Purchasing Clerk Jobs for OPT Students
Purchasing Clerk jobs on OPT are a practical fit for students with supply chain, business, or operations backgrounds. Most roles qualify as specialty occupations under F-1 OPT work authorization. Your 12-month OPT window, extendable to 36 months with STEM OPT if your degree qualifies, gives you real runway to build procurement experience.
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Get Access To All JobsLocation: Athens, OH, US, 45701
Business Unit: Advanced Measurement Technologies
Posting Date: Mar 20, 2026
Job Description:
The Purchasing Clerk works in close coordination with the Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality teams to perform purchasing/supply chain activities, such as sourcing/quoting, placing purchase orders, working with suppliers, shipping parts and products in compliance with the Quality Management System and project requirements.
Core Duties (Must do functions):
- Purchasing duties for all KanBan expenses and Engineering orders
- Use of Oracle ERP Purchasing/Planning system daily for creating and tracking orders
- Sourcing items for purchase
- Quoting custom products for purchase
- Vendor management duties such as order tracking, correcting quality/performance issues, follow-up on needs such as order documentation requests, establish new suppliers, etc.
- Packaging and shipping of parts and items in support of Engineering
- Follow Quality Management System procedures
- Assist AP in invoice processing
- Creating/replacing KanBan reorder cards
Routine Functions (Lower priority than core):
- Assist in inventory management as needed
- Assist in commercial shipping as needed
- Assists in maintaining supplier metrics for quality
- Assist in receiving/unloading/loading of deliveries
Required Education/Experience:
- High School diploma/GED
- 3 to 5 years purchasing experience
- Associates degree in Business/Office Management preferred
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems
- Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Outlook, Word
Other Requirements:
- Basic mathematical skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division)
- Ability to communicate effectively (oral and written)
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to lift up to 60 lbs independently; 150 lbs as a team lift
About Sunpower:
Sunpower, based in Athens, OH. Since our founding in 1974, Sunpower has been the world leader in free-piston Stirling technology. Sunpower is proud to have strong ties to the local community: our founder and the inventor of our technology is a former Ohio University professor, and more than half of our staff can be traced to the Southeast Ohio community.
Compensation
Employee Type: Hourly
Salary Minimum: $45,000
Salary Maximum: $60,000
Incentive: 1289
Disclaimer: Where a specific pay range is noted, it is a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. The actual salary offered will be based on experience, skills, qualifications, market/business considerations, and geographic location.
For more information on AMETEK's competitive benefits, please click here.
AMETEK, Inc. is a leading global provider of industrial technology solutions serving a diverse set of attractive niche markets with annual sales over $7.5 billion.
AMETEK is committed to making a safer, sustainable, and more productive world a reality. We use differentiated technology solutions to solve our customers’ most complex challenges. We employ 22,000 colleagues, in 35 countries, that are grounded by our core values: Ethics and Integrity, Respect for the Individual, Inclusion, Teamwork, and Social Responsibility. AMETEK is a component of the S&P 500.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Individuals who need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process should call 1 (866) 263-8359.
Location: Athens, OH, US, 45701
Business Unit: Advanced Measurement Technologies
Posting Date: Mar 20, 2026
Job Description:
The Purchasing Clerk works in close coordination with the Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality teams to perform purchasing/supply chain activities, such as sourcing/quoting, placing purchase orders, working with suppliers, shipping parts and products in compliance with the Quality Management System and project requirements.
Core Duties (Must do functions):
- Purchasing duties for all KanBan expenses and Engineering orders
- Use of Oracle ERP Purchasing/Planning system daily for creating and tracking orders
- Sourcing items for purchase
- Quoting custom products for purchase
- Vendor management duties such as order tracking, correcting quality/performance issues, follow-up on needs such as order documentation requests, establish new suppliers, etc.
