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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Get Access To All JobsAre you interested in being part of an innovative team that supports Westinghouse’s mission to provide clean energy solutions? At Westinghouse, we recognize that our employees are our most valuable asset and we seek to identify, attract and recruit the most qualified talent while recognizing and encouraging the value of diversity in the global workplace.
About The Role
As a Nuclear Engineer 2 you will provide miscellaneous plant support to the operations of the Wolf Creek Generating Station (WCGS) in fulfillment of the Core Design & Safety Analysis function outsourcing arrangement between the Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Company and Westinghouse Electric Company. These responsibilities require knowledge of WCGS's in-house safety analyses, acquiring and maintaining the necessary qualifications in WCGS procedures, and knowledge of the Westinghouse safety analyses to be used to help operate the WCGS. A secondary focus will involve the provision of transient analyses, as assigned, to support other Westinghouse customers. You will report to the Manager, Integrated Site Engineering. Safety Analysis, Risk Applications, and Licensing and be located at Wolf Creek Generating Station (WCGS) in Burlington, Kansas.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform safety analysis engineering efforts at Wolf Creek Generating Station (WCGS).
- You will perform complex engineering design and analyses in the commercial nuclear industry and providing technical input and written documents supporting the design, development, performance, and delivery of technical products and services.
- Initially, primary focus will support the successful transition of the WCNOC Core design and safety analysis methodology to Westinghouse methodology.
- Directly responsible for daily overall WCNOC customer satisfaction in the area of fuel reload design and support.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Nuclear engineering required.
- Minimum 3+ years of applicable experience.
- Perform assigned analyses related to the delivery of fuel reloads including fuel core and thermal hydraulic design, Chapter 15 LOCA, non-LOCA and containment transient analysis.
- Unescorted Access needed: Unescorted access at Wolf Creek Generating Station will be required.
- Provide periodic updates and recommendations regarding the nature and status of work/projects to all appropriate internal and external personnel. Develop and deliver presentations to communicate statuses, problem resolutions, recommendations, or promote business-related products.
- Develop procedures, processes, and methods for implementing technical requirements.
Beneficial Skills
- Expertise in the use of standard Thermal-Hydraulic computer codes used to support WCGS operations, including RETRAN02, VIPRE01, and Westinghouse-specific equivalents.
- Familiarity with NRC Requirements for safety analysis applications.
- Detailed knowledge of the WCGS customer organization and daily work practices in the area of fuel reload design, safety analysis, core performance/reactor engineering, and system engineering.
- Detailed knowledge of both existing WCGS and Westinghouse safety analysis methodologies and the interface of the safety analysis methodology with the WCGS core performance, PRA, Design Engineering, and Operations groups.
We are committed to transparency and equity in all of our people practices. The base salary range for this position, which is dependent upon experience, qualifications and skills, is estimated to be $69,200 to $86,500 per year.
Why Westinghouse?
Benefits
Our benefits package is tailored to meet the diverse needs of our employees, while also promoting wellness and career growth. The following are representative of what we offer:
- Comprehensive Medical benefits which could include medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions options.
- Wellness Programs designed to support employees in maintaining their health and well-being including Employee Assistance Program providing support for our employees and their household members.
- 401(k) with Company Match Contributions to support employees' retirement.
- Paid Vacations and Company Holidays.
- Opportunities for Flexible Work Arrangements to promote work-life balance.
- Educational Reimbursement and Comprehensive Career Programs to help employees grow in their careers.
- Global Recognition and Service Programs to celebrate employee accomplishments and service.
- Employee Referral Program.
Westinghouse Electric Company Is The Global Nuclear Energy Industry's First Choice For Safe, Clean, And Efficient Energy Solutions. We Enable Our Delivery Of This Vision By Living Our Value System:
- Safety and Quality
- Integrity and Trust
- Customer Focus and Innovation
- Speed and Passion to Win
- Teamwork and Accountability
While our Global Headquarters are located in Cranberry Township, PA, we have over 11,000 employees working at locations in 19 different countries. Westinghouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.
