OPT Field Service Technician Jobs
Field Service Technician roles qualify for OPT when tied to engineering, electronics, or a related technical degree. Many positions involve hands-on equipment installation, maintenance, and diagnostics, making STEM OPT extension eligibility common. Employers in manufacturing, medical devices, and industrial automation regularly hire OPT candidates for these roles.
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Get Access To All JobsProtection & Control Field Services Engineer / Technician (Athens PCFS)
Job Summary
This posting is for Protection & Control Field Services Engineer & Technician positions based in the Transmission Maintenance Centers. These positions will be filled as non-exempt positions in the Protection & Control Field Services Engineer/Technician family, with the pay and level commensurate with the qualifications, education, and experience of the successful candidate. This posting is for the Athens P&CFS organization.
The successful candidates will be responsible for the Protection & Control (P&C) Field Services activities in their respective area. Safety and Quality are paramount in this position. The successful candidate will be expected to learn and apply switching procedures and safety measures. The candidate will be expected to plan and complete projects safely, efficiently, on schedule, and without service interruptions.
Candidates selected to interview will be chosen from the applicants based on fit with the job requirements listed below.
JOB REQUIREMENTS (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills)
Education Requirements
4-year Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, or
4-year BS Degree in Engineering Technology, or
Professional Engineering License, or
2-year technical degree in electrical maintenance, or
Equivalent applicable experience (Examples: Substation electrician, technician, wiremen, electrician, etc.)
Experience
P&C Field Services experience
Electric power utility transmission construction, maintenance, or operations experience
Related substation experience (P&C Applications, Design, Construction, Major Equipment, Project Management, etc.)
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of 3-phase power systems, AC/DC Protection & Control Schemes, Fault Analysis
Familiar with test equipment such as voltmeters, ammeters, ohmmeters, communications instruments, and computerized relay test sets.
Candidate must possess ability to solve problems and make decisions while managing projects with multiple priorities
Ability to communicate across multiple work groups including customers, covered employees, and leadership
Familiar with computer programs including but not limited to Microsoft Office products (Word, TEAMS, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
Other Requirements
Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Successful candidates shall participate in callout rotation and be available to respond to outages or other abnormal conditions outside of their normal work schedule.
Overnight travel is sometimes required.
Safety sensitive position subject to relevant pre-employment screening(s) to determine fitness for duty.
Field position requiring the physical ability to operate manual switches and work in a substation environment.
Must live in/near or be willing to relocate within reasonable distance to the office location. Relocation assistance is available.
Must be able to pass the standard Southern Company background check, drug screen, and NERC background check.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND BEHAVIORAL ATTRIBUTES
Job Responsibilities
- Commissioning, testing, maintaining, and troubleshooting protective relaying, controls, and communication equipment associated with substation and transmission power lines.
- Complete construction projects and substation routines as assigned, ensuring they are completed without service interruptions. This includes managing clearances effectively to meet quality, schedule, and budget targets.
- Coordinating substation outages and commissioning activities with multiple internal and external stakeholders. Handle trouble calls as needed.
- Develop and use safe and efficient work practices to prevent safety and operational incidents. Follow formal written requirements. Conduct job briefings to identify and mitigate safety and operational risks.
- Develop and share technical expertise in 3-phase power, relaying, SCADA, and substation testing techniques with other engineers through daily work.
- Isolate hazards and damaged equipment during emergencies to restore service as quickly as possible.
Behavioral Attributes
- Incorporate Human Performance tools into daily work practices
- Self-motivated to produce results without direct supervision
- Customer focus
- Questioning attitude
- Active learner seeking to expand knowledge of GPC and Southern Company maintenance practices, guidelines, and procedures for substation and line major equipment and relays.
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the Company's promise to 2.6 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the Company is recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer satisfaction.
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service.
Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf. Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.
Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Protection & Control Field Services Engineer / Technician (Athens PCFS)
Job Summary
This posting is for Protection & Control Field Services Engineer & Technician positions based in the Transmission Maintenance Centers. These positions will be filled as non-exempt positions in the Protection & Control Field Services Engineer/Technician family, with the pay and level commensurate with the qualifications, education, and experience of the successful candidate. This posting is for the Athens P&CFS organization.
The successful candidates will be responsible for the Protection & Control (P&C) Field Services activities in their respective area. Safety and Quality are paramount in this position. The successful candidate will be expected to learn and apply switching procedures and safety measures. The candidate will be expected to plan and complete projects safely, efficiently, on schedule, and without service interruptions.
Candidates selected to interview will be chosen from the applicants based on fit with the job requirements listed below.
JOB REQUIREMENTS (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills)
Education Requirements
4-year Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, or
4-year BS Degree in Engineering Technology, or
Professional Engineering License, or
2-year technical degree in electrical maintenance, or
Equivalent applicable experience (Examples: Substation electrician, technician, wiremen, electrician, etc.)
Experience
P&C Field Services experience
Electric power utility transmission construction, maintenance, or operations experience
Related substation experience (P&C Applications, Design, Construction, Major Equipment, Project Management, etc.)
