Reactor Operator Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Reactor operators are in high demand across U.S. nuclear facilities, with strong H-1B visa sponsorship rates due to the specialized nature of nuclear operations. Most positions require nuclear engineering or related technical degrees, with Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing often handled by the sponsoring employer. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
Find Reactor Operator JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 29+ Reactor Operator jobs
See all Reactor Operator Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Reactor Operator roles.
Get Access To All JobsAbout the Callaway Energy Center
The Callaway Energy Center is a nuclear facility located in mid-Missouri. The Energy Center has more than 800 employees and contractors working at the facility, and it has established a strong record of safe operation throughout its 30-year operating history. The Energy Center is a highly efficient, low-cost, sustainable source of electricity for Ameren Missouri’s 1.2 million customers.
Position(s): 1
Hourly Rate Range: $64.01
Revision Date: 3/7/2024
Area/Div: 1801
DUTIES:
Under direct but not constant supervision and working on a rotating shift or straight shift schedule as required, to perform and be responsible for all of the operations associated with the complete control of a nuclear powered electric generating unit. In this connection to perform work such as, but not limited to, the following:
-
To operate a reactor-turbine-generator-unit in accordance with prescribed procedures or as directed.
-
To participate in training programs as a student, to develop the skills and knowledge needed to achieve and maintain a Nuclear Regulatory Commission Reactor Operator’s License.
-
To participate in training programs as an aide to the instructor, to retain job proficiency and thereby maintain an active Reactor Operator’s License.
-
To direct and/or execute the proper completion of routine and special surveillance tests on plant equipment working independently or together with other members of the plant organization.
-
To direct the activities of Operations Technicians and Operations Technician Assistants in their routine and special activities.
-
To direct and/or assist where needed, in the operation of auxiliary equipment related to special activities such as fuel handling, waste management, water treatment, plant operation, and sewage treatment plant operation.
-
On an as needed basis, serve in the Radiation Protection Program or assist in any other plant activity.
-
Communicate verbally or in writing with authorized inspectors or other representatives of plant management, or the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, on any plant activity with which he/she has been involved.
-
Properly drive a motor vehicle when directed or when required to perform his/her duties.
SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
To develop and maintain complete understanding of all facets of the plant emergency program and plant security system. To react as appropriate in the protection of the public in case of an operational emergency. To serve as an active participant in these programs.
EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
-
A high school diploma or have passed a high school examination equivalency.
-
Total power plant experience must be greater than 18 months for a nuclear or military reactor facility, or greater than 27 months for a non-nuclear facility.
-
The candidate must meet one of the criteria below:
A.) Candidate has at least 6 months of experience performing plant operational duties as a qualified non-licensed operator at the Callaway Nuclear facility.
B.) Candidate has at least 12 months experience performing plant operational duties as a qualified non-licensed operator at a comparable (BWR/PWR) nuclear facility or 18 months of experience at a noncomparable commercial power reactor facility.
C.) Candidate have at least 6 months of experience performing plant operational duties as an active licensed reactor operator (per 10 CFR 55.53[e]) at a comparable (BWR/PWR) nuclear facility or 12 months of experience at a noncomparable commercial power reactor facility.
D.) Candidate has at least 18 months of experience in a position equivalent to the reactor operator position at a military reactor? This includes reactor operators, engineering officer of the watch, propulsion plant watch officer, engineering watch supervisor, and propulsion plant watch supervisor.
E.) Candidate has 27 months power plant experience at a non-nuclear facility (power plant experience is defined in the additional action section).
Physical Requirements:
-
Must have good eyesight, good reflexes, good hearing and no color deficiency in vision.
-
The candidate must successfully complete a full medical examination. This medical examination is to include a test or examination by a psychiatrist or physician to determine that there is no sign of aberrant behavior or emotional instability that would impair ability to discharge duties in a competent manner. Power Plant experience is defined as applicable work performed in fossil-fueled or nuclear-fueled electric power production plants during preoperational, startup testing or operational activities. Experience in petrochemical; similar process plants; or steam propulsion plant design, construction, technical support, operation, maintenance, or training instruction can be substituted for applicable power plant experience. Simply observing others performing work is not considered power plant experience. Time spent in classroom training cannot be counted toward power plant experience requirements. However, time spent performing job-based training and qualification activities in the plant — such as under instruction watch standing, on-the-job training, and task or watch station qualification activities — can be applied toward power plant experience requirements. Time spent performing in-plant job-based training and qualification activities should be specifically documented if such time is used to meet power plant experience requirements.
