Reactor Operator Jobs for OPT Students
Reactor Operator jobs are available to F-1 OPT students with degrees in nuclear engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field. Most positions qualify for STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of work authorization. Employers in this field are accustomed to licensing requirements and federal background checks.
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Get Access To All JobsRequisition ID: 94171
NextEra Energy Resources is one of America’s largest wholesale electricity generators, harnessing diverse energy sources to power progress. We deliver tailored energy solutions that fuel economic growth, strengthen communities, and help customers achieve their energy goals. Ready to make a lasting impact? Take the next step in your career with us!
Position Specific Description
NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Inc. is seeking a Reactor Operator for our Duane Arnold Energy Center. This single unit BWR nuclear facility is located just outside Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Licensing Classes are scheduled for August 2026 and early 2027 (onsite date ASAP). Successful candidates will have superior execution skills, be detail-oriented and have technical aptitude in electronic, hydraulic, and mechanical systems.
While employed in this position, the primary responsibility will be familiarization of the Duane Arnold Energy Center (DAEC) in preparation for the potential restart of DAEC. During this time, employees selected for this position will also prepare for License Class and perform duties as assigned.
Job Overview
The Reactor Operator (RO) candidate is required to make satisfactory progress in preparation for passing the NRC RO exam, pass the NRC RO exam and complete the program to become a Reactor Operator.
This position requires participation and completion of the License Class, a preparatory program for the job of Reactor Operator. In order to participate in License Class, six months of commercial nuclear experience is required. During this time, employees selected for this position will also prepare for License Class and perform duties as assigned.
Employees in this position must successfully complete the entire program. Individuals partake in several training programs including the Reactor Operator (RO) training program, Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) RO license exam. The position requires employees to perform reactor operating duties, reactor engineering tasks, direction to field operators and assigned maintenance duties. Other duties as assigned including ensuring safe and efficient operation of the nuclear plant while maintaining critical control systems critical for plant operation.
Job Duties & Responsibilities
- Completes the site Reactor Operator (RO) License
- Develops planning, organizing, and directing skills
- Practices controlling shift operations
- Develops up-to-date knowledge of plant operating conditions and limitations established by technical specifications and the plant operating license
- Practices performing as a reactor operator
- Progresses in knowledge to pass the NRC RO exam and program completion
- Completes and passes any other training course, instruction, event, simulation, and on-the-job performance
- Support qualification of all licensed and non-licensed operators
- Successfully completed a physical exam that meets ANSI standard; ANS. 3.4, ANSI N546-1976 (licensed operator physical)
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
- High School Diploma or the equivalent
- Pass the Plant Operator Selection System (POSS) test
- Candidates for an RO license shall have one of the following qualifications:
- Six months as a qualified non-licensed operator at the Nuclear facility identified
- Twelve months as a qualified non-licensed operator at a comparable facility or eighteen months at a non-comparable facility
- Six months as a licensed operator at a comparable facility or twelve months at a non-comparable facility
- Eighteen months experience in a position equivalent to a reactor operator at a military reactor
- Twenty-seven months experience at a non-nuclear facility
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree
Special Requirements
Nuclear Specific Requirements:
- ACAD 10-001 (Guidelines for Initial Training and Qualification of Licensed Operators) apply to this position
- Rotating shift work
- Successful completion of a Licensed Operator Physical
- Ability to obtain and maintain unescorted Nuclear Access, including participation in Fitness for Duty Program
- Condition of employment:
- Successful completion of the RO license class and attainment of NRC RO license
NextEra Energy offers a wide range of benefits to support our employees and their eligible family members. Click here to learn more.
Employee Group: Non Exempt
Employee Type: Full Time
Job Category: Operations
Organization: NextEra Energy Duane Arnold, LLC
Relocation Provided: Yes, if applicable
NextEra Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, age, national origin, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetics, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by law.
