OPT Relay Technician Jobs
Relay Technician roles in the U.S. power and utilities sector are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in electrical engineering or a related field. STEM OPT extension eligibility gives you up to three years of work authorization, which aligns well with the multi-year training timelines most utilities expect.
Find OPT Relay Technician JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 24+ Relay Technician jobs
See all Relay Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Relay Technician roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you’re looking for.
We anticipate the need of one or more Apprentice Relay Technician(s) to be located at the Black Avenue Service Center in Eau Claire, WI. The starting base Journeyman pay for this position is $65.55 hourly. The position will be posted for 15 Working Days from September 14, 2026, to October 2, 2026. Candidate skills and qualifications will be evaluated and, in conformity to union contract, appropriate step placement will be offered to a successful candidate. Selection criteria may include testing and/or assessment.
Pay may also be adjusted in conformity with union contract, but in no case will it be less than the negotiated step minimum. Minimum apprentice pay levels as a percentage of base Journeyman Lineman pay:
1st Step: 60%
2nd Step: 65%
3rd Step: 70%
4th Step: 75%
5th Step: 80%
6th Step: 85%
7th Step: 90%
8th Step: 95%
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In this position, you will be responsible for maintaining, repairing, testing, inspecting and calibrating control and relaying systems for plant and substation equipment throughout Xcel Energy and customer facilities. The person filling this position must be self-motivated, work well with others, and possess a positive attitude and commitment to work safely, provide quality customer service, create customer satisfaction and to work productively.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- High school graduate or equivalent.
- Associate degree in electronics/electrical theory, or equivalent education/knowledge.
- Valid driver's license.
- Ability to use electrical and electronic measuring devices.
- Commitment to successful participation and advancement in apprenticeship program.
- Must be committed to working safely and compliance with all company safety rules.
- Must have good communication and teamwork skills.
- Must have basic computer literacy and proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
- Participation in after-hour emergency callouts in all kinds of weather conditions.
- Working outdoors and indoors, to include in a plant environment.
- Willing to travel and occasionally work away from home.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Thorough knowledge of electrical, electronic and solid-state theory, programmable devices, computer systems and related input and output devices.
- Familiarity with control circuits and able to demonstrate ability to read relay control, solid state systems and one-line drawings.
- Must be of adequate physical stature to perform routine physical labor associated with this position, including but not limited to: lifting, carrying, climbing, working in confined spaces, kneeling, and reaching.
- Must be able to work in confined spaces and varying climatic conditions, includes working at elevated heights from scaffolding and floor grating.
- Must reside within 20-mile radius of the Black Avenue Service Center.
COMPENSATION
The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $39.33 to $62.27 per hour.
This position is eligible for the following benefits: Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Health Care Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Transit programs, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Vacation, Holidays, Additional days off, Sick Time, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO).
Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.
DEADLINE TO APPLY
10/02/26
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at recruiting@xcelenergy.com.
All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility.
ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com/ accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Xcel Energy Talent Acquisition at recruiting@xcelenergy.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
INTRODUCTION
Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you’re looking for.
We anticipate the need of one or more Apprentice Relay Technician(s) to be located at the Black Avenue Service Center in Eau Claire, WI. The starting base Journeyman pay for this position is $65.55 hourly. The position will be posted for 15 Working Days from September 14, 2026, to October 2, 2026. Candidate skills and qualifications will be evaluated and, in conformity to union contract, appropriate step placement will be offered to a successful candidate. Selection criteria may include testing and/or assessment.
Pay may also be adjusted in conformity with union contract, but in no case will it be less than the negotiated step minimum. Minimum apprentice pay levels as a percentage of base Journeyman Lineman pay:
1st Step: 60%
2nd Step: 65%
3rd Step: 70%
4th Step: 75%
5th Step: 80%
6th Step: 85%
7th Step: 90%
8th Step: 95%
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In this position, you will be responsible for maintaining, repairing, testing, inspecting and calibrating control and relaying systems for plant and substation equipment throughout Xcel Energy and customer facilities. The person filling this position must be self-motivated, work well with others, and possess a positive attitude and commitment to work safely, provide quality customer service, create customer satisfaction and to work productively.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- High school graduate or equivalent.
- Associate degree in electronics/electrical theory, or equivalent education/knowledge.
- Valid driver's license.