Hourly Pay:
Grade Step OA 132 Step 1 of 1 (Top Step) - 64.01 USD
Position is eligible for annual incentive payments based on company performance and subject to sole management discretion. Visit our Benefits & Perks Page for more information on benefits provided to regular full-time employees.
If end date is listed, the posting will come down at 12: 00 am on that date:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, genetic information, military service or status, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other class, trait, or status protected by law.
About the Callaway Energy Center
The Callaway Energy Center is a nuclear facility located in mid-Missouri. The Energy Center has more than 800 employees and contractors working at the facility, and it has established a strong record of safe operation throughout its 30-year operating history. The Energy Center is a highly efficient, low-cost, sustainable source of electricity for Ameren Missouri’s 1.2 million customers.
Position(s): 1
Hourly Rate Range: $64.01
Revision Date: 3/7/2024
Area/Div: 1801
DUTIES:
Under direct but not constant supervision and working on a rotating shift or straight shift schedule as required, to perform and be responsible for all of the operations associated with the complete control of a nuclear powered electric generating unit. In this connection to perform work such as, but not limited to, the following:
-
To operate a reactor-turbine-generator-unit in accordance with prescribed procedures or as directed.
-
To participate in training programs as a student, to develop the skills and knowledge needed to achieve and maintain a Nuclear Regulatory Commission Reactor Operator’s License.
-
To participate in training programs as an aide to the instructor, to retain job proficiency and thereby maintain an active Reactor Operator’s License.
-
To direct and/or execute the proper completion of routine and special surveillance tests on plant equipment working independently or together with other members of the plant organization.
-
To direct the activities of Operations Technicians and Operations Technician Assistants in their routine and special activities.
-
To direct and/or assist where needed, in the operation of auxiliary equipment related to special activities such as fuel handling, waste management, water treatment, plant operation, and sewage treatment plant operation.
-
On an as needed basis, serve in the Radiation Protection Program or assist in any other plant activity.
-
Communicate verbally or in writing with authorized inspectors or other representatives of plant management, or the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, on any plant activity with which he/she has been involved.
-
Properly drive a motor vehicle when directed or when required to perform his/her duties.
SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
To develop and maintain complete understanding of all facets of the plant emergency program and plant security system. To react as appropriate in the protection of the public in case of an operational emergency. To serve as an active participant in these programs.
EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
-
A high school diploma or have passed a high school examination equivalency.
-
Total power plant experience must be greater than 18 months for a nuclear or military reactor facility, or greater than 27 months for a non-nuclear facility.
-
The candidate must meet one of the criteria below:
A.) Candidate has at least 6 months of experience performing plant operational duties as a qualified non-licensed operator at the Callaway Nuclear facility.
B.) Candidate has at least 12 months experience performing plant operational duties as a qualified non-licensed operator at a comparable (BWR/PWR) nuclear facility or 18 months of experience at a noncomparable commercial power reactor facility.
C.) Candidate have at least 6 months of experience performing plant operational duties as an active licensed reactor operator (per 10 CFR 55.53[e]) at a comparable (BWR/PWR) nuclear facility or 12 months of experience at a noncomparable commercial power reactor facility.
D.) Candidate has at least 18 months of experience in a position equivalent to the reactor operator position at a military reactor? This includes reactor operators, engineering officer of the watch, propulsion plant watch officer, engineering watch supervisor, and propulsion plant watch supervisor.
E.) Candidate has 27 months power plant experience at a non-nuclear facility (power plant experience is defined in the additional action section).
Physical Requirements:
-
Must have good eyesight, good reflexes, good hearing and no color deficiency in vision.
