OPT Nuclear Engineer Jobs
Nuclear Engineer OPT jobs require STEM-designated roles, which qualify you for the standard 12-month OPT period plus a 24-month STEM extension. Most positions are in energy, defense, and research sectors, where employers commonly sponsor H-1B visas, making nuclear engineering one of the stronger fields for long-term U.S. work authorization.
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When you come to the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center, you’re coming to more than simply a beautiful 37-acre, 218-bed suburban Baltimore, Maryland campus. You’re embarking on a professional journey that encourages opportunities, values a team atmosphere, and makes convenience and flexibility a priority. Joining our team of healthcare professionals means you’ll be contributing to a locally and nationally recognized institution. UM St. Joseph has been recognized by The Leapfrog Group as a grade ‘A’ hospital and by U.S. News & World Report as #3 in both the state and Baltimore Metro area, making UM St. Joseph the highest-ranking community hospital in Maryland. In addition, we’ve been consistently recognized as a top employer by Baltimore magazine.
Job Description
In this role, you’ll work with advanced imaging technology, prepare and administer radiopharmaceuticals, perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and collaborate with physicians and clinical teams to support accurate patient diagnosis and care.
What You’ll Do
- Perform Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT procedures across a variety of patient populations.
- Prepare and administer radiopharmaceuticals and medications according to established protocols.
- Operate imaging equipment and process high-quality diagnostic images for physician interpretation.
- Apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, radiation safety, positioning, and patient care.
- Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with regulatory and departmental standards.
- Safely handle and store radiopharmaceuticals and maintain a safe, organized work environment.
- Participate in quality improvement, workflow enhancement, and educational activities.
Work Experience
- Graduation with a certificate or advanced degree in radiation therapy or nuclear medicine from a program accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education (USDE) or Council for Higher Education.
- 3+ years.
- Approval letter from the State of MD Board to operate a CT/Nuclear Medicine Device for diagnostic CT exams.
- Registered with American Registry Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (N) and/or Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (CNMT).
- Licensed Nuclear Medicine Technologist - State of MD.
- Basic Cardiac Life Support Certification.
- Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board NCT and/or PET preferred.
Benefits
Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Shift
- Day; Monday - Friday
Compensation
- Pay Range: $44.76-$67.19
- Other Compensation (if applicable): Shift Differential
Like many employers, UMMS is being targeted by cybercriminals impersonating our recruiters and offering fake job opportunities. We will never ask for banking details, personal identification, or payment via email or text. If you suspect fraud, please contact us at careers@umms.edu.
Company Description
When you come to the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center, you’re coming to more than simply a beautiful 37-acre, 218-bed suburban Baltimore, Maryland campus. You’re embarking on a professional journey that encourages opportunities, values a team atmosphere, and makes convenience and flexibility a priority. Joining our team of healthcare professionals means you’ll be contributing to a locally and nationally recognized institution. UM St. Joseph has been recognized by The Leapfrog Group as a grade ‘A’ hospital and by U.S. News & World Report as #3 in both the state and Baltimore Metro area, making UM St. Joseph the highest-ranking community hospital in Maryland. In addition, we’ve been consistently recognized as a top employer by Baltimore magazine.
Job Description
In this role, you’ll work with advanced imaging technology, prepare and administer radiopharmaceuticals, perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and collaborate with physicians and clinical teams to support accurate patient diagnosis and care.
What You’ll Do
- Perform Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT procedures across a variety of patient populations.
- Prepare and administer radiopharmaceuticals and medications according to established protocols.
- Operate imaging equipment and process high-quality diagnostic images for physician interpretation.
- Apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, radiation safety, positioning, and patient care.
- Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with regulatory and departmental standards.
- Safely handle and store radiopharmaceuticals and maintain a safe, organized work environment.
- Participate in quality improvement, workflow enhancement, and educational activities.
Work Experience
- Graduation with a certificate or advanced degree in radiation therapy or nuclear medicine from a program accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education (USDE) or Council for Higher Education.
