Green Card Reactor Engineer Jobs
Reactor Engineer roles qualify for EB-2 and EB-3 green card sponsorship through the PERM labor certification process, which permanently authorizes foreign professionals to work in the U.S. Employers in nuclear power, research, and defense typically sponsor candidates whose specialized credentials meet DOL prevailing-wage and recruitment requirements.
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Job Posting End Date
06-12-2026
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.
Job Summary
The Reactor Engineer will have the following tasks:
- Monitor reactor core operation and perform applicable testing, including flux mapping, start-up physics testing, and power ascension testing.
- Develop reactivity plans for power maneuvers.
- Assist with the performance of fuel inspections.
- Provide control room support during significant power changes.
- Perform Radiochemistry analysis as part of fuel performance monitoring.
- Assist with Special Nuclear Material (SNM) accountability.
- Prepare and review procedures associated with reactor core operation and nuclear fuel management.
Please Note: This position is posted in a range, and an offer will be made based on the candidate's qualifications.
Job Description
Responsible to the assigned supervisor for performing intermediate level engineering work activities and projects requiring the application of engineering knowledge in a safe, effective, efficient and economic accomplishment of assigned objectives.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Technical Expertise: Possesses intermediate level knowledge and performs varied assignments with proficiency in the application of theory and analytical techniques to solve diverse problems and complete extensive analysis. Demonstrates competency in analytical techniques necessary to handle assignments of moderate complexity. (e.g., by dividing the problem into component steps, and performing the analysis necessary to complete each step). Exhibits ability to understand interrelationship between systems and component equipment. Demonstrate ability to analyze and recommend enhancements to business processes.
- Leadership & Guidance: Coordinates work activities of others within the work group, department, or other corporate entity as necessary to complete routine activities. Performs routine engineering activity with minimum direction from higher-level employees. Follows policies, practices, standards and rules of the company and those regulations and procedures required by external agencies. Provides training and guidance to lower-level employees.
- Planning & Organization Ability: Coordinates the development of input necessary to forecast costs for the routine projects, improvements requisitions, etc. Uses scheduling techniques (CPM, PERT, flow charts, etc.) for budget and planning activities. Initiates corrective action when project objectives are not being met.
- Problem Solving & Initiative: Resolves and initiates solutions to routine problems which usually require additional definition/clarification before analysis can begin. Demonstrates ability to identify problems that are beyond the normal routine. Demonstrates ability and desire to seek out opportunities and embrace new ideas and approaches.
- Communication: Develops, reviews, or presents technical reports such as improvement requisitions, studies, and analyses in as clear, concise and effective fashion.
- Interpersonal Skills: Is an active team member. Networks with peers inside and outside the AEP system. Identifies key stakeholders. Uses informal network to get things done. Resolves conflict, builds consensus.
- Decision Making: Makes decisions subject to review within established policies and procedures. Makes decisions that affect the work of the team. Aware of risks. Demonstrates the ability to extrapolate beyond known facts to reach logical conclusions.
- Business Awareness & Characteristics: Understands AEP's organizational structure and the specific role and responsibility of their individual organizational unit. Demonstrates an understanding of the budgeting and approval process. Is proficient in the application and use of economic analysis techniques in problem solving. Develops an understanding of utility regulation and financing.
What We're Looking For:
Nuclear Engineer/ Salary Grade 7: $87,633 - $109,544
- Has typically acquired 2 or more years of related engineering experience along with a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET. Individuals with a Master's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET may be considered for entry into the organization at this level. *ABET - Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
Acceptable alternative:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering (non-ABET) plus a Master's degree or PhD in engineering from a university with an ABET accredited Bachelor's program.
- VP or above may waive the requirement for a degree from a university with a non-ABET accredited program.
Nuclear Engineer, Senior/ Salary Grade 8: $98,993 - $128,689
- Has typically acquired 4 or more years of related engineering experience along with a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited ABET; or 2 years of related engineering experience along with a Master's degree or PhD in engineering from a program accredited by ABET. Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico is encouraged and preferred. *ABET - Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
Acceptable alternative:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering (non-ABET) plus a Master's degree or PhD in engineering from a university with an ABET accredited Bachelor's program. Confirmation is required to ensure the PE obtained in Puerto Rico aligns with NCEES standards.
- VP or above may waive the requirement for a degree from a university with a non-ABET accredited program.
Nuclear Engineer, Principal/ Salary Grade 9: $116,255 - $151,132
- Has typically acquired 8 or more years of related engineering experience along with a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET or 6 years of related engineering experience along with a Master's degree or PhD in engineering from a program accredited by ABET. Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico* is required for this position unless approval to waive this requirement is given by the organization's EVP. ABET - Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
Acceptable alternative:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering (non-ABET) plus a Master's degree or PhD in engineering from a university with an ABET accredited Bachelor's program. Confirmation is required to ensure the PE obtained in Puerto Rico aligns with NCEES standards.
