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 JobsDepartment Overview:
The Nuclear Medicine/CT Technologist performs a comprehensive range of diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures that utilize a variety of equipment for use in diagnosis and treatment of patient disease. Nuclear Medicine Technologists work with infant, pediatric, adult and geriatric patients.
Flex position: This position does not have guaranteed hours or schedule.
Function/Duties of Position:
Nuclear Medicine:
- Performs all phases of diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures. These procedures include but are not limited to imaging bone, liver, kidney, brain, infection, and tumor localization and pharmacologic / stress exercise myocardial perfusion.
- Prepares various diagnostic and therapeutic isotopes for patient administration. Utilizes applications of Planar, In-vitro, SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography), SPECT/CT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computerized Tomography), and PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography/Computerized Tomography) to optimize each image during the examination to obtain the highest quality study with the least discomfort to the patient.
- Assists the physician in invasive and/or specialized procedures, such as a therapy, sentinel node injection/localization, brain shunts as directed. Provides quality Planar, SPECT, SPECT/CT, PET/CT, and In-Vitro applications to acquire images or in-vitro testing, using optimal skills and knowledge of equipment. Evaluates normal/abnormal anatomy and any related abnormalities or artifacts for presentation to Radiologist using knowledge and principals of nuclear medicine, Gamma Camera planar, SPECT, SPECT/CT and PET/CT physics. Recognizes and reports significant situations relating to patient care. Participates in research protocols under the supervision of physicians and supervisor.
CT Imaging:
- Provides quality multi-slice computed CT applications to acquire exams with accuracy and efficiency, using optimal skills and knowledge of equipment.
- Documents and demonstrates knowledge and skill to evaluate normal /abnormal anatomy and any related pathologies for presentation to the Radiologist.
- Demonstrates knowledge and skill in CT physics.
- Exercises responsible judgment in recognizing and reporting significant situations relating to patient care.
- Prepares and instructs the patient for the diagnostic study using age appropriate communication skills.
- Optimizes each image during the examination to obtain the highest quality study with the least discomfort to the patient.
- Must be able to perform all ranges of exams after completion of technical competencies. Continues to stay current in regards to new CT technology hardware and software upgrades.
Documentation:
- Verifies complete documentation of all pertinent information to provide accurate and timely service to customers.
- Verifies and initials orders in patient chart.
- Responsible for correctly identify patients by complying with Imaging dept. Patient Identification Policy.
- Labels images completely with patient demographics, position or other required documentation.
- Follows through with all aspects of scanning duties in order to provide efficient and timely completion of examinations with correct data entry, begin and complete with correct billing and verification that images are in PACS.
- Technologists prescreen all patients for sensitivity to medication materials. Implements the correct types of contrast and injection factors on a case-by-case basis. Films or burns a CD of selected images on hard copy in a manner, which best illustrates anatomy and pathology specific to each individual examination.
Other Duties as Assigned
Required Qualifications:
- Must be ARRT (N) and/or NMTCB, and ARRT (CT) registered or eligible and be credentialed within 12 months of hire.
- Student applicants must be registry eligible upon hire, and successfully obtain the ARRT (N) and/or NMTCB registry within 6 months and successfully obtain the ARRT (CT) registry within 12 months of hire and licensed by the Oregon Board of Medical Imaging.
- Must have current approved CPR card.
- Positions within person patient care: BLS certificate within 30 days of hire or prior to independent practice, whichever comes first.
- Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Graduate of an approved Nuclear Medicine and CT training program.
- Be qualified to sit for the ARRT (CT) exam.
- 1 Year of previous hospital experience.
Additional Details:
This position works in a busy environment with frequent interruptions, multiple demands and continuous interaction with patients and other medical professionals. It requires being exposed to chemical solutions, and human tissue/fluids.
Why apply to OHSU?: We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu
Department Overview:
The Nuclear Medicine/CT Technologist performs a comprehensive range of diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures that utilize a variety of equipment for use in diagnosis and treatment of patient disease. Nuclear Medicine Technologists work with infant, pediatric, adult and geriatric patients.
Flex position: This position does not have guaranteed hours or schedule.
Function/Duties of Position:
Nuclear Medicine:
- Performs all phases of diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures. These procedures include but are not limited to imaging bone, liver, kidney, brain, infection, and tumor localization and pharmacologic / stress exercise myocardial perfusion.
- Prepares various diagnostic and therapeutic isotopes for patient administration. Utilizes applications of Planar, In-vitro, SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography), SPECT/CT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computerized Tomography), and PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography/Computerized Tomography) to optimize each image during the examination to obtain the highest quality study with the least discomfort to the patient.
- Assists the physician in invasive and/or specialized procedures, such as a therapy, sentinel node injection/localization, brain shunts as directed. Provides quality Planar, SPECT, SPECT/CT, PET/CT, and In-Vitro applications to acquire images or in-vitro testing, using optimal skills and knowledge of equipment. Evaluates normal/abnormal anatomy and any related abnormalities or artifacts for presentation to Radiologist using knowledge and principals of nuclear medicine, Gamma Camera planar, SPECT, SPECT/CT and PET/CT physics. Recognizes and reports significant situations relating to patient care. Participates in research protocols under the supervision of physicians and supervisor.
CT Imaging:
- Provides quality multi-slice computed CT applications to acquire exams with accuracy and efficiency, using optimal skills and knowledge of equipment.
- Documents and demonstrates knowledge and skill to evaluate normal /abnormal anatomy and any related pathologies for presentation to the Radiologist.
- Demonstrates knowledge and skill in CT physics.
- Exercises responsible judgment in recognizing and reporting significant situations relating to patient care.
- Prepares and instructs the patient for the diagnostic study using age appropriate communication skills.
- Optimizes each image during the examination to obtain the highest quality study with the least discomfort to the patient.
- Must be able to perform all ranges of exams after completion of technical competencies. Continues to stay current in regards to new CT technology hardware and software upgrades.
Documentation:
- Verifies complete documentation of all pertinent information to provide accurate and timely service to customers.
- Verifies and initials orders in patient chart.
- Responsible for correctly identify patients by complying with Imaging dept. Patient Identification Policy.
- Labels images completely with patient demographics, position or other required documentation.
- Follows through with all aspects of scanning duties in order to provide efficient and timely completion of examinations with correct data entry, begin and complete with correct billing and verification that images are in PACS.
- Technologists prescreen all patients for sensitivity to medication materials. Implements the correct types of contrast and injection factors on a case-by-case basis. Films or burns a CD of selected images on hard copy in a manner, which best illustrates anatomy and pathology specific to each individual examination.
Other Duties as Assigned
Required Qualifications:
- Must be ARRT (N) and/or NMTCB, and ARRT (CT) registered or eligible and be credentialed within 12 months of hire.
- Student applicants must be registry eligible upon hire, and successfully obtain the ARRT (N) and/or NMTCB registry within 6 months and successfully obtain the ARRT (CT) registry within 12 months of hire and licensed by the Oregon Board of Medical Imaging.
- Must have current approved CPR card.
- Positions within person patient care: BLS certificate within 30 days of hire or prior to independent practice, whichever comes first.
- Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Graduate of an approved Nuclear Medicine and CT training program.
- Be qualified to sit for the ARRT (CT) exam.
- 1 Year of previous hospital experience.
Additional Details:
This position works in a busy environment with frequent interruptions, multiple demands and continuous interaction with patients and other medical professionals. It requires being exposed to chemical solutions, and human tissue/fluids.
Why apply to OHSU?: We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu
See all 246+ 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.