- 3+ years.
- Approval letter from the State of MD Board to operate a CT/Nuclear Medicine Device for diagnostic CT exams.
- Registered with American Registry Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (N) and/or Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (CNMT).
- Licensed Nuclear Medicine Technologist - State of MD.
- Basic Cardiac Life Support Certification.
- Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board NCT and/or PET preferred.
Benefits
Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Shift
- Day; Monday - Friday
Compensation
- Pay Range: $44.76-$67.19
- Other Compensation (if applicable): Shift Differential
Like many employers, UMMS is being targeted by cybercriminals impersonating our recruiters and offering fake job opportunities. We will never ask for banking details, personal identification, or payment via email or text. If you suspect fraud, please contact us at careers@umms.edu.
See all 291+ OPT Nuclear Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Nuclear Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Nuclear Engineer
Target STEM OPT-eligible employers first
Nuclear engineering is a STEM-designated field, so your degree qualifies for the 24-month STEM extension. Focus on employers registered with E-Verify, which is required for STEM OPT and filters your search toward sponsorship-ready companies.
Understand security clearance timelines
Many nuclear engineering roles at national laboratories and defense contractors require security clearances. Clearances take months to process and may restrict OPT students, so ask about eligibility requirements before applying to avoid wasted time.
Prioritize national laboratories and utilities
Employers like national labs and nuclear utilities have established immigration processes and regularly sponsor H-1B visas. These organizations hire OPT students with defined pathways to full-time sponsorship, making them stronger long-term bets than smaller firms.
Document your engineering specialization clearly
Nuclear engineering covers reactor design, radiation protection, waste management, and fuel cycle work. Make your resume specialty-specific so hiring managers can immediately see how your coursework and projects align with their open role and sponsorship justification.
Start your H-1B conversation early
The H-1B lottery registration opens in March for an October start date. If you begin OPT in mid-year, you may have only one lottery cycle before your authorization expires, so discuss sponsorship timelines with potential employers before accepting any offer.
Leverage your university's research network
Nuclear engineering programs maintain strong ties to national laboratories through research partnerships. Internships and assistantships at these facilities often convert to full-time OPT roles with sponsorship, and internal referrals dramatically improve hiring odds in this niche field.
Nuclear Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Nuclear Engineer on OPT?
Yes, nuclear engineering is a STEM-designated field, so F-1 students can work in qualifying roles under standard 12-month OPT and apply for the 24-month STEM extension, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Your employment must be directly related to your degree program and meet DSO reporting requirements.
Do Nuclear Engineer employers typically sponsor H-1B visas?
Nuclear engineering has a relatively strong H-1B sponsorship rate compared to many other fields. National laboratories, nuclear utilities, and large engineering firms regularly sponsor because the talent pool is narrow and specialized. Smaller consultancies and early-stage companies are less likely to sponsor, so targeting established employers with dedicated HR and immigration teams improves your odds significantly.
Will security clearance requirements affect my OPT job search?
Security clearances are common in defense and government nuclear roles, and many require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, which excludes OPT students. However, commercial nuclear utilities, academic research institutions, and private engineering firms frequently hire without clearance requirements. You can find OPT-accessible nuclear engineering roles on Migrate Mate, where listings are filtered for international student eligibility.
What happens if my OPT expires before my employer files an H-1B?
If your employer files an H-1B petition before your OPT expires and you have a timely filed I-765 or valid EAD, you may be protected under cap-gap provisions until October 1. The H-1B lottery in March is your critical window. If you miss a cycle, you may need to explore alternatives like the O-1 visa or an employer-sponsored L-1 visa if the company has international offices.
Does the type of nuclear engineering role affect my STEM OPT eligibility?
Your role must be directly related to your degree field to qualify for STEM OPT. Core nuclear engineering functions, including reactor analysis, health physics, fuel cycle engineering, and nuclear safety analysis, clearly qualify. Roles that drift into general project management or unrelated technical work may not satisfy DSO requirements, so confirm the job description aligns with your degree before accepting an offer.