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Solar Panel Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

Oversee low- and medium-voltage electrical work, including field connections to solar panels, NEXTracker systems, and associated equipment. Ensure all electrical installations meet project ...

Solar Laborer I - Cunningham II

Hobbs, NM

$14 - $17.25/hr

Solar panel install * Rigging * Racking assembly * Torque tube assembly * Pile layout * General cleanup and clearing of debris * All other duties as assigned QUALIFICATIONS * Experience in ...

Oversee low and medium voltage work, including field connections to solar panels and the next tracker system. * Verification: Ensure that all electrical work meets the required standards and ...

Construction Supervisor

Hobbs, NM · On-site

$130K - $139K/yr

Oversee low and medium voltage work, including field connections to solar panels and the next tracker system. Ensure that all electrical work meets the required standards and specifications. Maintain ...

Operator I-III

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$17.25 - $23/hr

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 ...

Operator I-III

Albuquerque, NM

$17.25 - $23/hr

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 ...

Electrical Inspector

Hobbs, NM · On-site

$70 - $71.50/hr

Oversee field connections to solar panels and tracker systems, ensuring wiring and connections meet standards. * Verify that all electrical work complies with safety regulations, standards, and ...

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Solar Panel information

See New Mexico salary details

$6

$22

$29

How much do solar panel jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for solar panel in New Mexico is $22.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.57 and $25.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Solar Panel vs Solar Installer?

AspectSolar PanelSolar Installer
CredentialsNone required, but knowledge of solar technology helpsCertification in solar installation or electrician license often required
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, research, or sales settingsOn-site installation at various locations
Industry UsageComponent of solar energy systemsInstallation and maintenance of solar systems

Solar panels are the core components that convert sunlight into electricity, while solar installers are the professionals who set up these panels on rooftops or ground mounts. Understanding the difference helps clarify roles in the solar energy industry, where panels are the product and installers are the skilled workers ensuring proper setup and operation.

What is a solar panel installer?

Solar panel installers, also known as solar photovoltaic (PV) installers, are professionals who set up and maintain solar panels on rooftops or other structures to convert sunlight into electricity. Their job includes assessing installation sites, mounting panels, connecting electrical systems, and ensuring everything operates safely and efficiently. Solar panel installers play a crucial role in helping homes and businesses transition to renewable energy sources. They may also provide maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair services for existing solar panel systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a solar panel installer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Solar Panel Installer, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, basic construction skills, and often a high school diploma or relevant vocational training. Familiarity with tools like voltmeters, hand and power tools, as well as certifications such as OSHA safety training or NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners), is highly valued. Strong attention to detail, physical stamina, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality solar panel installations that meet industry standards and customer expectations.

What are some common challenges faced by solar panel installers during residential projects?

Solar panel installers often encounter challenges such as dealing with varying roof types and conditions, unexpected weather delays, and working safely at heights. Coordination with homeowners and local utility companies can add complexity, especially when arranging inspections or grid connections. Additionally, ensuring proper system placement for maximum sunlight while complying with local regulations requires careful planning and attention to detail. Teamwork and strong communication skills are essential to overcome these obstacles efficiently.
What cities in New Mexico are hiring for Solar Panel jobs? Cities in New Mexico with the most Solar Panel job openings:
Infographic showing various Solar Panel job openings in New Mexico as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,650 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Panel Program Engineer II/Senior

Rocket Lab Corporation

Albuquerque, NM

Full-time

Re-posted 19 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

PANEL PROGRAM ENGINEER II/SENIOR

Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Panel Program Engineer II/Senior provides technical support and coordination to achieve Solar Panel and Solar Array program objectives, ensure requirements are met, and implement system concepts throughout the project plan's execution. This position acts as the primary liaison between program engineering leadership, the program management team, and internal technical experts to define an executable project that meets program needs. The role also includes preparing presentations and diagrams related to technical requests or problem analysis and coordinating recommended solutions with the program leadership team and other stakeholders.

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Panel Program Engineer II or Senior Panel Program Engineer I)

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

  • Act as the technical lead and primary technical customer point of contact for solar array programs
  • Lead a broad, cross-functional team of individuals from R&D, analysis, operations, design, and manufacturing
  • Own and review program technical content across a broad array of engineering disciplines
  • Serve as the primary point of contact with customers for all technical aspects of assigned solar array programs
  • Collaborate with program managers to execute program milestones
  • Review all program-related engineering documents and ensure all technical requirements are met
  • Support proposal compliance reviews and provide consultation on technical input
  • Prepare engineering documentation for both internal and external customers
  • Support product configuration management tasks, such as reviewing and/or releasing program specifications, travelers, and test procedures
  • Interface with the production team and manufacturing engineers as needed to resolve program-related manufacturing issues
  • Support the material review board and assist in closing all engineering-related action items
  • Manage program-related Engineering Change Requests
  • Support production simulations and test data reviews

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS AN PANEL PROGRAM ENGINEER II:

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, material science, applied physics
  • 2+ years of industry experience (aerospace or other) in an engineering role
  • Knowledge of the Systems Engineering design process
  • Proficient in all MS Office applications
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal to create clear and succinct technical documentation using technical writing fundamentals.
  • Demonstrated leadership capability

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS AN SENIOR PANEL PROGRAM ENGINEER I:

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, material science, applied physics
  • 5+ years of industry experience (aerospace or other) in an engineering role
  • Knowledge of the Systems Engineering design process
  • Proficient in all MS Office applications
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal to create clear and succinct technical documentation using technical writing fundamentals
  • Demonstrated leadership capability

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • Experience using Siemens NX; AutoCAD (DWG viewer); or SolidWorks 2012 (e-drawings) or newer version
  • Experience with power systems design for spacecraft and spacecraft environments
  • Experience in space-related manufacturing
  • Leadership experience in a project engineering role
  • Experience in a customer facing technical role
  • Able to quickly absorb, process, and apply information outside of one's core competencies

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. 


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