- Packaging and shipping of parts and items in support of Engineering
- Follow Quality Management System procedures
- Assist AP in invoice processing
- Creating/replacing KanBan reorder cards
Routine Functions (Lower priority than core):
- Assist in inventory management as needed
- Assist in commercial shipping as needed
- Assists in maintaining supplier metrics for quality
- Assist in receiving/unloading/loading of deliveries
Required Education/Experience:
- High School diploma/GED
- 3 to 5 years purchasing experience
- Associates degree in Business/Office Management preferred
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems
- Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Outlook, Word
Other Requirements:
- Basic mathematical skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division)
- Ability to communicate effectively (oral and written)
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to lift up to 60 lbs independently; 150 lbs as a team lift
About Sunpower:
Sunpower, based in Athens, OH. Since our founding in 1974, Sunpower has been the world leader in free-piston Stirling technology. Sunpower is proud to have strong ties to the local community: our founder and the inventor of our technology is a former Ohio University professor, and more than half of our staff can be traced to the Southeast Ohio community.
Compensation
Employee Type: Hourly
Salary Minimum: $45,000
Salary Maximum: $60,000
Incentive: 1289
Disclaimer: Where a specific pay range is noted, it is a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. The actual salary offered will be based on experience, skills, qualifications, market/business considerations, and geographic location.
For more information on AMETEK's competitive benefits, please click here.
AMETEK, Inc. is a leading global provider of industrial technology solutions serving a diverse set of attractive niche markets with annual sales over $7.5 billion.
AMETEK is committed to making a safer, sustainable, and more productive world a reality. We use differentiated technology solutions to solve our customers’ most complex challenges. We employ 22,000 colleagues, in 35 countries, that are grounded by our core values: Ethics and Integrity, Respect for the Individual, Inclusion, Teamwork, and Social Responsibility. AMETEK is a component of the S&P 500.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Individuals who need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process should call 1 (866) 263-8359.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Purchasing Clerk
Target employers with established procurement departments
Large manufacturers, retailers, and healthcare systems hire Purchasing Clerks at scale and are more likely to have HR teams familiar with OPT work authorization. Smaller companies may be willing but less experienced with the paperwork involved.
Connect your degree directly to the role
OPT requires your job to relate to your field of study. A supply chain, business administration, or operations management degree maps cleanly to purchasing work. Be ready to explain that connection in cover letters and interviews.
Emphasize ERP and procurement software experience
Employers hiring Purchasing Clerks expect familiarity with systems like SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms. Highlighting this in your resume signals you can contribute immediately and reduces the perceived risk of sponsoring an OPT candidate.
Understand how STEM OPT extension affects purchasing roles
If your degree is in supply chain management, industrial engineering, or a related STEM field, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. This extends your authorization to 36 months total, making you more attractive to employers weighing longer-term hiring.
Be upfront about your OPT status early in the process
Disclosing your OPT status before the offer stage avoids wasted time on both sides. Most employers who are open to OPT candidates need a few weeks to confirm their HR process, so giving them early notice keeps things moving.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Purchasing Clerk on F-1 OPT?
Yes, as long as the role relates to your field of study. Purchasing Clerk positions typically qualify for students with degrees in supply chain management, business administration, operations, or related fields. Your employer does not need to file a separate visa petition during your OPT period, which makes the process straightforward for most hiring managers.
Do Purchasing Clerk employers typically sponsor OPT students?
Many do, particularly mid-size and large companies with active procurement operations. Industries like manufacturing, distribution, healthcare, and retail tend to hire Purchasing Clerks in volume and often have experience working with OPT candidates. Migrate Mate is the best place to browse Purchasing Clerk roles specifically filtered for OPT work authorization eligibility.
Does a Purchasing Clerk role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree is classified under a STEM-designated field, such as supply chain management, industrial engineering, or management information systems, you may be eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. The job itself does not need to be technical as long as it relates to your STEM degree program.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I switch purchasing employers?
You can change employers on OPT without filing new paperwork, but you must report the change to your DSO within 10 days and update your SEVIS record. The new role still needs to relate to your field of study. There is no formal approval process required before you start, so transitions between purchasing employers are generally low-friction.
How much time do I have to find a Purchasing Clerk job after graduation?
You have a 60-day grace period after your program end date to either find employment or depart the United States. If you applied for OPT before graduation and your EAD is approved, your authorized start date begins the clock. Gaps in OPT employment are allowed but should not exceed 90 days in total across your entire OPT period, or you risk falling out of status.
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