NextEra Energy provides reasonable accommodation in its application and selection process for qualified individuals, including accommodations related to compliance with conditional job offer requirements, consistent with federal, state, and local laws. Supporting medical or religious documentation will be required where applicable and permitted by applicable law. To request a reasonable accommodation, please send an e-mail to recruiting-coordinator.sharedmailbox@nexteraenergy.com, providing your name, telephone number and the best time for us to reach you.
NextEra Energy will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
NextEra Energy does not accept any unsolicited resumes or referrals from any third-party recruiting firms or agencies. Please see our policy for more information.
LI-CC2
Requisition ID: 94171
NextEra Energy Resources is one of America’s largest wholesale electricity generators, harnessing diverse energy sources to power progress. We deliver tailored energy solutions that fuel economic growth, strengthen communities, and help customers achieve their energy goals. Ready to make a lasting impact? Take the next step in your career with us!
Position Specific Description
NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Inc. is seeking a Reactor Operator for our Duane Arnold Energy Center. This single unit BWR nuclear facility is located just outside Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Licensing Classes are scheduled for August 2026 and early 2027 (onsite date ASAP). Successful candidates will have superior execution skills, be detail-oriented and have technical aptitude in electronic, hydraulic, and mechanical systems.
While employed in this position, the primary responsibility will be familiarization of the Duane Arnold Energy Center (DAEC) in preparation for the potential restart of DAEC. During this time, employees selected for this position will also prepare for License Class and perform duties as assigned.
Job Overview
The Reactor Operator (RO) candidate is required to make satisfactory progress in preparation for passing the NRC RO exam, pass the NRC RO exam and complete the program to become a Reactor Operator.
This position requires participation and completion of the License Class, a preparatory program for the job of Reactor Operator. In order to participate in License Class, six months of commercial nuclear experience is required. During this time, employees selected for this position will also prepare for License Class and perform duties as assigned.
Employees in this position must successfully complete the entire program. Individuals partake in several training programs including the Reactor Operator (RO) training program, Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) RO license exam. The position requires employees to perform reactor operating duties, reactor engineering tasks, direction to field operators and assigned maintenance duties. Other duties as assigned including ensuring safe and efficient operation of the nuclear plant while maintaining critical control systems critical for plant operation.
Job Duties & Responsibilities
- Completes the site Reactor Operator (RO) License
- Develops planning, organizing, and directing skills
- Practices controlling shift operations
- Develops up-to-date knowledge of plant operating conditions and limitations established by technical specifications and the plant operating license
- Practices performing as a reactor operator
- Progresses in knowledge to pass the NRC RO exam and program completion
- Completes and passes any other training course, instruction, event, simulation, and on-the-job performance
- Support qualification of all licensed and non-licensed operators
- Successfully completed a physical exam that meets ANSI standard; ANS. 3.4, ANSI N546-1976 (licensed operator physical)
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
- High School Diploma or the equivalent
- Pass the Plant Operator Selection System (POSS) test
- Candidates for an RO license shall have one of the following qualifications:
- Six months as a qualified non-licensed operator at the Nuclear facility identified
- Twelve months as a qualified non-licensed operator at a comparable facility or eighteen months at a non-comparable facility
- Six months as a licensed operator at a comparable facility or twelve months at a non-comparable facility
- Eighteen months experience in a position equivalent to a reactor operator at a military reactor
- Twenty-seven months experience at a non-nuclear facility
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree
Special Requirements
Nuclear Specific Requirements:
- ACAD 10-001 (Guidelines for Initial Training and Qualification of Licensed Operators) apply to this position
- Rotating shift work
- Successful completion of a Licensed Operator Physical
- Ability to obtain and maintain unescorted Nuclear Access, including participation in Fitness for Duty Program
- Condition of employment:
- Successful completion of the RO license class and attainment of NRC RO license
NextEra Energy offers a wide range of benefits to support our employees and their eligible family members. Click here to learn more.
Employee Group: Non Exempt
Employee Type: Full Time
Job Category: Operations
Organization: NextEra Energy Duane Arnold, LLC
Relocation Provided: Yes, if applicable
NextEra Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, age, national origin, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetics, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by law.
