OPT Reactor Engineer Jobs
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 visa sponsors.
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MRR Reactor Operations
Job Description
The MURR Reactor Engineer II – Reactor Support reports directly to the Senior Manager – Support. This position supports reactor operations by executing delegated system engineering initiatives under the strategic direction of the Senior Manager – Support. This position focuses on long-term system reliability, configuration control, fabrication capability, and operational improvement to reduce risk, improve maintainability, and strengthen the University of Missouri Research Reactor’s operational readiness.
This role is intentionally structured to address forward-looking challenges that cannot be effectively managed through day-to-day operations alone.
Job Duties
- Serve as the assigned system steward for designated reactor systems and components as directed by the Senior Manager – Support.
- Evaluate system health and performance, including aging mechanisms, obsolescence risks, and single-point vulnerabilities, and develop mitigation strategies.
- Support development of long-range maintenance and replacement strategies in coordination with Operations and Maintenance leadership.
- Lead in-house engineering initiatives for control blade fabrication and refurbishment, reactor-specific tooling and fixtures, and replacement or redesign of obsolete components.
- Develop, review, and maintain SolidWorks models, drawings, and fabrication packages.
- Maintain configuration control authority by ensuring systems and components are accurately documented and reflect as-built conditions.
- Assist with preparation and review of Modification Records, engineering change documentation, and supporting analyses impacting reactor operations.
- Act as a technical resource for operational system changes.
- Identify recurring equipment and system issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement engineering-based corrective solutions.
- Perform trend analysis and support root-cause evaluations for system failures.
- Lead projects that reduce maintenance burden, improve system reliability, and enhance operational efficiency.
- Provide engineering guidance across departments, ensuring alignment with operational priorities and regulatory expectations.
Successful candidates will be persuasive communicators, have exceptional organizational and time management skills, and must demonstrate the following durable skills: leadership, character, collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, metacognition, mindfulness, growth mindset, fortitude, customer service, confidentiality, integrity, and commitment to the University values.
Shift
Monday through Friday 8AM to 5PM. Some work before and after standard schedule as needed for continued operations.
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
- Experience with nuclear reactor systems or other safety-critical, high-reliability facilities, including responsibility for system lifecycle or stewardship activities.
- Demonstrated system engineering experience focused on reliability, preventative maintenance, obsolescence mitigation, and configuration control.
- Hands-on experience with mechanical design, fabrication, tooling, or component refurbishment, with proficiency in SolidWorks or comparable CAD software.
- Proven ability to perform root cause and trend analysis to resolve recurring equipment or system issues through sustainable engineering solutions.
- Experience leading cross-functional engineering projects in regulated environments to improve maintainability, reliability, or operational efficiency.
Anticipated Hiring Range
Salary Range: $100,000-$110,000/yr
Grade: GGS-M12
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 at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.
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.
Hiring Department
MRR Reactor Operations
Job Description
The MURR Reactor Engineer II – Reactor Support reports directly to the Senior Manager – Support. This position supports reactor operations by executing delegated system engineering initiatives under the strategic direction of the Senior Manager – Support. This position focuses on long-term system reliability, configuration control, fabrication capability, and operational improvement to reduce risk, improve maintainability, and strengthen the University of Missouri Research Reactor’s operational readiness.
This role is intentionally structured to address forward-looking challenges that cannot be effectively managed through day-to-day operations alone.
Job Duties
- Serve as the assigned system steward for designated reactor systems and components as directed by the Senior Manager – Support.
- Evaluate system health and performance, including aging mechanisms, obsolescence risks, and single-point vulnerabilities, and develop mitigation strategies.
- Support development of long-range maintenance and replacement strategies in coordination with Operations and Maintenance leadership.
- Lead in-house engineering initiatives for control blade fabrication and refurbishment, reactor-specific tooling and fixtures, and replacement or redesign of obsolete components.
- Develop, review, and maintain SolidWorks models, drawings, and fabrication packages.
- Maintain configuration control authority by ensuring systems and components are accurately documented and reflect as-built conditions.
- Assist with preparation and review of Modification Records, engineering change documentation, and supporting analyses impacting reactor operations.
- Act as a technical resource for operational system changes.
- Identify recurring equipment and system issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement engineering-based corrective solutions.
- Perform trend analysis and support root-cause evaluations for system failures.
- Lead projects that reduce maintenance burden, improve system reliability, and enhance operational efficiency.
- Provide engineering guidance across departments, ensuring alignment with operational priorities and regulatory expectations.
Successful candidates will be persuasive communicators, have exceptional organizational and time management skills, and must demonstrate the following durable skills: leadership, character, collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, metacognition, mindfulness, growth mindset, fortitude, customer service, confidentiality, integrity, and commitment to the University values.
Shift
Monday through Friday 8AM to 5PM. Some work before and after standard schedule as needed for continued operations.
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
- Experience with nuclear reactor systems or other safety-critical, high-reliability facilities, including responsibility for system lifecycle or stewardship activities.
- Demonstrated system engineering experience focused on reliability, preventative maintenance, obsolescence mitigation, and configuration control.
- Hands-on experience with mechanical design, fabrication, tooling, or component refurbishment, with proficiency in SolidWorks or comparable CAD software.
- Proven ability to perform root cause and trend analysis to resolve recurring equipment or system issues through sustainable engineering solutions.
- Experience leading cross-functional engineering projects in regulated environments to improve maintainability, reliability, or operational efficiency.
Anticipated Hiring Range
Salary Range: $100,000-$110,000/yr
Grade: GGS-M12
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 at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.
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.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT 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 visa 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 OPT: Frequently 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.