1

Solar Panel Manufacturing Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Support installation activities by installing racking systems and solar panels on a mechanical-only ... About Aerotek Aerotek ® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics ...

New

Maintenance Manager

Saint Cloud, MN · On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

Preferred * Experience in cabinet, furniture, wood products, or panel processing manufacturing ... solar, refrigeration and outdoor products markets. We are A Part of Something Bigger by improving ...

Maintenance Manager

Saint Cloud, MN · On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

Preferred * Experience in cabinet, furniture, wood products, or panel processing manufacturing ... solar, refrigeration and outdoor products markets. We are A Part of Something Bigger by improving ...

Engineer - Safety

Fridley, MN · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

... solar panels and other power generation equipment to industry standards, creating evaluation ... Read and understand schematics and manufacturing instructions. * Validate the project scope and ...

New

... solar panels and other power generation equipment to industry standards, creating evaluation ... Read and understand schematics and manufacturing instructions. * Validate the project scope and ...

Engineer - Safety

Fridley, MN · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

... solar panels and other power generation equipment to industry standards, creating evaluation ... Read and understand schematics and manufacturing instructions. * Validate the project scope and ...

New

... solar panels and other power generation equipment to industry standards, creating evaluation ... Read and understand schematics and manufacturing instructions. * Validate the project scope and ...

New

Maintenance Manager

Saint Cloud, MN · On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

Preferred * Experience in cabinet, furniture, wood products, or panel processing manufacturing ... solar, refrigeration and outdoor products markets. We are A Part of Something Bigger by improving ...

Solar Panel Manufacturing information

See Minnesota salary details

$6

$22

$30

How much do solar panel manufacturing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for solar panel manufacturing in Minnesota is $22.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.76 and $25.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What solar jobs pay the most?

In solar panel manufacturing, senior roles such as manufacturing managers, project engineers, and quality assurance directors tend to have the highest salaries. These positions often require specialized skills, experience, and sometimes certifications, and they typically offer higher compensation compared to entry-level roles like assembly line workers or technicians.

What is the 20% rule for solar panels?

The 20% rule in solar panel manufacturing refers to the guideline that no more than 20% of a solar cell's surface should be covered with shading or defects to ensure optimal efficiency. For solar panel assembly, it emphasizes maintaining high-quality standards by limiting defects to improve performance and durability. Workers in the industry often use inspection tools and quality control protocols to adhere to this rule.

What is the 33 rule in solar panels?

The 33 rule in solar panel manufacturing refers to a guideline that suggests panels should operate at or below 33°C (91.4°F) to maintain optimal efficiency and longevity. This temperature threshold helps ensure consistent performance and reduces degradation over time, which is important for manufacturing quality control and product reliability.

Which companies manufacture solar panels?

Several major companies manufacture solar panels, including First Solar, SunPower, Canadian Solar, JinkoSolar, and Trina Solar. These companies produce a range of photovoltaic products used in residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar installations. Job seekers in solar panel manufacturing may find opportunities in production, quality control, and engineering roles within these organizations.

What is a Solar Panel Manufacturing job?

A Solar Panel Manufacturing job involves assembling, testing, and ensuring the quality of solar panels used for energy production. Workers may be responsible for operating machinery, handling raw materials like silicon and glass, and following safety regulations. Some roles require technical skills to work with photovoltaic (PV) cells and electrical components. These jobs support the growing renewable energy industry by producing efficient and reliable solar panels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Solar Panel Manufacturing position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Solar Panel Manufacturing, you need a strong understanding of manufacturing processes, mechanical aptitude, and attention to detail, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with equipment such as soldering tools, automated assembly machinery, and adherence to quality control systems is typically required, and certifications in manufacturing safety can be beneficial. Teamwork, problem-solving, and time management are valuable soft skills in this setting. These abilities ensure efficient production, high-quality products, and a safe, collaborative work environment in a fast-paced industry.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in solar panel manufacturing?

