Reactor Engineer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Reactor engineers design, analyze, and optimize nuclear reactor systems for power plants, research facilities, and naval applications. The specialized nature of reactor engineering, requiring nuclear engineering degrees, radiological safety expertise, and advanced thermal-hydraulics knowledge, makes most positions specialty occupation eligible for H-1B visa, E-3 visa, and TN visa sponsorship. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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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 Visa Sponsorship as a Reactor Engineer
Emphasize nuclear security clearance pathways
Many reactor engineering roles require security clearances, which are typically restricted to U.S. citizens. Target positions at universities, civilian nuclear facilities, or private research companies that work on unclassified projects.
Highlight your reactor physics background
Nuclear engineering degrees with reactor physics, neutronics, or thermal-hydraulics coursework directly support specialty occupation requirements. Emphasize specific reactor design codes, safety analysis software, and neutron transport modeling experience in applications.
Target growing SMR development companies
Small modular reactor startups like NuScale, TerraPower, and Kairos Power are expanding rapidly and more likely to sponsor visas than established utilities with existing engineering teams.
Consider research reactor positions
University research reactors often have fewer security restrictions than commercial power plants. These positions typically involve reactor operations, experimental design, and student training, all qualifying for visa sponsorship.
Demonstrate MCNP and ORIGEN expertise
Proficiency with specialized nuclear analysis codes like MCNP for neutronics calculations and ORIGEN for fuel depletion analysis strengthens your specialty occupation case and differentiates you from general engineers.
Apply through nuclear consulting firms
Engineering consultancies like Westinghouse, Framatome, and Sargent & Lundy often sponsor visas for reactor engineers to work on multiple client projects, avoiding single-employer security clearance barriers.
Reactor Engineer jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Reactor Engineer JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do reactor engineers qualify for H-1B specialty occupation requirements?
Yes. Reactor engineering positions typically require nuclear engineering degrees and specialized knowledge of reactor physics, thermal-hydraulics, and safety systems that clearly meet specialty occupation criteria. The role's technical complexity and degree requirements make H-1B approval highly likely for qualified candidates.
Can international reactor engineers work on nuclear projects without security clearance?
Yes, but with limitations. Many civilian nuclear facilities, university research reactors, and private companies work on unclassified reactor projects that don't require security clearance. Small modular reactor development and nuclear consulting work often remain accessible to visa holders.
What degree backgrounds support reactor engineer visa applications?
Nuclear engineering degrees provide the strongest support, but mechanical engineering with nuclear concentration, chemical engineering with reactor emphasis, or physics with nuclear specialization can also qualify. Coursework in reactor physics, neutronics, and thermal-hydraulics strengthens the specialty occupation case significantly.
How to find Reactor Engineer jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Reactor Engineer jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international professionals with sponsoring employers. Focus your search on nuclear power companies, chemical manufacturers, and energy corporations that commonly hire reactor engineers on H-1B, O-1, or EB-2 visas. These companies often sponsor international talent due to specialized skill requirements in nuclear engineering and reactor operations.
Are there TN visa options for Canadian and Mexican reactor engineers?
Yes, under the "Engineer" category. TN approval requires a nuclear or related engineering degree and a job offer for reactor design, analysis, or safety work. The role must clearly fall within professional engineering duties rather than technician-level reactor operations.
Which reactor engineering employers are most likely to sponsor visas?
Small modular reactor startups, nuclear consulting firms, and university research programs have the highest sponsorship rates. National laboratories and established utilities are less likely due to security clearance requirements, while engineering consultancies like Westinghouse regularly sponsor international nuclear engineers.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Reactor Engineer jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
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