Relay Technician Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Relay technicians maintain and repair electrical protection systems in power grids, qualifying for H-1B visa and other work visas as specialized electrical engineering roles. Most positions require an electrical engineering degree and hands-on experience with relay testing equipment. Utility companies and electrical contractors regularly sponsor visas for experienced relay technicians due to specialized skill requirements.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
As a Relay Commissioning Technician, a typical day might include the following:
- Train and assist customers in the planning, design, testing, installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of electrical power systems, both at customer sites and SEL offices.
- Apply working knowledge of SEL design practices of SEL protection and automation systems as well as quality standards.
- Responsible for running tests in support of department objectives, documenting and reporting malfunctions, and identifying/analyzing undesirable trends.
- Provide regular communication and timely reports to engineering staff, leadership and customers regarding commissioning activities.
- Responsible for maintaining a safe workplace and implementing safe and environmentally sound work practices.
This job might be for you if:
- Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology or equivalent certification, training and experience
- 2+ years working experience in electrical power system planning, design, testing, installation, commissioning, operation and/or maintenance
- Demonstrated proficiency with modern test equipment such as OMICRON or Doble
- Willing to travel up to 75% of the time
- Familiarity with Autocad, Microstation and AcSELerator Quickset
- Ability to write automated test plans for testing protective devices
- Familiarity with industry protocols (IEC-61850, DNP, Modbus)
Physical Requirements
Ability to work in outside environments with varying climates
Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, squat, climb, and use arm and hand movements
Ability to carry tools and to handle materials and equipment of up to 50 pounds
Ability to work at heights on lifts, stepladders and/or extension ladders
LOCATION
We are open to MULTIPLE locations.
Lewis Center, OH - This position is located in Lewis Center, OH, located 15 miles outside of downtown Columbus. Here you will enjoy all the big city has to offer, including easy access to outdoor recreation, professional sports teams, and great universities. Centrally located in Ohio and quickly growing, you won't have to look far for great dining, shopping, and entertainment. There has never been a better time to call Lewis Center home.
King of Prussia, PA - This position is located in King of Prussia, PA. Located just twenty miles from Philadelphia, its close proximity allows residents to enjoy all that the big city has to offer. Enjoy easy access to trails along the river, or attend sporting events nearby. The diverse options make King of Prussia the perfect place to call home.
Alpharetta, GA - This position is located in Alpharetta, GA. The city is located between the North Georgia Mountains and Atlanta, allowing residents to enjoy the big city, and easy access to outdoor recreation. However, you won't have to look to Atlanta for big city comforts, Alpharetta is quickly growing and offers amazing shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Charlotte, NC - This position is located in Charlotte, NC, a vibrant and bustling metropolis located in the heart of North Carolina. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, it seamlessly blends its rich history with a modern and dynamic atmosphere. With an eclectic culinary scene, charming neighborhoods, and a warm southern hospitality, Charlotte exudes a unique charm that captivates residents and visitors alike.
Wesley Chapel, FL – This position is located in Wesley Chapel, Florida. Just north of Tampa, Wesley Chapel offers the perfect blend of suburban comfort and city convenience. Residents enjoy access to top-rated schools, vibrant shopping centers, and a growing food scene. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore scenic parks, nature trails, and nearby Gulf Coast beaches. With its welcoming community and dynamic growth, Wesley Chapel is an ideal place to live and work.
Nashua, NH – This position is located in Nashua, NH, one of Southern New Hampshire’s most vibrant communities. Enjoy a high quality of life with a blend of urban amenities and New England charm, excellent schools, diverse dining and shopping options, and easy access to outdoor recreation. Conveniently located near Boston, Nashua offers a strong local economy, beautiful parks and trails, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
COMPENSATION
- Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.
People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.
- We’re 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.
- We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
- We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.
- We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.
- Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.
Pay Range Data
$33.00 - $60.00
We are open to reviewing additional candidates with more or less experience and the pay range may differ if filled at a different level. Our pay ranges are determined by job, responsibility, and location. We base our starting pay offer and title on location and job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills.
Communication with Applicants
We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.
SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.
INTRODUCTION
As a Relay Commissioning Technician, a typical day might include the following:
- Train and assist customers in the planning, design, testing, installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of electrical power systems, both at customer sites and SEL offices.
- Apply working knowledge of SEL design practices of SEL protection and automation systems as well as quality standards.
- Responsible for running tests in support of department objectives, documenting and reporting malfunctions, and identifying/analyzing undesirable trends.
- Provide regular communication and timely reports to engineering staff, leadership and customers regarding commissioning activities.
- Responsible for maintaining a safe workplace and implementing safe and environmentally sound work practices.
This job might be for you if:
- Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology or equivalent certification, training and experience
- 2+ years working experience in electrical power system planning, design, testing, installation, commissioning, operation and/or maintenance
- Demonstrated proficiency with modern test equipment such as OMICRON or Doble
- Willing to travel up to 75% of the time
- Familiarity with Autocad, Microstation and AcSELerator Quickset
- Ability to write automated test plans for testing protective devices
- Familiarity with industry protocols (IEC-61850, DNP, Modbus)
Physical Requirements
Ability to work in outside environments with varying climates
Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, squat, climb, and use arm and hand movements
Ability to carry tools and to handle materials and equipment of up to 50 pounds
Ability to work at heights on lifts, stepladders and/or extension ladders
LOCATION
We are open to MULTIPLE locations.
