Best companies to work for in Albuquerque?

I just finished my Masters in International Relations and after desperately trying to land a position in Philly and DC I've decided to move back to Albuquerque for the time being. Not only do I find the cost of living is cheaper, I also am an avid runner looking forward to using the opportunity to become a better marathoner. I'm a little uneasy about the job situation but after going from temp job to temp job in Philadelphia I don't think it will be any different, just cheaper. I'm wide open to options in the meantime, hoping to get settled soon enough so I can start my new life in Albuquerque. Any suggestions on what are the thriving businesses to work for. I currently am a temp Admin Asst with the HayGroup in Philadelphia, a Consulting firm.

Albuquerque is beautiful we do have a city life but we have beautiful scenery that you cannot find any where. We do not have best public transportation but we do have beautiful bike trails that with a little more effort can get you any where in the city. Jobs are not hard to come by just got to put a little effort rather then driving around buildings looking for now hiring signs (that's how that one blogger found IHOP was hiring). I know this because well my highest education is a GED and have had no problems finding a job that pays real well with benefits. I am a Technical Analyst. With all the positive things about Albuquerque it never hurts any one to do a little research...Forgot to mention the people here are really nice, true we do have some bad eggs like every where else but those bad eggs are the people like the first blogger who move out here make the worst of life and spread it to everyone around them. Welcome to the Duke City!!!

KD in Cherry Hill, New Jersey said: do you miss anything about the NJ/NY/PA area??

YES, as i mentioned on posting - better restaurants, bit more sophistication - if that's a priority, it's easy to get away to cities like LA, SF, Denver and Phoenix..dont come to abq seeking that big city excitement, not here and it shouldn't..that's exactly why we are here in the first place.

Host said: What companies are fueling growth in Albuquerque? Why are they a great employer?

I work for the BEST company in Albuquerque ~ UNIRAC! We manufacture solar module mounting structures and we keep doing better and better! The employees have recognition and reward programs, Quarterly bonuses and celebrations, Bring Your Dog To Work every quarter, 100% paid benefits, life insurance and disability, education reimbursement, reimbursement for joing a gym ~ there are too many to mention! Best place I've EVER worked!!

Hi, everyone. I just realized that indeed.com has forums.
I have an electrical engineering degree and about 7 years of solid experience. Unfortunately, I'm 42 years old! I left the workforce to raise children and support my wife's career. Now I can't get a job.

I recently dove into the IT world to broaden my horizons. I have a Cisco CCNA certification and I've been teaching the CCNA courses at the college level for the past year.

Sandia doesn't seem to have anything for me.

Any suggestions for me in Albuquerque? I'm perfectly willing to go entry-level because I know that I learn quickly, have a strong work ethic, and I'm hungry.

Paulo in Albuquerque, New Mexico said: Hey guys, lets take it easy on Johnny. With all his experience and education, he is probably very frustrated that he can't land a non-entry level job. As far as hating on the people here, he might just be upset at the slower laid back speed that we operate on. Come this is the "Land of Manana", I moved here from Sacramento, were business operates at a much faster rate. The sense of urgency here in Albuquerque is much different.

I was out of work for months in Sacto and within a few days of searching here in Albuquerque I landed a decent entry level job. Not nearly what I am use to earning or any where near the upper level management job I held for 15 years, but at least I have my foot in the door of a large corporation. I just had to keep an open mind to whatever I could get and keep a good attitude.

I'll take Albuquerque's single digit unemployment rate over California's double digit rate, anytime!

I know it is hard being in a new state and let's face it a new culture, but if you keep an open mind and a good attitude, you WILL find employment here. It may not be what you are wanting or expecting but if you are as good as you say you are, you will advance.

Paulo, any pointers, I am out here from California and have been looking this past week for work. Mostly looking online and driving around to look at the landscape and such. Would like to re-locate here very soon. Need to take a breather from the Cali environment, its choking me........ New Gal in Town...

Host said: What companies are fueling growth in Albuquerque? Why are they a great employer?