NextEra Energy provides reasonable accommodation in its application and selection process for qualified individuals, including accommodations related to compliance with conditional job offer requirements, consistent with federal, state, and local laws. Supporting medical or religious documentation will be required where applicable and permitted by applicable law. To request a reasonable accommodation, please send an e-mail to recruiting-coordinator.sharedmailbox@nexteraenergy.com, providing your name, telephone number and the best time for us to reach you.
NextEra Energy will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
NextEra Energy does not accept any unsolicited resumes or referrals from any third-party recruiting firms or agencies. Please see our policy for more information.
LI-CC2
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Reactor Operator
Confirm your degree field qualifies for STEM OPT
Reactor Operator roles typically require nuclear or chemical engineering degrees. Verify your program's CIP code is on the STEM OPT designated list before applying, so you can honestly represent your full 36-month authorization window to employers.
Start your NRC reactor operator license process early
The NRC operator licensing process can take 12 to 18 months. Aligning your OPT timeline with your licensing candidacy shows employers you have a concrete plan, which reduces their concern about short authorization windows and near-term sponsorship needs.
Target national laboratories and nuclear utilities first
Federal contractors like national laboratories and regulated utilities have established OPT and H-1B sponsorship infrastructure. They hire OPT students regularly and understand the compliance process far better than smaller private operators or industrial facilities.
Address the federal background check requirement proactively
Nuclear facilities require NRC security clearance and background checks. Disclose your visa status upfront and confirm you can obtain the required clearance as an F-1 student. Some facilities restrict access to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Emphasize reactor simulation lab hours on your resume
Hiring managers at nuclear facilities value hands-on reactor simulation experience above coursework. Quantify your hours in your university's training reactor or simulator lab. Practical exposure signals you can contribute before completing NRC licensing requirements.
Ask about the employer's OPT-to-H-1B transition history
During interviews, ask directly whether the facility has sponsored reactor operators for H-1B visas before. Facilities with a history of sponsoring operators are far more likely to extend your employment beyond OPT without requiring you to navigate the process alone.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as reactor operators in the United States?
Yes, F-1 OPT students can work as reactor operators if the position aligns with their degree field, typically nuclear engineering, chemical engineering, or a closely related discipline. STEM OPT students have up to 36 months of work authorization. However, some nuclear facilities restrict access to U.S. citizens or permanent residents for security reasons, so you should confirm clearance eligibility with each employer before applying.
Does a reactor operator job qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Reactor operator roles generally qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension when your degree is in nuclear engineering, chemical engineering, or another STEM-designated field. Your DSO must verify that your degree's CIP code appears on the official STEM OPT list. Combined with the initial 12 months of OPT, this gives you up to 36 months to gain experience and pursue H-1B sponsorship.
Which types of employers hire OPT students for reactor operator roles?
National laboratories, nuclear power utilities, research universities with training reactors, and defense contractors are the most common employers for OPT students in reactor operator roles. These organizations typically have established visa sponsorship processes and are familiar with hiring international talent. You can browse reactor operator positions open to OPT students on Migrate Mate, which filters for employers willing to sponsor work authorization.
How does the NRC reactor operator licensing process interact with OPT authorization?
The NRC requires candidates to pass written and operating exams to obtain a reactor operator license, a process that typically takes 12 to 18 months after hire. OPT students can begin the licensing program while on authorized OPT status. Employers who sponsor the process understand the timeline, but it reinforces why starting with a STEM OPT extension, which provides 36 total months, is critical for completing licensing before your initial authorization expires.
What should OPT students know about security clearance requirements for reactor operator jobs?
Nuclear facilities regulated by the NRC require all operators to pass a security background check, including criminal history, drug screening, and fitness-for-duty evaluations. F-1 OPT students can complete these checks in most cases, but some facilities with Department of Energy affiliations or classified programs restrict certain roles to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Always confirm the specific security requirements with the employer before advancing in the hiring process.
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