Get connected with Westinghouse on social media:
Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube
Are you interested in being part of an innovative team that supports Westinghouse’s mission to provide clean energy solutions? At Westinghouse, we recognize that our employees are our most valuable asset and we seek to identify, attract and recruit the most qualified talent while recognizing and encouraging the value of diversity in the global workplace.
About The Role
As a Nuclear Engineer 2 you will provide miscellaneous plant support to the operations of the Wolf Creek Generating Station (WCGS) in fulfillment of the Core Design & Safety Analysis function outsourcing arrangement between the Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Company and Westinghouse Electric Company. These responsibilities require knowledge of WCGS's in-house safety analyses, acquiring and maintaining the necessary qualifications in WCGS procedures, and knowledge of the Westinghouse safety analyses to be used to help operate the WCGS. A secondary focus will involve the provision of transient analyses, as assigned, to support other Westinghouse customers. You will report to the Manager, Integrated Site Engineering. Safety Analysis, Risk Applications, and Licensing and be located at Wolf Creek Generating Station (WCGS) in Burlington, Kansas.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform safety analysis engineering efforts at Wolf Creek Generating Station (WCGS).
- You will perform complex engineering design and analyses in the commercial nuclear industry and providing technical input and written documents supporting the design, development, performance, and delivery of technical products and services.
- Initially, primary focus will support the successful transition of the WCNOC Core design and safety analysis methodology to Westinghouse methodology.
- Directly responsible for daily overall WCNOC customer satisfaction in the area of fuel reload design and support.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Nuclear engineering required.
- Minimum 3+ years of applicable experience.
- Perform assigned analyses related to the delivery of fuel reloads including fuel core and thermal hydraulic design, Chapter 15 LOCA, non-LOCA and containment transient analysis.
- Unescorted Access needed: Unescorted access at Wolf Creek Generating Station will be required.
- Provide periodic updates and recommendations regarding the nature and status of work/projects to all appropriate internal and external personnel. Develop and deliver presentations to communicate statuses, problem resolutions, recommendations, or promote business-related products.
- Develop procedures, processes, and methods for implementing technical requirements.
Beneficial Skills
- Expertise in the use of standard Thermal-Hydraulic computer codes used to support WCGS operations, including RETRAN02, VIPRE01, and Westinghouse-specific equivalents.
- Familiarity with NRC Requirements for safety analysis applications.
- Detailed knowledge of the WCGS customer organization and daily work practices in the area of fuel reload design, safety analysis, core performance/reactor engineering, and system engineering.
- Detailed knowledge of both existing WCGS and Westinghouse safety analysis methodologies and the interface of the safety analysis methodology with the WCGS core performance, PRA, Design Engineering, and Operations groups.
We are committed to transparency and equity in all of our people practices. The base salary range for this position, which is dependent upon experience, qualifications and skills, is estimated to be $69,200 to $86,500 per year.
Why Westinghouse?
Benefits
Our benefits package is tailored to meet the diverse needs of our employees, while also promoting wellness and career growth. The following are representative of what we offer:
- Comprehensive Medical benefits which could include medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions options.
- Wellness Programs designed to support employees in maintaining their health and well-being including Employee Assistance Program providing support for our employees and their household members.
- 401(k) with Company Match Contributions to support employees' retirement.
- Paid Vacations and Company Holidays.
- Opportunities for Flexible Work Arrangements to promote work-life balance.
- Educational Reimbursement and Comprehensive Career Programs to help employees grow in their careers.
- Global Recognition and Service Programs to celebrate employee accomplishments and service.
- Employee Referral Program.
Westinghouse Electric Company Is The Global Nuclear Energy Industry's First Choice For Safe, Clean, And Efficient Energy Solutions. We Enable Our Delivery Of This Vision By Living Our Value System:
- Safety and Quality
- Integrity and Trust
- Customer Focus and Innovation
- Speed and Passion to Win
- Teamwork and Accountability
While our Global Headquarters are located in Cranberry Township, PA, we have over 11,000 employees working at locations in 19 different countries. Westinghouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.
Get connected with Westinghouse on social media:
Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube
See all 56+ OPT Nuclear Engineer Jobs
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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.