In a solar panel manufacturing role, you'll spend most of your day assembling, inspecting, and testing solar panel components, often on a production line. You'll use specialized machinery and tools to ensure each panel meets quality and safety standards, and may rotate between different tasks to keep production flowing. Teamwork is important as you will coordinate closely with other technicians, engineers, and quality control staff. Attention to detail and adherence to standardized procedures are key, as solar panels must meet rigorous performance and durability requirements. This environment tends to be structured and safety-focused, providing opportunities to learn new skills and advance within the manufacturing sector.

What are the most commonly searched types of Solar Panel Manufacturing jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Solar Panel Manufacturing jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Solar Panel Manufacturing jobs in Minnesota? For Solar Panel Manufacturing jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Solar Panel Manufacturing jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Panel Manufacturing jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Solar Panel Manufacturing jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Solar Panel Manufacturing job openings:
Infographic showing various Solar Panel Manufacturing job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,148 per year, or $22.7 per hour.
Technician

Technician

Aerotek

Hopkins, MN

$22 - $25/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

New


Job description

Job Title: Forklift Technician
Job Description

This short-term role supports a newly opened facility by operating a sit-down forklift and assisting with organizing the shop area. The technician safely moves and stages materials such as wire, bins, and panels on pallets, while also supporting basic mechanical and general labor tasks related to solar installations.

Responsibilities

  • Operate a sit-down forklift safely and efficiently to move, organize, and stage materials in the shop area.
  • Pick, pack, and unpack materials, including wire, bins, panels, and other equipment, and place them on pallets as needed.
  • Perform inventory tasks, including counting, tracking, and organizing materials to ensure accurate stock levels.
  • Assist with general labor duties such as laying out panels, hauling materials, and maintaining a clean and orderly work area.
  • Support installation activities by installing racking systems and solar panels on a mechanical-only basis.
  • Use hand and power tools to complete mechanical and installation tasks according to instructions and safety guidelines.
  • Work effectively with limited supervision, following directions and completing assigned tasks within the scheduled timeframe.
  • Lift, carry, and move materials weighing between 50 and 75 pounds as part of daily operations.
  • Follow all safety procedures and contribute to a safe work environment for coworkers and site personnel.
Essential Skills
  • At least 5 years of forklift experience, specifically with sit-down forklifts.
  • Proficiency in operating hand and power tools safely and effectively.
  • Basic mechanical skills and competency to support installation and general labor tasks.
  • Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting 50 to 75 pounds regularly.
  • Ability to work effectively with limited supervision and complete tasks independently.
  • Experience in general labor environments such as construction, mechanical, or solar-related work.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
  • Experience in solar installation or solar construction environments.
  • Mechanical aptitude with exposure to racking systems and solar panel installation (mechanical only).
  • Familiarity with layout of panels and material handling for installation projects.
  • Interest in gaining experience that can contribute toward hours for a Journeyman Electrician License.
  • Background in general construction, mechanical work, or related trades.
Why Work Here?

This opportunity offers a focused, short-term assignment where you can apply your forklift and mechanical skills in a modern facility. You gain hands-on experience with solar-related work that can support progress toward a Journeyman Electrician License, while working a consistent daytime schedule. The role provides exposure to a growing industry, practical field experience, and the chance to build your skills in a supportive, safety-conscious environment.

Work Environment

This is a two-week assignment based at a new facility in St. Paul, MN. The schedule runs Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., offering long, consistent daytime shifts. Work takes place in a shop and installation environment where materials such as wire, bins, panels, and other equipment are stored on pallets and moved with a sit-down forklift. The role involves regular use of hand and power tools, physical labor including lifting 50 to 75 pounds, and working around solar racking systems and panel installations. The setting emphasizes safety, organization, and efficient material handling in both indoor shop and project areas.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Hopkins, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $25.00/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 Hopkins,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 17, 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.

Company Description

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.