Component Engineer

Component Engineer – Mechanical

Location: Richmond, VA

Pay: $45–$50 per hour

Job Summary

The Component Engineer supports the performance, reliability, and production readiness of mechanical components used in data center power equipment, including uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), power distribution units (PDU), and static transfer switches (STS). This role evaluates component quality, manufacturing feasibility, supplier capabilities, and cost effectiveness while ensuring compliance with technical specifications and quality standards. The engineer collaborates with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Production, and suppliers to qualify components, resolve manufacturing issues, optimize designs, and support sourcing decisions.

Job Responsibilities

• Evaluate the quality, reliability, compatibility, and performance of mechanical components through testing, technical analysis, and supplier collaboration.
• Assess manufacturing feasibility, estimate component manufacturing costs, and analyze supplier capabilities and production capacity.
• Evaluate manufacturing processes for sheet metal, copper, plastic, aluminum, and other mechanical materials.
• Collaborate with suppliers to optimize component designs for manufacturability, tooling, production processes, and cost efficiency.
• Develop guidelines and procedures for component selection, qualification, and maintenance.
• Review supplier change notifications and end-of-life (EOL) notices and recommend appropriate actions.
• Maintain component data management systems, including qualification records, test results, and technical documentation.
• Partner with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Production teams to ensure suppliers meet technical, quality, cost, and delivery requirements.
• Investigate and resolve component manufacturing issues and identify alternative suppliers when necessary.
• Lead make-versus-buy analyses and support decisions related to outsourcing and external processing.
• Analyze material cost breakdowns and compare component pricing against market values.
• Support component lifecycle management and maintain production readiness across the active product portfolio.
• Travel to supplier and vendor locations as needed to evaluate capabilities, processes, and production readiness.

Job Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in Manufacturing Engineering, component engineering, tool development, or a related technical field.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes for mechanical components, particularly sheet metal, copper, plastic, and aluminum.
• Experience evaluating and qualifying mechanical component manufacturers and suppliers.
• Ability to review component designs with suppliers and recommend improvements for manufacturability, tooling, production processes, and cost.
• Ability to assess supplier capabilities, manufacturing capacity, and production readiness.
• Experience collaborating with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Production, and external suppliers to meet technical requirements.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to evaluate material cost breakdowns and supplier pricing.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret technical requirements, assess manufacturing feasibility, and resolve component-related issues.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 30–40% to supplier and vendor locations.
• Experience with SAP and/or Windchill Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems preferred.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline preferred.
• Candidates with a high school diploma or associate degree may be considered if they have sufficient relevant experience and technical knowledge.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting data center power equipment, including UPS, PDU, or STS products.
• Experience with component lifecycle management, supplier change management, and end-of-life component planning.
• Experience conducting make-versus-buy analyses and supplier cost assessments.
• Familiarity with SAP and Windchill PLM systems.