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of 3-phase power systems, AC/DC Protection & Control Schemes, Fault Analysis
Familiar with test equipment such as voltmeters, ammeters, ohmmeters, communications instruments, and computerized relay test sets.
Candidate must possess ability to solve problems and make decisions while managing projects with multiple priorities
Ability to communicate across multiple work groups including customers, covered employees, and leadership
Familiar with computer programs including but not limited to Microsoft Office products (Word, TEAMS, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
Other Requirements
Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Successful candidates shall participate in callout rotation and be available to respond to outages or other abnormal conditions outside of their normal work schedule.
Overnight travel is sometimes required.
Safety sensitive position subject to relevant pre-employment screening(s) to determine fitness for duty.
Field position requiring the physical ability to operate manual switches and work in a substation environment.
Must live in/near or be willing to relocate within reasonable distance to the office location. Relocation assistance is available.
Must be able to pass the standard Southern Company background check, drug screen, and NERC background check.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND BEHAVIORAL ATTRIBUTES
Job Responsibilities
- Commissioning, testing, maintaining, and troubleshooting protective relaying, controls, and communication equipment associated with substation and transmission power lines.
- Complete construction projects and substation routines as assigned, ensuring they are completed without service interruptions. This includes managing clearances effectively to meet quality, schedule, and budget targets.
- Coordinating substation outages and commissioning activities with multiple internal and external stakeholders. Handle trouble calls as needed.
- Develop and use safe and efficient work practices to prevent safety and operational incidents. Follow formal written requirements. Conduct job briefings to identify and mitigate safety and operational risks.
- Develop and share technical expertise in 3-phase power, relaying, SCADA, and substation testing techniques with other engineers through daily work.
- Isolate hazards and damaged equipment during emergencies to restore service as quickly as possible.
Behavioral Attributes
- Incorporate Human Performance tools into daily work practices
- Self-motivated to produce results without direct supervision
- Customer focus
- Questioning attitude
- Active learner seeking to expand knowledge of GPC and Southern Company maintenance practices, guidelines, and procedures for substation and line major equipment and relays.
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the Company's promise to 2.6 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the Company is recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer satisfaction.
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service.
Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf. Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.
Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.
See all 215+ OPT Field Service Technician Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Field Service Technician
Confirm your degree supports the role
Field Service Technician positions qualify for OPT when your degree field matches the role, such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or electronics technology. Verify the job description specifies a relevant technical degree before applying.
Target STEM OPT-eligible employers
Most Field Service Technician roles in medical devices, industrial equipment, or semiconductors qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm the employer is E-Verify enrolled before accepting an offer, as this is required for STEM extension approval.
Address travel requirements upfront
Many Field Service roles require regional or national travel. Ask your employer how extended travel affects your OPT work location reporting obligations and whether your authorization covers multi-site deployments across different states.
Document your training plan early
For STEM OPT extension, your employer must submit a formal training plan on Form I-983. Start this conversation before your initial OPT expires, ideally 90 days out, to avoid gaps in your work authorization during the transition.
Highlight certifications relevant to sponsorship
Certifications like CompTIA, Cisco, or manufacturer-specific credentials signal technical depth and reduce employer hesitation around OPT sponsorship. These qualifications also strengthen your case for H-1B visa sponsorship once your OPT period ends.
Apply to companies with established OPT hiring patterns
Larger industrial and technology companies with dedicated HR teams are more familiar with OPT work authorization than small contractors. Research which employers have sponsored OPT candidates in this field to prioritize your applications strategically.
Field Service Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Field Service Technician on OPT?
Yes, if your degree is in a relevant field such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, electronics technology, or a related discipline. The job must be directly related to your area of study. Roles involving equipment installation, diagnostics, and technical support at customer sites qualify when the degree-to-job connection is clear and documentable.
Do Field Service Technician jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Many do. Positions in industries like medical devices, semiconductor equipment, industrial automation, and telecommunications often meet STEM OPT extension criteria because they require a STEM-designated degree. You and your employer must complete Form I-983, and the employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. Check that your specific degree program is on the STEM designated degree list before applying for the extension.
Where can I find Field Service Technician jobs that sponsor OPT?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by sponsorship willingness, so you can browse Field Service Technician roles without guessing whether the employer will work with your authorization. Searching through a general job board often means contacting dozens of employers before finding one familiar with OPT requirements.
Does frequent travel for Field Service roles create OPT compliance issues?
Not inherently, but you should stay informed. OPT authorizes employment with a specific employer, not a fixed location, so working across multiple customer sites for the same employer is generally fine. If a role involves extended assignments that could appear as separate employment, discuss the arrangement with your Designated School Official to confirm your authorization covers the work structure.
What happens to my OPT if my Field Service Technician contract ends between projects?
OPT allows up to 90 days of unemployment in total, or 150 days on a STEM OPT extension. A gap between contracts counts against this limit. If you are project-based or contract-employed, confirm with your employer whether you remain on payroll between deployments. Gaps in employment can jeopardize both your current OPT status and any future H-1B sponsorship timeline.