Reactor Engineer Jobs for OPT Students
Reactor Engineer jobs on OPT require STEM-designated programs in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field, which qualifies you for 24-month STEM OPT extension. Most roles are in national laboratories, utilities, and defense contractors, many of which are active H-1B sponsors.
See All Reactor Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 17+ Reactor Engineer jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 17+ Reactor Engineer jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Reactor Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
A life-saving operation in the middle of America — the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) — needs you to help guide its future. MURR is expanding its critical cancer-fighting and medical isotope production. MURR’s reactor is the highest-power university research reactor in the United States, operating at 10 megawatts, 6.5 days a week and 52 weeks a year. The MURR facility enables research across many disciplines – from investigating ancient cultures and how plants respond to their environment, to analyzing industrial materials and developing radiopharmaceuticals that have lifesaving clinical applications. The MURR facility is a reliable resource for researchers, scientists, engineers, and students across the country. Be a part of the future of fighting cancer and saving lives. Be a part of MURR.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) is seeking an Engineer II. This position will report to the Manager of the Engineering group and will be responsible for working with internal and external customers to provide innovative solutions to MU Research Reactor Facility projects. This individual will perform routine to complex assignments, using both new and existing procedures and protocols coupled with their experience.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Key Duties Performed by This Position Will Include:
- Perform detailed designs, with full documentation, of new prototype equipment and systems, and performing modifications, and changes to the reactor, facility infrastructure, research, and service equipment.
- Infrastructure maintenance of mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and other utility systems. This involves conducting periodic facility/system inspections and making assessments to determine repair and modification requirements and developing procedures and plans for project implementation, as necessary.
- Maintain familiarity with various codes, guidelines and requirements issued by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Building Officials and Code Administrators International (BOCA) etc.
- Interface with both internal and external customers and follows a project through the entire process, from conception to final installation and commissioning.
- Writing the standard operating procedure for installed systems.
- Work with Campus Facilities to complete maintenance projects on time, while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.
- Work with external vendors and contractors either as member of a team.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Collaborating with Project Managers for proper allocation and tracking of resources.
- Preparing procedures, reports and other documentation of projects, project updates, and other critical analysis as necessary.
- Testing and documenting design prototypes before final construction and installation.
- Mentoring and teaching for new engineers to develop their skills.
Successful candidates will be persuasive communicators with exceptional organizational and time management skills. They must demonstrate the following durable skills: leadership, character, collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, metacognition, mindfulness, growth mindset, and fortitude. Additionally, customer service, confidentiality, integrity, and a commitment to university values in their activities. Must be available for reliable and consistent onsite work.
SCHEDULE
Monday - Friday, 8AM - 5PM, with occasional weekends and evenings.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in related/relevant area and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of structural mechanics, fluid mechanics, machine design, and HVAC systems.
- Excellent analytical and computational skills.
- Advanced problem-solving skills.
- Creative and innovative thinking.
- Commercial awareness, including understanding of target user and market.
- Proficiency with CAD software specifically Solidworks, AutoCAD etc.
- Possession of a professional engineers license is a plus.
- Earned Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent with a minimum of five years post graduate experience.
ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE
Salary Range: $90,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Grade: GGS 010
University Title: MURR Reactor Engineer II
Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!
BENEFIT ELIGIBILITY
This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.
INTRODUCTION
A life-saving operation in the middle of America — the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) — needs you to help guide its future. MURR is expanding its critical cancer-fighting and medical isotope production. MURR’s reactor is the highest-power university research reactor in the United States, operating at 10 megawatts, 6.5 days a week and 52 weeks a year. The MURR facility enables research across many disciplines – from investigating ancient cultures and how plants respond to their environment, to analyzing industrial materials and developing radiopharmaceuticals that have lifesaving clinical applications. The MURR facility is a reliable resource for researchers, scientists, engineers, and students across the country. Be a part of the future of fighting cancer and saving lives. Be a part of MURR.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) is seeking an Engineer II. This position will report to the Manager of the Engineering group and will be responsible for working with internal and external customers to provide innovative solutions to MU Research Reactor Facility projects. This individual will perform routine to complex assignments, using both new and existing procedures and protocols coupled with their experience.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Key Duties Performed by This Position Will Include:
- Perform detailed designs, with full documentation, of new prototype equipment and systems, and performing modifications, and changes to the reactor, facility infrastructure, research, and service equipment.
- Infrastructure maintenance of mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and other utility systems. This involves conducting periodic facility/system inspections and making assessments to determine repair and modification requirements and developing procedures and plans for project implementation, as necessary.
- Maintain familiarity with various codes, guidelines and requirements issued by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Building Officials and Code Administrators International (BOCA) etc.
- Interface with both internal and external customers and follows a project through the entire process, from conception to final installation and commissioning.
- Writing the standard operating procedure for installed systems.
