OPT Service Technician Jobs
Service Technician roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in engineering technology, mechatronics, or industrial systems. Most positions qualify as STEM OPT, giving you up to three years of work authorization. Hands-on diagnostic and repair experience translates directly into employer sponsorship conversations.
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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 273+ OPT Service Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Service Technician Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Service Technician
Target STEM-designated employers early
Service Technician roles under engineering technology SOC codes often qualify for STEM OPT extension. Prioritize employers registered as E-Verify participants, since that registration is required before USCIS will approve your 24-month STEM extension application.
Clarify your OPT timeline upfront
Tell hiring managers your exact OPT end date and whether you qualify for the STEM extension in your first interview. Employers making hiring decisions weeks out need to know your authorization window before they invest time in the process.
Highlight certifications that reduce employer risk
Certifications like OSHA 10, EPA 608 refrigerant handling, or manufacturer-specific credentials signal you can work independently from day one. Employers weighing sponsorship costs factor in how quickly a technician can be productive without additional training investment.
Focus on industries with documented H-1B sponsorship history
Medical device, semiconductor equipment, and industrial automation companies sponsor technicians at measurably higher rates than general repair firms. Research DOL disclosure data to identify which companies in your target region have filed for technician roles before.
Use your OPT period to build a sponsorship case
Document every repair completed, every system certified, and every client escalation resolved during your OPT. Concrete performance records give your employer concrete justification when their immigration attorney prepares your H-1B visa petition.
Negotiate a formal sponsorship commitment before accepting
Ask whether the company sponsors H-1B visas for technician roles and what their timeline looks like. Getting confirmation in writing before you accept protects you from employers who support sponsorship in principle but have never actually filed a petition.
Service Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Service Technician jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Many do, but it depends on your degree field and the SOC code the employer assigns to the role. Degrees in engineering technology, electrical engineering, or mechatronics commonly support STEM OPT eligibility. The role must be directly related to your degree. Confirm the SOC code with your DSO before accepting an offer, since the classification determines whether your 24-month extension application is approvable.
Can I work as a Service Technician while on OPT if the job is field-based with no fixed office?
Yes. OPT does not require you to work at a single fixed location. Field-based and traveling technician roles are permitted as long as the work is directly related to your degree. You are not required to update your address with USCIS every time your work location changes, but you must keep your SEVIS record current through your DSO if your home address changes.
How do I find Service Technician employers who are willing to sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters roles by sponsorship willingness, so you are not sorting through listings that will disqualify you on authorization alone. Employers on Migrate Mate are generally familiar with OPT timelines and STEM extension requirements, which makes early conversations about your situation significantly more productive than cold applications elsewhere.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I switch from one Service Technician employer to another?
You can change employers on OPT, but you must report the change to your DSO within 10 days so they can update your SEVIS record. You are authorized to begin working for the new employer immediately after reporting, without waiting for USCIS approval. If you are on the STEM OPT extension, the new employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify and you must file a new Form I-983 training plan.
Is contract or field service work through a staffing agency allowed on OPT?
Yes, you can work through a staffing agency on OPT as long as the work is related to your degree and you are receiving practical training in your field. The staffing agency becomes your employer of record for USCIS purposes. Make sure the agency is enrolled in E-Verify if you are on STEM OPT, and confirm with your DSO that the placement qualifies as OPT-eligible practical training before your assignment begins.