-
The candidate must successfully complete a full medical examination. This medical examination is to include a test or examination by a psychiatrist or physician to determine that there is no sign of aberrant behavior or emotional instability that would impair ability to discharge duties in a competent manner. Power Plant experience is defined as applicable work performed in fossil-fueled or nuclear-fueled electric power production plants during preoperational, startup testing or operational activities. Experience in petrochemical; similar process plants; or steam propulsion plant design, construction, technical support, operation, maintenance, or training instruction can be substituted for applicable power plant experience. Simply observing others performing work is not considered power plant experience. Time spent in classroom training cannot be counted toward power plant experience requirements. However, time spent performing job-based training and qualification activities in the plant — such as under instruction watch standing, on-the-job training, and task or watch station qualification activities — can be applied toward power plant experience requirements. Time spent performing in-plant job-based training and qualification activities should be specifically documented if such time is used to meet power plant experience requirements.
Hourly Pay:
Grade Step OA 132 Step 1 of 1 (Top Step) - 64.01 USD
Position is eligible for annual incentive payments based on company performance and subject to sole management discretion. Visit our Benefits & Perks Page for more information on benefits provided to regular full-time employees.
If end date is listed, the posting will come down at 12: 00 am on that date:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, genetic information, military service or status, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other class, trait, or status protected by law.
See all Reactor Operator Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Reactor Operator roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Reactor Operator Jobs
Target utilities with nuclear fleets
Major utilities like Duke Energy, Exelon, and Southern Company regularly sponsor reactor operators. These companies have established immigration processes and understand the specialized skills nuclear operators bring.
Emphasize NRC licensing eligibility
Nuclear Regulatory Commission operator licensing requires U.S. work authorization. Highlight your ability to obtain licensing once your visa is approved, as this addresses a key employer concern.
Highlight nuclear engineering background
A nuclear engineering degree strongly supports H-1B specialty occupation requirements. If your degree is in mechanical or electrical engineering, emphasize nuclear coursework, reactor physics, or power plant experience.
Research plant-specific reactor types
Different plants operate PWR, BWR, or advanced reactors. Showing familiarity with the specific reactor technology at target facilities demonstrates serious interest and relevant technical knowledge.
Consider contractor staffing firms
Nuclear staffing companies like ENERCON and Westinghouse often sponsor temporary assignments that can lead to permanent positions. They're experienced with visa processes for nuclear professionals.
Document safety training credentials
Nuclear facility security clearances require U.S. citizenship, but general radiation safety training shows preparedness. HAZMAT certifications and industrial safety records strengthen your technical profile significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do reactor operator positions qualify for H-1B visas?
Yes, reactor operator positions typically qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B visa requirements, especially when requiring nuclear engineering degrees. The technical nature of reactor operations, safety protocols, and NRC licensing requirements support the specialty occupation classification that H-1B visas require.
How to find Reactor Operator jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Reactor Operator jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsoring employers. Focus on nuclear power plants, research facilities, and energy companies that commonly hire reactor operators on H-1B, TN visa, or EB-3 visas. These employers often sponsor experienced operators due to specialized skill requirements and safety certifications needed for reactor operations.
What degree requirements do employers expect for reactor operator sponsorship?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or related technical field. Some facilities accept equivalent experience, but degree requirements are stricter for H-1B sponsorship since USCIS requires demonstrating the specialty occupation nature of the role.
Can international reactor operators obtain NRC licenses?
NRC reactor operator licenses require authorized work status but not U.S. citizenship. International operators on H-1B visas can obtain licenses once their work authorization is approved. However, unescorted access to nuclear facilities requires additional background investigations that may have citizenship requirements.
Which nuclear companies have the best H-1B sponsorship track record?
Major utilities like Exelon, Duke Energy, Southern Company, and Entergy regularly sponsor technical nuclear positions. Nuclear engineering firms like Westinghouse, ENERCON, and Framatome also sponsor reactor operators. Check Department of Labor LCA disclosure data for specific company sponsorship history.
How does shift work affect H-1B applications for reactor operators?
Shift work doesn't disqualify reactor operator H-1B petitions, as 24/7 operations are inherent to nuclear facilities. Employers should document that rotating shifts require specialized technical knowledge and training, supporting the specialty occupation requirement despite the operational scheduling demands.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Reactor Operator 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.