I've been visiting Albuquerque and Rio Rancho for over 13 years. I find your comment about the people and the place repulsive. My wife and I have found the people to be warm and friendly 98% of the time. I think you should look inside yourself and see what makes you different. You are the first person whom I've encountered that felt that way. Everyone else I've met and talked too say they don't know why it took them so long to get there and that they'd never go back to whhere they came from. Maybe you're just too snooty to appreciate the place and the people who live there. I suggest you go back to where you came from with all of your other snooty MBA's. Besides, if you liked Florida so much why did you leave in the first place?

I live in FL. Have been here 20 yrs. Coming to ABQ in August to look for work. Will stay if I find a job. I have done commercial loan processing for many years. No college degree. Not looking for a "career". Upper middle age, but need to be able to live. If anyone has any suggestions. Please tell me! We have been to ABQ four times and love it.

CookieDL in Albuquerque, New Mexico said: I work for the BEST company in Albuquerque ~ UNIRAC! We manufacture solar module mounting structures and we keep doing better and better! The employees have recognition and reward programs, Quarterly bonuses and celebrations, Bring Your Dog To Work every quarter, 100% paid benefits, life insurance and disability, education reimbursement, reimbursement for joing a gym ~ there are too many to mention! Best place I've EVER worked!!

Is there any job openings, because I moved here 7 months ago, and not having any luck.

KaliDevi in Indianapolis, Indiana said: We want to move to Albuquerque or Santa Fe areas in the near future. Very interested in the job market for multimedia design/development, veterinarian and personal training/security. Any advise?

KaliDevi....you just have to do lots of research like I am. Seems like this area is still in development. But you either need a 4 year degree or masters to make a decent living. I know they are building a some sort of movie studios out there, and try the University of New Mexico website. Lots of opportunities there. Wanted to move out there this year, but have to wait a few more months. Good Luck!!

mitchb2 in Sterling, Illinois said: Hi, everyone. I just realized that indeed.com has forums.
I have an electrical engineering degree and about 7 years of solid experience. Unfortunately, I'm 42 years old! I left the workforce to raise children and support my wife's career. Now I can't get a job.

I recently dove into the IT world to broaden my horizons. I have a Cisco CCNA certification and I've been teaching the CCNA courses at the college level for the past year.

Sandia doesn't seem to have anything for me.

Any suggestions for me in Albuquerque? I'm perfectly willing to go entry-level because I know that I learn quickly, have a strong work ethic, and I'm hungry.

You may want to hang tight mitch, last time I was out there visiting, there was a new Hewlett Packard being built. Not sure how or when the hiring will go on there. Also, try the University of NM website, may be some leads. Good Luck,

My partner and I currently live in wyoming. We are looking for a place to be outdoors, and a relaxing place to live. Abq sounds and looks wonderful, and we are planning on moving there in about six months as we need to save up money. :)

I am on disability but would love to work part time from home. Have past customer service experience, but looking for something where I am not on a phone, but on a laptop.

My partner is looking for warehouse work, cashier, just about anything except fast food. She has a seizure disorder, but is taking medication where it has been controlled. If anyone has ideas of a good place for her to apply when we move there it would be helpful. :)

We are even wonderinf if we would need to have a car down there as we both want to buy bikes to get around? If car isn't needed then we will just rent a uhaul to move.

Oh and yes what the origional poster wrote was very rude. Everything I have looked up regarding abq says that jobs are plentiful, and the people are awesome. We look forward to calling this our new home soon.

Johnny in Albuquerque, New Mexico said: I just came out here from the Florida market. DO NOT MOVE OUT HERE! The people are horrible and there is no work worth your time unless you are like me, holding an MBA with a 18yr uper managment and sales background. You can get a job at IHop or min wage anywere. That is ot out here. I will do anything to get out of this God for saking town. TRUE ADVICE NO B*ULLS*HIT!

Have you checked the bus schedules? Good luck to you where ever you go!

Go back to Florida you whiney little baby. The PPl in NM are great. You're just a negative person.

You people are crazy this place is full of crap the place sucks theirs no work every bodys poor no gas money.They dont hire white people fl is nicer like naples fl clean I moved here in 08 every since i moved here i cant find a good job cold as hell windy cant drive a good cab no money 27% split tax at that wow we wife loves i want to move even airzona is beeter you can drive cab their

Although I have been struggling to find a full time job before I graduate from college in December, I am trying to stay positive because I know that I will come off as a better choice for employment if I do so. I agree that it is much harder to find a job by simply posting a resume in response to an online ad. I am about to start visiting the locations I have applied for to introduce myself and put a face to the resume they have received from me, and hopefully if my resume didn't impress them I will. My question is mostly curiosity about what everyone who graduated with a 4-year degree in psychology did with it afterwards? Were you able to find an entry level job that specifically asked for a bachelors in psychology? Please let me know, and I will broaden my job search that much more! Thank you so much in advance!

Cappleman in Albuquerque, New Mexico said: Although I have been struggling to find a full time job before I graduate from college in December, I am trying to stay positive because I know that I will come off as a better choice for employment if I do so. I agree that it is much harder to find a job by simply posting a resume in response to an online ad. I am about to start visiting the locations I have applied for to introduce myself and put a face to the resume they have received from me, and hopefully if my resume didn't impress them I will. My question is mostly curiosity about what everyone who graduated with a 4-year degree in psychology did with it afterwards? Were you able to find an entry level job that specifically asked for a bachelors in psychology? Please let me know, and I will broaden my job search that much more! Thank you so much in advance!

Cappleman, I just relocated into town a few weeks ago to be with my fiance, and yes there are lots of jobs available, but maybe you are right. This internet job application takes forever. I am also trying to stay positive, but was thinking of taking the same approach.

Just wanted to head a warning to any new residents to the state of New Mexico.....last week I found out while applying for my Drivers License that because of a DUI from 5 years ago,even though I paid my fines years ago and completed my Drivers program in another state,this doesnt matter. A NM law requires that I now have to have an interlocking device put on my vehicle for 1 year! Plus pay monthy fees for the deivce. This also disqualifies me from driving from driving in any company vehicles and I cannot apply for a CDL until after the year is completed. I lost a decent paying job offer from a great company because of this. It is what it is, but just wanted to warn any newcomers. Not quite the Welcome wagon if you have a previous DUI or DWI. So make sure you can land a decent paying job to pay the fees. :(

The problem is that companies are not coming to New Mexico. I have lived here for over 30 years and the growth is nil. We need to start recruiting major companies to New Mexico. Are climate is great, our workforce is ready. I have known people that have moved here and left because the wages are ridiculous.

This is sooooo true, I have great skills, have been in the hospitality and Maintenance industry for years, and no calls as of yet. The other day I got a call from Toys R Us to work for $7.75 an hour? And there is no in between hiring rates, you either work for $8.00 and hour or you have to have a Bachelors and maybe get paid $17.00 and hour, if your lucky. I am trying really hard and would like to stay, am even taking a few classes and investing in NM educational system. Lets see if it pays off!!

The place sucks no work cold as hell in winter

I am an out of work accountant in Phoenix, AZ. Have a good friend in Albuquerque and have been there many times, I like the area. I have staff/senior accounting and accounting manager experience both here and in the Bay Area. I am considering a change to Albuquerque. Can anyone give any feedback on accounting type jobs in the area? I do have great technical and people skills, a place to stay but don't want to be a burden too long on my friend! Jobs are fairly tough here in Phoenix, and I think a change of pace may be a good thing for me. I'm not looking to be picky on the entry level of a position. Thanks for much for your feedback!

Louie in Albuquerque, New Mexico said: The best jobs in Albuquerque are mainly found in defense and research, which mean Sandia National Labs. However, there are a few interesting companies such as Eclipse Aviation and White Star, a small electric car manufacturer. Yet, these companies tend to be doing more research than manufacturing at the moment. Fidelity plans to open a large operation here soon. Victoria Secrets, Citi, Wachovia, AOL, have call centers located here. To the surprise of many, Hollywood is setting up shop here as well. Two studios recently opened up, and a few films have been filmed in the surrounding areas—3:10 to YUMA and the Transformers. Many more are in production. Movie crews are always at work in downtown.
Albuquerque is a growing city. The population is 504,949. It has grown by 80,000 people in the last six years. Many who move here tend to come from California, New York, and Texas. Many love the big sky, the open spaces, the sunny climate, and the relaxed environment. Houses are still fairly inexpensive here when compared to the national average. Mass transportation systems are being created. The Albuquerque Public School system has much to be desired; however, most of the private schools, the Albuquerque Academy, Bosque Prep, and Sandia Prep , and a couple of charter schools, AIMS@UNM and Amy Bheil, tend to be good. Albuquerque is also home to the University of New Mexico.
There is a nice zoo, a botanical garden, an Aquarium, decent museums. There are lots of restaurants that serve every genre of cuisine. There are nice movie theaters.
If you are planning to move out here for work, I highly suggest that you visit first. The “high desert” isn’t for everyone; Albuquerque isn’t for everyone. Many love it, some hate it. Albuquerque is a city that tends to grow on you. It is different for everybody.

You have a very good grasp of the town of Albuquerque, NM. Yes we have the movie industry.

Louie in Albuquerque, New Mexico said: The best jobs in Albuquerque are mainly found in defense and research, which mean Sandia National Labs. However, there are a few interesting companies such as Eclipse Aviation and White Star, a small electric car manufacturer. Yet, these companies tend to be doing more research than manufacturing at the moment. Fidelity plans to open a large operation here soon. Victoria Secrets, Citi, Wachovia, AOL, have call centers located here. To the surprise of many, Hollywood is setting up shop here as well. Two studios recently opened up, and a few films have been filmed in the surrounding areas—3:10 to YUMA and the Transformers. Many more are in production. Movie crews are always at work in downtown.
Albuquerque is a growing city. The population is 504,949. It has grown by 80,000 people in the last six years. Many who move here tend to come from California, New York, and Texas. Many love the big sky, the open spaces, the sunny climate, and the relaxed environment. Houses are still fairly inexpensive here when compared to the national average. Mass transportation systems are being created. The Albuquerque Public School system has much to be desired; however, most of the private schools, the Albuquerque Academy, Bosque Prep, and Sandia Prep , and a couple of charter schools, AIMS@UNM and Amy Bheil, tend to be good. Albuquerque is also home to the University of New Mexico.
There is a nice zoo, a botanical garden, an Aquarium, decent museums. There are lots of restaurants that serve every genre of cuisine. There are nice movie theaters.
If you are planning to move out here for work, I highly suggest that you visit first. The “high desert” isn’t for everyone; Albuquerque isn’t for everyone. Many love it, some hate it. Albuquerque is a city that tends to grow on you. It is different for everybody.[/Q
You have a very good grasp of the town of Albuquerque, NM. Yes we have the movie industry

Although it is beautiful here, in its own way, the truth is that unemployment is high - it might be in the single-digits but that's relative considering how small this place is. Yes, Lowe's is opening up a call center and hiring 250 people, but it's a phone bank that will pay minimum-wage. People are as nice here as they are anywhere else, but talking to friendly people in the library doesn't pay your bills. Winters are freezing. You can pound the pavement hauling your resume' around from dawn to dusk and you won't hear anything back from potential employers. Even if you know people, jobs are scarce and competition for them is absolutely cut-throat. I am going home to Texas ASAP.

I have to say, all of the comments here are based purely on individual, and personal experiences. I hope that you dont base any major decisions on any of the negative comments on this page. Having said that, i have neen born and raised here in ABQ and I love this city for a lot of reasons. Its beautiful, outdoors here have endless possibilities, great community of people and lots more. I love my job at the #1 running store in the state (5 years in a row), and the mix of customers i help every day there for the past 8 years are so great that i have to say, ABQ is worth it. I have traveled the country, been through the Army amongst people from every part of the country and the world... and I still love ABQ the most. Plus, our green chile is the best compliment to your diet that has been discovered. You just cant deny the all around beauty of this place.

SamuelG in Rio Rancho, New Mexico said: Reynaldo, I've been job hunting here and have come accross an endless amount of jobs in the gaming industry. There are plenty of jobs in all of the casinos and you don't have to drive forever. Come on down man, you'll love it.

I (20 years of age, male)live in the Netherlands (and I'm Dutch), but want to work in the US, preferably in Albuquerque, NM. Would it also be possible for me to work in the gaming industry? Do the hire foreigners? Is anyone familiar with the workpermit?

big ten in Santa Fe, New Mexico said: You people are crazy this place is full of crap the place sucks theirs no work every bodys poor no gas money.They dont hire white people fl is nicer like naples fl clean I moved here in 08 every since i moved here i cant find a good job cold as hell windy cant drive a good cab no money 27% split tax at that wow we wife loves i want to move even airzona is beeter you can drive cab their

Holy crap man go back to florida and learn how to spell. You just made yourself look worse than you tried to make Abq look. Hahaha Smart one

Johnny in Albuquerque, New Mexico said: I just came out here from the Florida market. DO NOT MOVE OUT HERE! The people are horrible and there is no work worth your time unless you are like me, holding an MBA with a 18yr uper managment and sales background. You can get a job at IHop or min wage anywere. That is ot out here. I will do anything to get out of this God for saking town. TRUE ADVICE NO B*ULLS*HIT!

Albuquerque is great. This guy is the horrible one.

Been out of work for many months. Work in the construction indistry and am licenced. would like to stay in new mexico, but am running out of options. Any leads?

This is mark i moved here from naples fl this place sucks for work your in the building trade i would move to naples fl where real rich people live they need always a not like abq new mexico Yes i know if you dont like it leave .I will 10 days to drive taxie cab in mesa az lets be real .LARRY BIRD AND LOTS OF FAMOUS PEOPLE LIVE IN NAPLES FL WHERE THEIR RICH PEOPLE LIVE THE MONEY FLOWS.NOT LIKE ABQ NM NO MONEY FLOWING

What? It takes you 10 hours to get from Alb to Mesa? Probably you should go back to Naples and think of a new career path. And you are going to NM for money?

(((Sigh))) I recently returned here, after being away for many years. Now I am wondering if it was the right thing to do. I have experience, passion, dedication, freedom and flexibility. Yet, here I sit, trying to justify my decision to relocate.

Bill Kesatie in Albuquerque, New Mexico said: I am a job developer working with Goodwill Industries of New Mexico. I can tell you from first hand experience that there is lots of opportunity here in Albuquerque. The question is what type of opportunity are you seeking? What type of skill sets do you have? What is your disposition during interviews? The more pay that you are seeking, the longer it takes to land a good (and the right) job.

Having said that, some of the old reliables here in town are definitely struggling. Intel, PNM and Sandia Labs which are three major employers are all considering or performing cutbacks and layoffs. That doesn't mean that there is no jobs -- you just have to look beyond the most major employers to find them.

Johnny in Albuquerque, New Mexico said: I just came out here from the Florida market. DO NOT MOVE OUT HERE! The people are horrible and there is no work worth your time unless you are like me, holding an MBA with a 18yr uper managment and sales background. You can get a job at IHop or min wage anywere. That is ot out here. I will do anything to get out of this God for saking town. TRUE ADVICE NO B*ULLS*HIT!

It's too bad for our country that someone holding an MBA can't spell. Two words genious: SPELL CHECK!

Dude, you spelled genius wrong

ru in Albuquerque, New Mexico said: It's too bad for our country that someone holding an MBA can't spell. Two words genious: SPELL CHECK!

It's "genius". :-)

Johnny in Albuquerque, New Mexico said: I just came out here from the Florida market. DO NOT MOVE OUT HERE! The people are horrible and there is no work worth your time unless you are like me, holding an MBA with a 18yr uper managment and sales background. You can get a job at IHop or min wage anywere. That is ot out here. I will do anything to get out of this God for saking town. TRUE ADVICE NO B*ULLS*HIT!

I TRULY agree with you! This town is GHETTO!

I am living in MD right now, but can’t stay. MD is too expensive and the salaries I find are as big as those in Albuquerque. Of course, the problem with ABQ is that jobs are very hard to find and the ones available are those at Sandia Labs. Or the Air force. Said that, once you get one, it is nice to live there.

I have been livn here on my own for 8 months now, but it has been a tough move. Make sure u have enough to cover rent and such till you find work. Lots of jobs but application process can take forever. U should start looking b4 u move and it helps if u have a clean record or background. All jobs will b checkn this. The weather is good, quite dusty and dry but people are good and everyone seems to keep to themselves. No big city, but lots of hiking, biking and travel. Good luck!