- Ability to use electrical and electronic measuring devices.
- Commitment to successful participation and advancement in apprenticeship program.
- Must be committed to working safely and compliance with all company safety rules.
- Must have good communication and teamwork skills.
- Must have basic computer literacy and proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
- Participation in after-hour emergency callouts in all kinds of weather conditions.
- Working outdoors and indoors, to include in a plant environment.
- Willing to travel and occasionally work away from home.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Thorough knowledge of electrical, electronic and solid-state theory, programmable devices, computer systems and related input and output devices.
- Familiarity with control circuits and able to demonstrate ability to read relay control, solid state systems and one-line drawings.
- Must be of adequate physical stature to perform routine physical labor associated with this position, including but not limited to: lifting, carrying, climbing, working in confined spaces, kneeling, and reaching.
- Must be able to work in confined spaces and varying climatic conditions, includes working at elevated heights from scaffolding and floor grating.
- Must reside within 20-mile radius of the Black Avenue Service Center.
COMPENSATION
The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $39.33 to $62.27 per hour.
This position is eligible for the following benefits: Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Health Care Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Transit programs, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Vacation, Holidays, Additional days off, Sick Time, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO).
Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.
DEADLINE TO APPLY
10/02/26
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at recruiting@xcelenergy.com.
All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility.
ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com/ accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Xcel Energy Talent Acquisition at recruiting@xcelenergy.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
See all OPT Relay Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Relay Technician Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Relay Technician
Lead with your STEM OPT timeline
Utilities plan workforce development in multi-year cycles. When you apply, clearly state that your STEM OPT gives you up to three years of authorized work. That timeline reassures hiring managers who worry about short-term authorization gaps.
Target employers with H-1B filing history
Large investor-owned utilities and independent system operators have sponsored H-1B visas for engineers before. Prioritizing these employers significantly improves your odds of a sponsorship conversation after your OPT period ends.
Highlight relevant technical certifications
NERC certifications, relay testing experience with SEL or GE equipment, and familiarity with protection coordination studies all signal job-readiness. Concrete credentials reduce employer hesitation around sponsoring an OPT student for a specialized technical role.
Connect your degree field to the role explicitly
Relay Technician roles often require an electrical engineering or power systems background. In your resume and cover letter, map your coursework or projects directly to protection systems, fault analysis, or substation work to satisfy OPT employer eligibility requirements.
Engage with utilities during campus recruiting seasons
Major utilities recruit heavily at engineering schools in the fall. Early engagement through career fairs and informational interviews lets you surface the OPT conversation before an offer stage, when immigration logistics are easier to plan around.
Prepare a one-page OPT authorization summary
Many utilities HR teams are unfamiliar with OPT mechanics. A brief document outlining your EAD card, authorized period, STEM extension eligibility, and E-Verify enrollment requirement removes friction and speeds up the internal approval process considerably.
Relay Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Relay Technician role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree field, not the job title. If your EAD was issued based on a STEM-designated degree such as electrical engineering or power systems engineering, and the Relay Technician role is directly related to that field, you qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your DSO must confirm the relationship between the role and your degree before filing the extension.
Do Relay Technician employers need to be enrolled in E-Verify to hire OPT students?
For standard OPT, E-Verify enrollment is not required. However, if you are applying for the STEM OPT extension, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before USCIS will approve the extension. Most large utilities and engineering contractors are already enrolled, but it is worth confirming before accepting an offer that relies on STEM OPT status.
Where can I find Relay Technician jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and international students, so every listing on the platform is filtered for visa-friendliness. Searching for Relay Technician or protection engineer roles on Migrate Mate saves time you would otherwise spend screening out employers who do not work with OPT candidates.
Can I start a Relay Technician job before my EAD card arrives?
No. You cannot begin paid employment until you physically have your EAD card in hand and the start date on the card has passed. For Relay Technician roles at utilities, onboarding paperwork, background checks, and security clearance steps often take several weeks, so apply for your EAD at least 90 days before your intended start date.
What happens to my OPT status if I am laid off from a Relay Technician position?
You have a 90-day unemployment buffer during standard OPT. If you are on the STEM OPT extension, the total unemployment allowed across the full post-completion OPT period is 150 days. A layoff does not immediately end your status, but you must secure new employment or change to another visa status before the buffer runs out.