- VP or above may waive the requirement for a degree from a university with a non-ABET accredited program.
Must establish and maintain a permanent residence within a 45-minute safe drive time to the D.C. Cook Nuclear Power Plant.
What You'll Get:
In addition to competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.
The power of AEP comes from our valued team of unique employees...the best in the business! We're proud to be one of the largest electric energy companies in the U.S., powering over 5 million homes and businesses, spanning across 11 states. We’re passionate about making an innovative difference in the communities we serve. We’re powering the future – today!
American Electric Power (On-Site)
$87K- $151K / Year
AEPCareers
LI-ONSITE
AEPIM
Compensation Data
Compensation Grade:
SP20-007
Compensation Range:
$87,633.00 - $151,132.50
The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
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It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Green Card Sponsorship as a Reactor Engineer
Document your reactor-specific technical credentials
PERM requires your employer to prove no qualified U.S. worker is available. Organize degree certificates, any NRC-related training records, and prior project documentation now so your employer's recruitment file reflects your specialized qualifications accurately.
Target employers with active PERM filing history
Nuclear utilities, national laboratories, and defense contractors regularly sponsor Reactor Engineers through PERM. Use the DOL's OFLC Wage Search to identify employers who have filed PERM applications for nuclear engineering roles in your target region.
Verify your O*NET classification before applying
Your job duties must align with the O*NET occupation profile for Reactor Engineer or a closely related nuclear engineering title. Misalignment between your actual duties and the PERM job description is a common cause of denial or audit.
Search green-card-sponsoring Reactor Engineer jobs on Migrate Mate
Filter job listings by EB-2 or EB-3 sponsorship status to find employers already set up for PERM filing. Migrate Mate surfaces Reactor Engineer roles where sponsorship is confirmed, saving you from applying to positions where the employer has no green card process in place.
Clarify EB-2 versus EB-3 eligibility with your employer early
EB-2 requires a master's degree or bachelor's plus five years of progressive experience in a specialty field. Many Reactor Engineer roles qualify under EB-2, but the employer's PERM filing category affects your priority date and wait time, so resolve this before the process starts.
Understand the PERM recruitment window before resigning current status
PERM labor certification typically takes six to twelve months at DOL, followed by I-140 adjudication at USCIS. If you're on H-1B visa status, your employer should initiate PERM before your sixth year to preserve portability rights under AC21 if processing extends beyond 365 days.
Green Card Reactor Engineer: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Reactor Engineer roles typically qualify for EB-2 or EB-3 green card sponsorship?
Most Reactor Engineer positions qualify for EB-2 because the role requires at minimum a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering plus specialized technical knowledge, and many employers require a master's degree or equivalent progressive experience. EB-3 is available for roles that meet the skilled-worker definition with a bachelor's degree. Your employer determines which category to file under based on the actual job requirements, and that choice affects your priority date.
How does the PERM green card process differ from H-1B sponsorship for Reactor Engineers?
H-1B is a temporary nonimmigrant visa capped at 85,000 per year and subject to a lottery, while PERM-based green card sponsorship leads to permanent residency with no annual cap at the EB-3 level for most countries. PERM requires your employer to conduct supervised DOL recruitment to demonstrate no qualified U.S. worker is available, a step H-1B does not require. The PERM process is longer, often taking one to three years total, but the outcome is lawful permanent residency rather than a renewable temporary status.
Which employers sponsor green cards for Reactor Engineers?
Nuclear utilities operating commercial power plants, national laboratories such as Argonne and Oak Ridge, defense contractors supporting naval nuclear programs, and engineering firms serving the nuclear sector are the most active PERM sponsors for Reactor Engineer roles. You can identify employers with a PERM filing history for nuclear engineering positions using the DOL's OFLC Wage Search. Migrate Mate also filters job listings specifically for EB-2 and EB-3 green card sponsorship so you can focus your search on confirmed sponsors.
Can I switch employers after my PERM is filed but before I receive my green card?
Yes, under AC21 portability rules you can change to a same or similar occupational role after your I-140 is approved and your I-485 adjustment of status application has been pending for at least 180 days. For Reactor Engineers, the new role must fall within the same nuclear engineering specialty. USCIS evaluates the comparison based on job duties and SOC code, so documenting the similarity between your old and new position is important before making a move.
Does holding an NRC security clearance or reactor operator qualification affect my green card eligibility?
Security clearance itself does not affect PERM eligibility or your ability to file an I-140, but employers in classified nuclear programs sometimes list clearance as a PERM job requirement. DOL scrutinizes job requirements that effectively limit the applicant pool, so if clearance is listed, your employer must be prepared to justify it as a legitimate business necessity. Your specialized qualifications and clearance history can strengthen an EB-2 advanced-degree case by demonstrating the depth of your credentials.