- Work with Campus Facilities to complete maintenance projects on time, while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.
- Work with external vendors and contractors either as member of a team.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Collaborating with Project Managers for proper allocation and tracking of resources.
- Preparing procedures, reports and other documentation of projects, project updates, and other critical analysis as necessary.
- Testing and documenting design prototypes before final construction and installation.
- Mentoring and teaching for new engineers to develop their skills.
Successful candidates will be persuasive communicators with exceptional organizational and time management skills. They must demonstrate the following durable skills: leadership, character, collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, metacognition, mindfulness, growth mindset, and fortitude. Additionally, customer service, confidentiality, integrity, and a commitment to university values in their activities. Must be available for reliable and consistent onsite work.
SCHEDULE
Monday - Friday, 8AM - 5PM, with occasional weekends and evenings.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in related/relevant area and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of structural mechanics, fluid mechanics, machine design, and HVAC systems.
- Excellent analytical and computational skills.
- Advanced problem-solving skills.
- Creative and innovative thinking.
- Commercial awareness, including understanding of target user and market.
- Proficiency with CAD software specifically Solidworks, AutoCAD etc.
- Possession of a professional engineers license is a plus.
- Earned Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent with a minimum of five years post graduate experience.
ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE
Salary Range: $90,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Grade: GGS 010
University Title: MURR Reactor Engineer II
Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!
BENEFIT ELIGIBILITY
This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Reactor Engineer
Target STEM OPT-eligible employers first
National laboratories like Argonne, Oak Ridge, and Sandia, along with nuclear utilities and defense contractors, routinely hire reactor engineers on OPT and have established pathways to H-1B sponsorship. Prioritize companies with a documented history of sponsoring nuclear engineers.
Confirm security clearance compatibility early
Many reactor engineer roles require DOE Q or L clearances, which are generally unavailable to non-permanent residents. Identify civilian utility and commercial nuclear roles that do not require clearance before applying to avoid wasting time on ineligible positions.
Align your degree field with the job description
OPT authorization requires your job to be directly related to your degree. A nuclear engineering or mechanical engineering degree maps cleanly to reactor engineer roles. If your degree is adjacent, document the connection clearly for your DSO and USCIS records.
File your STEM OPT extension well before the 12-month deadline
STEM OPT applications must be filed at least 90 days before your initial OPT expires. For reactor engineers, who often face longer hiring cycles at large employers, starting the extension process early protects your authorization window during background and onboarding checks.
Highlight relevant coursework and software fluency
Employers screening OPT candidates for reactor roles value fluency in codes like RELAP, MCNP, or SCALE. Leading with specific simulation tools and reactor physics coursework in your application signals readiness and reduces the hesitation some hiring managers have around sponsorship risk.
Get your employer reporting obligations in writing
STEM OPT requires your employer to complete a formal training plan and report material changes to your DSO within five days. Confirm before accepting an offer that HR understands these obligations and has handled STEM OPT reporting before, since gaps can jeopardize your status.
Reactor Engineer jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Reactor Engineer JobsSee all 17+ Reactor Engineer jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Reactor Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do Reactor Engineer jobs qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree is in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, or another STEM-designated field listed on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Reactor engineer roles map directly to these fields. You must be working for an E-Verify employer and have your training plan on file with your DSO to qualify for the extension.
Can F-1 OPT students work at nuclear power plants or national laboratories?
F-1 OPT students can work at commercial nuclear utilities and many national laboratories, but access depends on the specific role and whether a security clearance is required. DOE Q and L clearances are restricted to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Civilian engineering roles in reactor analysis, fuel management, and safety review at utilities are generally OPT-accessible.
How do I find Reactor Engineer jobs that are open to OPT students?
Browse Migrate Mate, which lists reactor engineer and nuclear engineering roles filtered for visa-friendly employers, including those with active OPT and H-1B sponsorship histories. Searching on a general job board often surfaces clearance-required roles that screen out OPT students, so a sponsorship-focused platform saves significant time during a compressed authorization window.
What happens to my OPT authorization if my reactor engineer job ends before I find a new one?
F-1 OPT students are allowed an aggregate of 90 days of unemployment during the standard 12-month OPT period, and an additional 60 days during the STEM OPT extension. The clock starts the day your employment ends. If you exceed the limit, your F-1 status is violated. Notify your DSO immediately when employment ends so they can help you track the window.
Do employers in the nuclear industry commonly sponsor OPT students for H-1B visas?
Many commercial nuclear utilities and engineering firms that hire reactor engineers do sponsor H-1B visas, particularly for candidates who demonstrate technical depth in reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, or safety analysis. Defense contractors vary widely depending on the role's clearance requirements. Researching an employer's H-1B filing history before applying is the most reliable way to gauge sponsorship intent.
See which Reactor Engineer employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Reactor Engineer Jobs