCTION: * High school diploma or GED * 5+ years of work experience in a ...

Colorcon

Operator

Belen, NM · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

The Operator I is responsible for operating and monitoring production machines to produce high ... work in a dynamic manufacturing environment with room for growth and skill development.

allegiancestaffing.

Be Seen First

Multi-Wire & Bunching Operator

Santa Teresa, NM · On-site

$18.50 - $21.75/hr

Multi-Wire & Bunching Operator Position Overview We are seeking experienced Multi-Wire & Bunching Operators to join our manufacturing team. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience operating ...

Sparrow Company

Brake Press Operator

Santa Teresa, NM · On-site

$19/hr

A growing manufacturing operation is seeking a skilled and safety-focused Brake Press Operator to support daily production activities in a fast-paced metal fabrication environment. This position ...

Mj3 Partners, Inc.

Production Support Operator

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Production Support Operator Our client provides global contract research and manufacturing services to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Summary: The main functions of the Sterile ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsManufacturing Operator JobsManufacturing Operator Jobs in New Mexico

Manufacturing Operator information

See New Mexico salary details

$12

$18

$23

How much do manufacturing operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for manufacturing operator in New Mexico is $18.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $19.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a manufacturing operator?

A manufacturing operator is in charge of production equipment before, during, and after manufacturing. As a manufacturing operator, your duties are to implement assembly, test and inspect for issues, operate during the production process, and ensure all safety procedures are followed. Your responsibilities also include handling the setup of materials and supplies, maintaining equipment in working condition, and cleaning and repairing when needed. You report any hazardous conditions immediately to your supervisor and perform regular checks to ensure the quality of products and a safe work environment. The job often requires handling heavy equipment and operating industrial vehicles.

What skills and qualifications are important for a manufacturing operator?

To thrive as a Manufacturing Operator, you need a solid understanding of production processes, machinery operation, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with tools such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), automated manufacturing systems, and quality control software is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure efficient production, minimize errors, and maintain a safe, high-quality manufacturing environment.

What are some common challenges faced by manufacturing operators, and how can they be managed?

Manufacturing Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and meeting tight production deadlines. To manage these challenges, operators are trained to follow strict safety and quality protocols, perform regular equipment checks, and communicate effectively with maintenance and quality assurance teams. Adaptability and attention to detail are key, as operators must respond quickly to issues and collaborate with colleagues to ensure smooth production flow. Proactively seeking feedback and staying updated on process improvements can also help operators succeed in the role.

What is the difference between Manufacturing Operator vs Production Technician?

AspectManufacturing OperatorProduction Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; technical or vocational training often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, manufacturing plantsFactories, equipment maintenance areas, production lines
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing companies across various industriesManufacturing and industrial facilities, often in specialized sectors
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Manufacturing Operators primarily focus on operating machinery and ensuring production runs smoothly, often with minimal technical training. Production Technicians typically have more technical skills, including troubleshooting and maintenance, and may require additional certifications. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments, but Production Technicians usually handle more complex tasks related to equipment upkeep and process improvements.

More about Manufacturing Operator jobs

What are popular job titles related to Manufacturing Operator jobs in NM?

For Manufacturing Operator jobs in NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Manufacturing Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manufacturing Operator job openings in New Mexico as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,427 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Operator I-III

Rocket Lab Corporation

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Rocket Lab rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets - we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it's a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space - our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions

OPERATOR I-III, PRODUCTION

Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, we're looking for Operator I-III, Production to join our production team and work in a fast-paced, team-oriented manufacturing environment. Rocket Lab is a leading provider of high efficiency solar cells, solar panels, and composite structural products or satellite and aerospace applications. We're the world's only vertically integrated, end-to-end supplier of satellite solar arrays - our space solar products have powered over 1,000 satellites in orbit to date! 

Note: you'll have an assigned shift, but the training hours may vary from that when you start. Certain shifts may qualify for a shift differential on the base pay, depending on the hours and schedule.  

(Please note: these positions can be hired at the Operator I, Operator II, or Operator III level) 

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: 

  • Perform a variety of functions in the production of semiconductor devices, as well as specific process steps in the assembly and test of production units 
  • Set up and prepare work station/assembly fixtures 
  • Read and comprehend basic drawings and schematics 
  • Identify failure discrepancies per visual and/or written descriptions 
  • Utilize visual aides such as microscopes, visors, and eye loops 
  • Utilize computer hardware and software, including MS Office 
  • Collect and record data 
  • Read and comprehend instructions, short correspondences, and memos 
  • Work with various kinds of test equipment 
  • You may be required to operate UV curing systems and thermal curing ovens, as well as measure and pour chemicals, depending on the team/shift you support 

QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS OPERATOR I, PRODUCTION: 

  • High school diploma or GED 

QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS OPERATOR II, PRODUCTION: 

  • High school diploma or GED 
  • 2+ years of work experience in a production or manufacturing environment, or other highly regulated industry 

QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS OPERATOR III, PRODUCTION: 

  • High school diploma or GED 
  • 5+ years of work experience in a production or manufacturing environment, or other highly regulated industry 

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:  

  • Knowledge of ESD and cleanroom procedures
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work in a dynamic environment
  • Ability to hear and speak effectively before groups of customers and employees
  • Capable of multitasking, and working with cross-functional teams
  • Experience with computing rate, ratio, and percentages; as well as drawing and interpreting bar graphs 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Stand and walk extended periods (8+ hours) on production floor 
  • Perform repetitive motions including grasping, bending, twisting, reaching, pushing, and pulling
  • Operate equipment and controls requiring manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination
  • Lift, carry, push, and pull materials up to 25 lbs.
  • Work in a production environment with noise, moving machinery, and varying environmental conditions
  • Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, and varied shifts as operational needs require

What Rocket Lab employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply