H-1B Visa Relay Technician Jobs
Relay Technician roles qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship when the position requires a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related specialty field. Utilities, grid operators, and industrial automation firms are active H-1B filers for protection relay work. The annual H-1B cap applies, but cap-exempt employers like research institutions and public utilities may offer an alternative path.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (AQN), parent company of Liberty, is a diversified international generation, transmission, and distribution utility. AQN is committed to providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective energy and water solutions through our portfolio of utility investments to over one million customer connections, largely in the United States and Canada.
At Algonquin, our vision is to be the most trusted utility service provider in North America – a premium regulated utility, known for our customer focus, commitment to sustainability, and strong community partnerships. Our employees are at the heart of that vision. We believe that when people are empowered to learn, grow, and contribute their ideas, we can achieve remarkable results together.
We are building a culture that values integrity, inclusivity, and innovation. By joining Algonquin, you’ll be part of a team that is shaping the future of energy and water, while creating long-term value for our customers, communities, employees, and shareholders.
PURPOSE
As a Relay Technician, you’ll work both independently and collaboratively to ensure the integrity of critical substation systems.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Inspect, test, adjust, calibrate, and repair a variety of substation equipment
- Install and maintain automatic controls and equipment protection devices across substations, transmission systems, and generating equipment
- Download, verify, and troubleshoot logic programming and microprocessor relay systems
- Certify all related wiring, performing operational checks, and gathering in-service test data
- Evaluate data from system performance tests and applying findings to ensure system integrity
- Support the safe and efficient operation of generating and distribution systems
- Perform other responsibilities as outlined by the collective bargaining agreement (CBA)
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- At least 2 years of experience as a Relay Technician or equivalent technical experience
- Strong understanding of electrical and electronic theory, including microprocessor relaying, phasor diagrams, and circuit analysis
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex substation systems, evaluate performance data, and certify protective wiring and programming
- Training or coursework in mathematics relevant to the field
- Proficiency with substation computing systems, testing equipment, and related software
- Ability to perform switching operations safely (or become qualified within 90 days)
- A commitment to working safely and accurately
WHAT WE OFFER
As a valued member of our team, you will enjoy competitive pay that reflects your skills and experience. You will also have access to a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage & a 401K plan with a 5% match, effective day one
- Annual bonus and merit increase eligibility
- Life insurance and short-term & long-term disability
- Employee Stock Purchase Program
- Free Employee Assistance Program & Headspace account
- 3 weeks of vacation, paid sick days, 12 paid company holidays, & 3 paid volunteer days
- Tuition reimbursement, professional development opportunities, & reimbursement for certification costs
- Reward & recognition programs, service awards, a great company culture, and a collaborative & flexible work environment
COMPENSATION
Pay: $86.11 per hour
Our purpose is sustaining energy and water for life, and it is demonstrated in everything we do as a business and as an employee team.
OUR MISSION
We provide safe, secure, reliable, cost-effective and sustainable energy and water solutions. Our mission is how we create value as an organization—it is what drives us every day to fulfill our purpose.
OUR VISION
We better the lives of our customers and communities. Our vision is what we see as possible. It's where we aspire to be, what we want to achieve and how we'll make an impact. It guides and keeps us on the right path as we work towards fulfilling our purposes.
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
- Customer Centric
- Integrity
- Entrepreneurial
- Teamwork
- Owner mindset
- Outcome focused
- Continuous learning
We are focused on building a diverse and inclusive workforce. If you are excited about this role and are not confident you meet all the qualification requirements, we encourage you to apply to investigate the opportunity further.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value each person's unique background, diversity, experiences, perspectives and talents.
Full participation of all employees in a safe, healthy and respectful environment is key to individual and company success. We are committed to fully utilizing the abilities of all our employees and expect each of our employees to honour this commitment in their daily responsibilities.
LOCATION
Tahoe Vista, CA, US, 96148
Nearest Major Market: Sacramento
INTRODUCTION
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (AQN), parent company of Liberty, is a diversified international generation, transmission, and distribution utility. AQN is committed to providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective energy and water solutions through our portfolio of utility investments to over one million customer connections, largely in the United States and Canada.
At Algonquin, our vision is to be the most trusted utility service provider in North America – a premium regulated utility, known for our customer focus, commitment to sustainability, and strong community partnerships. Our employees are at the heart of that vision. We believe that when people are empowered to learn, grow, and contribute their ideas, we can achieve remarkable results together.
We are building a culture that values integrity, inclusivity, and innovation. By joining Algonquin, you’ll be part of a team that is shaping the future of energy and water, while creating long-term value for our customers, communities, employees, and shareholders.
PURPOSE
As a Relay Technician, you’ll work both independently and collaboratively to ensure the integrity of critical substation systems.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Inspect, test, adjust, calibrate, and repair a variety of substation equipment
- Install and maintain automatic controls and equipment protection devices across substations, transmission systems, and generating equipment
- Download, verify, and troubleshoot logic programming and microprocessor relay systems
- Certify all related wiring, performing operational checks, and gathering in-service test data
- Evaluate data from system performance tests and applying findings to ensure system integrity
- Support the safe and efficient operation of generating and distribution systems
- Perform other responsibilities as outlined by the collective bargaining agreement (CBA)
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- At least 2 years of experience as a Relay Technician or equivalent technical experience
- Strong understanding of electrical and electronic theory, including microprocessor relaying, phasor diagrams, and circuit analysis
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex substation systems, evaluate performance data, and certify protective wiring and programming
- Training or coursework in mathematics relevant to the field
- Proficiency with substation computing systems, testing equipment, and related software
- Ability to perform switching operations safely (or become qualified within 90 days)
- A commitment to working safely and accurately
WHAT WE OFFER
As a valued member of our team, you will enjoy competitive pay that reflects your skills and experience. You will also have access to a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage & a 401K plan with a 5% match, effective day one
- Annual bonus and merit increase eligibility
- Life insurance and short-term & long-term disability
- Employee Stock Purchase Program
- Free Employee Assistance Program & Headspace account
- 3 weeks of vacation, paid sick days, 12 paid company holidays, & 3 paid volunteer days
- Tuition reimbursement, professional development opportunities, & reimbursement for certification costs
- Reward & recognition programs, service awards, a great company culture, and a collaborative & flexible work environment
COMPENSATION
Pay: $86.11 per hour
Our purpose is sustaining energy and water for life, and it is demonstrated in everything we do as a business and as an employee team.
OUR MISSION
We provide safe, secure, reliable, cost-effective and sustainable energy and water solutions. Our mission is how we create value as an organization—it is what drives us every day to fulfill our purpose.
OUR VISION
We better the lives of our customers and communities. Our vision is what we see as possible. It's where we aspire to be, what we want to achieve and how we'll make an impact. It guides and keeps us on the right path as we work towards fulfilling our purposes.
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
- Customer Centric
- Integrity
- Entrepreneurial
- Teamwork
- Owner mindset
- Outcome focused
- Continuous learning
We are focused on building a diverse and inclusive workforce. If you are excited about this role and are not confident you meet all the qualification requirements, we encourage you to apply to investigate the opportunity further.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value each person's unique background, diversity, experiences, perspectives and talents.
Full participation of all employees in a safe, healthy and respectful environment is key to individual and company success. We are committed to fully utilizing the abilities of all our employees and expect each of our employees to honour this commitment in their daily responsibilities.
LOCATION
Tahoe Vista, CA, US, 96148
Nearest Major Market: Sacramento
See all 46+ H-1B Visa Relay Technician Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Relay Technician
Verify your SOC code before applying
Relay Technician roles are typically filed under SOC 17-3023 (Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists). Confirm the employer's LCA uses this code so prevailing wage calculations and specialty occupation arguments align with your actual duties.
Pull prevailing wage data for your metro area
Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up Level I through Level IV wages for SOC 17-3023 in your target city. Knowing these tiers before salary discussions lets you spot whether an offer meets DOL requirements.
Target utilities and grid operators directly
Investor-owned utilities, regional transmission organizations, and independent power producers file H-1B petitions regularly for protection relay work. Many are cap-exempt as government-affiliated research entities, so your petition wouldn't be subject to the annual lottery.
Search H-1B filing history on Migrate Mate
Filter by occupation code to see which employers have certified LCAs for relay and protection engineering roles. This shows you which companies have a documented sponsorship track record, not just a careers page that says they're open to it.
Prepare a specialty occupation evidence package
USCIS scrutinizes technician-level roles heavily. Gather degree transcripts, IEC or NETA certifications, relay test reports, and any job postings from your employer requiring a relevant degree to build a strong specialty occupation record before the I-129 is filed.
Negotiate filing fees and premium processing upfront
Employers are prohibited from passing certain USCIS filing fees to H-1B workers. Confirm before signing your offer letter that the employer will cover the I-129 filing fee and clarify whether premium processing for a 15-business-day decision is included.
H-1B Visa Relay Technician: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Relay Technician role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
It can, but it requires deliberate documentation. USCIS requires that the position normally requires at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field. For relay technician roles, this typically means electrical engineering or electrical engineering technology. If your employer's job description lists the degree as preferred rather than required, request that it be amended before the I-129 is filed, since that wording has been used to deny specialty occupation status.
Which types of employers sponsor H-1B visas for relay technicians?
Investor-owned utilities, independent system operators, engineering consultancies, and industrial automation firms are the most common H-1B sponsors for protection relay work. You can review verified H-1B LCA filing history by occupation code on Migrate Mate to identify which specific employers have an active sponsorship track record for this type of role, rather than relying on general claims from recruiters.
What happens to my H-1B status if my employer is acquired or merges with another utility?
A corporate acquisition or merger that results in a successor-in-interest relationship may allow you to continue working without a new H-1B petition, provided the new entity assumes the same terms of employment and the acquisition is a qualifying successor. USCIS evaluates this case by case. If the new employer changes your role, location, or salary materially, an amended I-129 is typically required before those changes take effect.
Can I transfer my H-1B to a new relay technician role at a different utility?
Yes, through H-1B portability. Once your current H-1B petition has been approved and you've been in valid H-1B status, a new employer can file an I-129 transfer petition and you can begin working for them as soon as USCIS receives it, without waiting for approval. The new employer's LCA must reflect the correct prevailing wage for your new location, which you can verify in advance using the OFLC Wage Search.
How does the O*NET classification affect my H-1B petition as a relay technician?
The O*NET occupation profile for electrical and electronics engineering technologists lists job zone four, which correlates with bachelor's-level education requirements. Your employer's attorney will typically reference this profile when arguing specialty occupation status in the I-129 petition. If your specific duties include substation protection design, SCADA integration, or relay coordination studies, those tasks should be documented explicitly in the support letter to reinforce the degree requirement argument.