Mechanical Engineer – Global Component Sourcing & Validation

The primary responsibility would be to work directly with R&D to identify, source, test, and validate components from manufacturers in the United States and Asia. The goal is to find the best components at the lowest practical cost without sacrificing quality, reliability, or performance.

Mechanical Engineer – Global Component Sourcing & Validation

Company: WellnessSpace Brands Location: Clearwater, Florida Position: Full-Time, On-Site Department: Research & Development / Engineering

Position Overview

WellnessSpace Brands is seeking a highly resourceful, hands-on Mechanical Engineer to work closely with our Research & Development team to identify, source, evaluate, and validate mechanical and electromechanical components used in our commercial wellness equipment.

The primary focus is on finding the right components and manufacturers, obtaining samples, conducting technical evaluations, and ensuring that the sourced parts meet our engineering, quality, performance, and cost requirements.

The ideal candidate has a strong mechanical engineering background, excellent research and problem-solving skills, and the ability to identify capable manufacturers throughout the United States and Asia, particularly China and Taiwan.

We are looking for someone who enjoys researching components, communicating directly with manufacturers, comparing alternatives, conducting hands-on testing, and finding better and more cost-effective solutions.

Key Responsibilities

1. Global Component Sourcing & Supplier Development

• Work directly with R&D engineers to understand component requirements, specifications, performance expectations, and application needs.
• Identify and source mechanical and electromechanical components from manufacturers in the United States, China, Taiwan, and other Asian countries.
• Research domestic and international manufacturers to identify competitive alternatives to existing components.
• Source components such as pumps, motors, valves, fittings, sensors, actuators, bearings, seals, plastics, metal fabrications, and custom-manufactured parts.
• Locate manufacturers capable of producing components to our specifications.
• Use SolidWorks or Microsoft Office to generate drawings of parts being requested.
• Request quotations, technical drawings, datasheets, samples, and manufacturing information.
• Compare suppliers based on price, performance, quality, reliability, lead time, and manufacturing capabilities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with domestic and overseas manufacturers.
• Identify opportunities for direct factory sourcing to eliminate unnecessary distribution costs.
• Work with purchasing to support supplier negotiations and procurement decisions.

2. Component Testing, Evaluation & Validation

• Develop and perform testing procedures to determine whether sourced components meet engineering requirements.
• Evaluate samples for mechanical performance, dimensional accuracy, material properties, durability, and overall quality.
• Conduct functional, performance, stress, and life-cycle testing as appropriate.
• Identify potential failure modes and reliability concerns before components are approved for production.
• Document test results, technical evaluations, and recommendations.

3. Cost Reduction & Value Engineering

• Continuously research alternative components and manufacturers to reduce product costs.
• Evaluate opportunities to replace custom components with commercially available alternatives.
• Compare total component costs, including tooling, shipping, tariffs, minimum order quantities, and quality considerations.
• Work with manufacturers to identify material or process changes that improve cost efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related technical discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in mechanical engineering, component engineering, product development, or technical sourcing.
• Strong understanding of mechanical and electromechanical components.
• Experience evaluating component specifications, drawings, and technical datasheets.
• Ability to develop and execute hands-on component testing procedures.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, tolerances, and quality requirements.
• Experience identifying manufacturers and evaluating component alternatives.
• Strong analytical, research, and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to communicate technical requirements effectively with manufacturers and suppliers.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, SolidWorks, and engineering documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple sourcing and validation projects simultaneously.
• Willingness to work hands-on in an R&D laboratory and manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience sourcing directly from manufacturers in China, Taiwan, or other Asian countries.
• Existing relationships with international component manufacturers.
• Experience with pumps, motors, valves, refrigeration components, sensors, actuators, or fluid-handling systems.
• Experience with product reliability, durability, and accelerated life testing.
• Familiarity with SolidWorks or other CAD software for reviewing mechanical designs.
• Experience qualifying alternative components for production.
• Understanding of UL, CSA, CE, and other applicable product certification requirements.
• Experience with supplier quality management and first-article inspection.
• Experience negotiating technical specifications and working with overseas manufacturers.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who is naturally curious, persistent, technically capable, and motivated to find solutions.

The ideal candidate:

• Is an exceptional researcher: Can locate hard-to-find components and identify qualified manufacturers around the world.
• Is hands-on: Enjoys testing, measuring, assembling, and evaluating physical components.
• Understands engineering: Can determine whether a component will actually perform reliably in its intended application.
• Is cost-conscious: Consistently looks for ways to reduce costs without compromising quality.
• Is proactive: Does not wait to be told where to look or how to solve a problem.
• Is detail-oriented: Understands the importance of specifications, tolerances, testing, and documentation.
• Is persistent: Will contact multiple manufacturers and investigate alternatives until the right solution is found.
• Works well with others: Collaborates effectively with R&D, purchasing, manufacturing, and suppliers.

About WellnessSpace Brands

WellnessSpace Brands develops and manufactures innovative commercial wellness equipment distributed to customers around the world.

Our engineering and R&D teams are continuously developing new products and improving existing equipment. We are looking for an engineer who can help us identify better components, develop reliable supplier relationships, validate performance, and deliver measurable improvements in product quality and manufacturing cost.

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys practical engineering, global sourcing, hands-on testing, and making a direct impact on the products we manufacture.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person