help with getting MLX90614 to work with Wire.h

The standard module has a 3.3V regulator for the MLX supply

What "standard module"? The most commonly available MLX90614, A series, is a 5V device.

I am confident the issue is not the electronics.

I'm not. See "How to use the forum" for instructions on how to provide the information that forum members need, in order to help.