Green Card Reactor Operator Jobs
Reactor Operator roles at U.S. nuclear facilities qualify for EB-2 and EB-3 green card sponsorship through the PERM labor certification process. Employers in the nuclear power sector regularly file I-140 petitions for licensed operators, making sponsorship a realistic path for foreign professionals with NRC-recognized credentials and qualifying experience.
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Get Access To All JobsAbout the Callaway Energy Center
The Callaway Energy Center is a nuclear facility located in mid-Missouri. The Energy Center has more than 800 employees and contractors working at the facility, and it has established a strong record of safe operation throughout its 30-year operating history. The Energy Center is a highly efficient, low-cost, sustainable source of electricity for Ameren Missouri’s 1.2 million customers.
Position(s): 1
Hourly Rate Range: $64.01
Revision Date: 3/7/2024
Area/Div: 1801
DUTIES:
Under direct but not constant supervision and working on a rotating shift or straight shift schedule as required, to perform and be responsible for all of the operations associated with the complete control of a nuclear powered electric generating unit. In this connection to perform work such as, but not limited to, the following:
-
To operate a reactor-turbine-generator-unit in accordance with prescribed procedures or as directed.
-
To participate in training programs as a student, to develop the skills and knowledge needed to achieve and maintain a Nuclear Regulatory Commission Reactor Operator’s License.
-
To participate in training programs as an aide to the instructor, to retain job proficiency and thereby maintain an active Reactor Operator’s License.
-
To direct and/or execute the proper completion of routine and special surveillance tests on plant equipment working independently or together with other members of the plant organization.
-
To direct the activities of Operations Technicians and Operations Technician Assistants in their routine and special activities.
-
To direct and/or assist where needed, in the operation of auxiliary equipment related to special activities such as fuel handling, waste management, water treatment, plant operation, and sewage treatment plant operation.
-
On an as needed basis, serve in the Radiation Protection Program or assist in any other plant activity.
-
Communicate verbally or in writing with authorized inspectors or other representatives of plant management, or the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, on any plant activity with which he/she has been involved.
-
Properly drive a motor vehicle when directed or when required to perform his/her duties.
SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
To develop and maintain complete understanding of all facets of the plant emergency program and plant security system. To react as appropriate in the protection of the public in case of an operational emergency. To serve as an active participant in these programs.
EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
-
A high school diploma or have passed a high school examination equivalency.
-
Total power plant experience must be greater than 18 months for a nuclear or military reactor facility, or greater than 27 months for a non-nuclear facility.
-
The candidate must meet one of the criteria below:
A.) Candidate has at least 6 months of experience performing plant operational duties as a qualified non-licensed operator at the Callaway Nuclear facility.
B.) Candidate has at least 12 months experience performing plant operational duties as a qualified non-licensed operator at a comparable (BWR/PWR) nuclear facility or 18 months of experience at a noncomparable commercial power reactor facility.
C.) Candidate have at least 6 months of experience performing plant operational duties as an active licensed reactor operator (per 10 CFR 55.53[e]) at a comparable (BWR/PWR) nuclear facility or 12 months of experience at a noncomparable commercial power reactor facility.
D.) Candidate has at least 18 months of experience in a position equivalent to the reactor operator position at a military reactor? This includes reactor operators, engineering officer of the watch, propulsion plant watch officer, engineering watch supervisor, and propulsion plant watch supervisor.
E.) Candidate has 27 months power plant experience at a non-nuclear facility (power plant experience is defined in the additional action section).
Physical Requirements:
-
Must have good eyesight, good reflexes, good hearing and no color deficiency in vision.
-
The candidate must successfully complete a full medical examination. This medical examination is to include a test or examination by a psychiatrist or physician to determine that there is no sign of aberrant behavior or emotional instability that would impair ability to discharge duties in a competent manner. Power Plant experience is defined as applicable work performed in fossil-fueled or nuclear-fueled electric power production plants during preoperational, startup testing or operational activities. Experience in petrochemical; similar process plants; or steam propulsion plant design, construction, technical support, operation, maintenance, or training instruction can be substituted for applicable power plant experience. Simply observing others performing work is not considered power plant experience. Time spent in classroom training cannot be counted toward power plant experience requirements. However, time spent performing job-based training and qualification activities in the plant — such as under instruction watch standing, on-the-job training, and task or watch station qualification activities — can be applied toward power plant experience requirements. Time spent performing in-plant job-based training and qualification activities should be specifically documented if such time is used to meet power plant experience requirements.