Lewis Center, OH - This position is located in Lewis Center, OH, located 15 miles outside of downtown Columbus. Here you will enjoy all the big city has to offer, including easy access to outdoor recreation, professional sports teams, and great universities. Centrally located in Ohio and quickly growing, you won't have to look far for great dining, shopping, and entertainment. There has never been a better time to call Lewis Center home.
King of Prussia, PA - This position is located in King of Prussia, PA. Located just twenty miles from Philadelphia, its close proximity allows residents to enjoy all that the big city has to offer. Enjoy easy access to trails along the river, or attend sporting events nearby. The diverse options make King of Prussia the perfect place to call home.
Alpharetta, GA - This position is located in Alpharetta, GA. The city is located between the North Georgia Mountains and Atlanta, allowing residents to enjoy the big city, and easy access to outdoor recreation. However, you won't have to look to Atlanta for big city comforts, Alpharetta is quickly growing and offers amazing shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Charlotte, NC - This position is located in Charlotte, NC, a vibrant and bustling metropolis located in the heart of North Carolina. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, it seamlessly blends its rich history with a modern and dynamic atmosphere. With an eclectic culinary scene, charming neighborhoods, and a warm southern hospitality, Charlotte exudes a unique charm that captivates residents and visitors alike.
Wesley Chapel, FL – This position is located in Wesley Chapel, Florida. Just north of Tampa, Wesley Chapel offers the perfect blend of suburban comfort and city convenience. Residents enjoy access to top-rated schools, vibrant shopping centers, and a growing food scene. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore scenic parks, nature trails, and nearby Gulf Coast beaches. With its welcoming community and dynamic growth, Wesley Chapel is an ideal place to live and work.
Nashua, NH – This position is located in Nashua, NH, one of Southern New Hampshire’s most vibrant communities. Enjoy a high quality of life with a blend of urban amenities and New England charm, excellent schools, diverse dining and shopping options, and easy access to outdoor recreation. Conveniently located near Boston, Nashua offers a strong local economy, beautiful parks and trails, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
COMPENSATION
- Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.
People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.
- We’re 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.
- We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
- We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.
- We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.
- Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.
Pay Range Data
$33.00 - $60.00
We are open to reviewing additional candidates with more or less experience and the pay range may differ if filled at a different level. Our pay ranges are determined by job, responsibility, and location. We base our starting pay offer and title on location and job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills.
Communication with Applicants
We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.
SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.
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 JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Relay Technician
Target utility companies and large electrical contractors
Major utilities like Duke Energy, PG&E, and electrical contractors such as Quanta Services frequently sponsor H-1B visas for relay technicians with specialized protection system experience.
Emphasize your protection system certifications
Highlight SEL, GE, or ABB relay system certifications in your application. These specialized credentials strengthen the specialty occupation argument for visa approval.
Document your SCADA and testing equipment experience
Detail experience with specific relay testing equipment, SCADA systems, and power system analysis software. This technical specialization supports H-1B specialty occupation requirements.
Apply to renewable energy infrastructure projects
Solar and wind farm developers need relay technicians for grid interconnection projects. These growing sectors often have visa sponsorship budgets for qualified candidates.
Consider industrial facilities beyond utilities
Large manufacturing plants, data centers, and hospitals need relay technicians for their electrical systems. These employers may have less competition for sponsored positions.
Network through IEEE Power & Energy Society chapters
Join local IEEE chapters to connect with utility engineers and electrical contractors. Many relay technician positions are filled through professional referrals rather than job boards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do relay technicians qualify for H-1B specialty occupation status?
Yes, relay technician positions typically qualify as specialty occupations when they require an electrical engineering degree and involve specialized protection system work. The role's technical complexity and degree requirement usually satisfy USCIS specialty occupation criteria, though job descriptions must emphasize engineering analysis rather than routine maintenance tasks.
What degree do I need for H-1B sponsorship as a relay technician?
Most sponsored relay technician positions require a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, power systems engineering, or closely related field. Some employers may accept electrical technology degrees combined with significant relay testing experience, but engineering degrees provide stronger H-1B visa petitions.
Which visa options work best for relay technicians?
H-1B is the primary option for relay technicians with engineering degrees. TN visa works for Canadian and Mexican citizens in engineering roles. L-1 visa may apply if transferring within multinational utility companies. O-1 visa is possible for technicians with extraordinary expertise in specialized protection systems.
How competitive is H-1B sponsorship for relay technicians?
Moderately competitive, as utility companies and electrical contractors do sponsor visas but have limited budgets. Your chances improve with specialized certifications in protection systems, experience with utility-scale projects, and targeting companies with active infrastructure expansion or modernization programs.
How to find Relay Technician jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Relay Technician jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsoring employers. Focus on utility companies, power generation facilities, and electrical contractors that frequently hire relay technicians on H-1B, TN visa, or EB-3 visas. These employers often sponsor skilled electrical professionals due to high demand for specialized relay protection expertise.
Can relay technicians get green cards through employment?
Yes, relay technicians with engineering degrees can pursue EB-2 or EB-3 green cards. EB-2 requires advanced degrees or exceptional ability in electrical protection systems. Most qualify for EB-3 professional worker category. PERM labor certification may be challenging due to available U.S. workers with similar skills.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Relay Technician jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.