Hourly Pay:
Grade Step OA 132 Step 1 of 1 (Top Step) - 64.01 USD
Position is eligible for annual incentive payments based on company performance and subject to sole management discretion. Visit our Benefits & Perks Page for more information on benefits provided to regular full-time employees.
If end date is listed, the posting will come down at 12: 00 am on that date:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, genetic information, military service or status, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other class, trait, or status protected by law.
About the Callaway Energy Center
The Callaway Energy Center is a nuclear facility located in mid-Missouri. The Energy Center has more than 800 employees and contractors working at the facility, and it has established a strong record of safe operation throughout its 30-year operating history. The Energy Center is a highly efficient, low-cost, sustainable source of electricity for Ameren Missouri’s 1.2 million customers.
Position(s): 1
Hourly Rate Range: $64.01
Revision Date: 3/7/2024
Area/Div: 1801
DUTIES:
Under direct but not constant supervision and working on a rotating shift or straight shift schedule as required, to perform and be responsible for all of the operations associated with the complete control of a nuclear powered electric generating unit. In this connection to perform work such as, but not limited to, the following:
-
To operate a reactor-turbine-generator-unit in accordance with prescribed procedures or as directed.
-
To participate in training programs as a student, to develop the skills and knowledge needed to achieve and maintain a Nuclear Regulatory Commission Reactor Operator’s License.
-
To participate in training programs as an aide to the instructor, to retain job proficiency and thereby maintain an active Reactor Operator’s License.
-
To direct and/or execute the proper completion of routine and special surveillance tests on plant equipment working independently or together with other members of the plant organization.
-
To direct the activities of Operations Technicians and Operations Technician Assistants in their routine and special activities.
-
To direct and/or assist where needed, in the operation of auxiliary equipment related to special activities such as fuel handling, waste management, water treatment, plant operation, and sewage treatment plant operation.
-
On an as needed basis, serve in the Radiation Protection Program or assist in any other plant activity.
-
Communicate verbally or in writing with authorized inspectors or other representatives of plant management, or the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, on any plant activity with which he/she has been involved.
-
Properly drive a motor vehicle when directed or when required to perform his/her duties.
SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
To develop and maintain complete understanding of all facets of the plant emergency program and plant security system. To react as appropriate in the protection of the public in case of an operational emergency. To serve as an active participant in these programs.
EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
-
A high school diploma or have passed a high school examination equivalency.
-
Total power plant experience must be greater than 18 months for a nuclear or military reactor facility, or greater than 27 months for a non-nuclear facility.
-
The candidate must meet one of the criteria below:
A.) Candidate has at least 6 months of experience performing plant operational duties as a qualified non-licensed operator at the Callaway Nuclear facility.
B.) Candidate has at least 12 months experience performing plant operational duties as a qualified non-licensed operator at a comparable (BWR/PWR) nuclear facility or 18 months of experience at a noncomparable commercial power reactor facility.
C.) Candidate have at least 6 months of experience performing plant operational duties as an active licensed reactor operator (per 10 CFR 55.53[e]) at a comparable (BWR/PWR) nuclear facility or 12 months of experience at a noncomparable commercial power reactor facility.
D.) Candidate has at least 18 months of experience in a position equivalent to the reactor operator position at a military reactor? This includes reactor operators, engineering officer of the watch, propulsion plant watch officer, engineering watch supervisor, and propulsion plant watch supervisor.
E.) Candidate has 27 months power plant experience at a non-nuclear facility (power plant experience is defined in the additional action section).
Physical Requirements:
-
Must have good eyesight, good reflexes, good hearing and no color deficiency in vision.
-
The candidate must successfully complete a full medical examination. This medical examination is to include a test or examination by a psychiatrist or physician to determine that there is no sign of aberrant behavior or emotional instability that would impair ability to discharge duties in a competent manner. Power Plant experience is defined as applicable work performed in fossil-fueled or nuclear-fueled electric power production plants during preoperational, startup testing or operational activities. Experience in petrochemical; similar process plants; or steam propulsion plant design, construction, technical support, operation, maintenance, or training instruction can be substituted for applicable power plant experience. Simply observing others performing work is not considered power plant experience. Time spent in classroom training cannot be counted toward power plant experience requirements. However, time spent performing job-based training and qualification activities in the plant — such as under instruction watch standing, on-the-job training, and task or watch station qualification activities — can be applied toward power plant experience requirements. Time spent performing in-plant job-based training and qualification activities should be specifically documented if such time is used to meet power plant experience requirements.
Hourly Pay:
Grade Step OA 132 Step 1 of 1 (Top Step) - 64.01 USD
Position is eligible for annual incentive payments based on company performance and subject to sole management discretion. Visit our Benefits & Perks Page for more information on benefits provided to regular full-time employees.
If end date is listed, the posting will come down at 12: 00 am on that date:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, genetic information, military service or status, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other class, trait, or status protected by law.
See all Green Card Reactor Operator Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Green Card Reactor Operator Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Green Card Sponsorship in Reactor Operator
Verify your NRC license equivalency early
U.S. nuclear facilities require NRC-issued reactor operator licenses, not foreign equivalents. Document your foreign credentials through a recognized evaluation service before approaching employers, so the PERM prevailing wage determination can accurately reflect your qualification level.
Use OFLC Wage Search to benchmark your offer
PERM requires your offered wage to meet or exceed the DOL prevailing wage for your specific reactor operator role and worksite location. Run the OFLC Wage Search before accepting an offer to confirm the salary clears the threshold and won't stall your certification.
Target nuclear operators with active PERM filing history
Search for Reactor Operator roles at utilities and national laboratories that have filed PERM applications for this occupation before. Employers with prior sponsorship experience already understand the recruitment documentation and advertising requirements DOL mandates.
Find green card sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate
Migrate Mate filters Reactor Operator jobs by employers with employment-based green card sponsorship history, so you're not cold-applying to facilities that have never filed PERM. Use it to build a targeted list of nuclear operators actively hiring sponsored candidates.
Clarify EB-2 versus EB-3 eligibility with your employer
If your reactor operator role requires a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering or a related field, EB-2 may apply for advanced-degree professionals. Most licensed operator positions qualify under EB-3 skilled worker, which has no annual cap concerns for many nationalities.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before your PERM timeline starts
Nuclear facilities contracting with the federal government are typically required to use E-Verify. Confirm your prospective employer is enrolled before PERM filing begins, since unenrollment discovered mid-process can delay I-140 adjudication at USCIS.
Green Card Reactor Operator: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Reactor Operator jobs in the U.S. commonly come with green card sponsorship?
Yes, particularly at nuclear power utilities, national laboratories, and government contractors. Reactor Operator is classified as a skilled worker role under DOL occupational standards, making it eligible for EB-3 sponsorship through the PERM labor certification process. Employers in this sector are accustomed to sponsoring foreign professionals who hold or can obtain NRC-recognized credentials, though you'll need to confirm each employer's willingness before accepting an offer.
How does green card sponsorship differ from H-1B for a Reactor Operator role?
The green card route through PERM and I-140 leads to permanent residency rather than temporary status, and EB-3 skilled worker cases are not subject to an annual lottery. The H-1B visa requires employer sponsorship each year and is capped at 85,000 per fiscal year with a random selection. PERM takes longer overall, often 18 to 36 months from start to green card, but the outcome is lawful permanent residency with no recurring renewal burden.
Where can I find Reactor Operator jobs that offer green card sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for this search. It surfaces Reactor Operator positions at employers with documented employment-based green card sponsorship history, so you can focus on facilities that have already navigated the PERM process rather than ones that are unfamiliar with it. Filtering by sponsorship history significantly improves your chances of reaching an offer that can support a full I-140 filing.
What role does the O*NET profile play in my green card application as a Reactor Operator?
The O*NET occupation profile for Reactor Operator establishes the standard duties, required education, and skill requirements that DOL uses when evaluating PERM applications for this role. Your employer's job description must align with the O*NET definition to pass DOL scrutiny during the supervised recruitment phase. Discrepancies between the advertised role and the O*NET profile are a common source of audit requests, so your employer's PERM attorney should align the description carefully.
What happens to my green card sponsorship if I change employers mid-process?
If you change employers after USCIS has approved your I-140 petition and your priority date is current or nearly current, portability rules under AC21 may allow you to transfer the approved petition to a new employer in a same or similar Reactor Operator role. If the I-140 is still pending or recently approved and your priority date is not yet current, a change of employer generally restarts the PERM process, adding significant time to your green card timeline.