location: Flora/Salem, Illinois (Relocation Not Available – Must reside within 60 miles of Flora and/or Salem) Employment Type: Contract (6-month minimum, with potential extension to one year) Job Summary MS Companies is seeking a Contract Gauge Engineer to support quality and manufacturing operations for a leading automotive lighting manufacturer in Illinois. This opportunity is ideal for a recent Mechanical Engineering graduate or candidate with a background in drafting, CAD design, or Mechanical Engineering Technology who is interested in developing skills in gauge engineering, dimensional measurement, and manufacturing quality. The role offers a primarily remote work arrangement with travel to manufacturing facilities in Flora, Salem, and Paris, Illinois, as needed. The selected contractor will receive hands-on training and knowledge transfer from an experienced Gauge Engineer. Required Skills & Qualifications Associate degree in Drafting, CAD Design, or Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Recent Mechanical Engineering graduates with a foundational understanding of GD&T will be considered. Ability to interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and engineering documentation. Strong attention to detail and ability to work with dimensional specifications. Ability to learn gauge engineering processes and apply technical concepts in a manufacturing environment. Strong communication and problem-solving skills. Must reside within 60 miles of Flora and/or Salem, Illinois. Ability to travel to manufacturing facilities as needed. Preferred Skills & Qualifications Knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T). Familiarity with blueprint reading and engineering drawings. Understanding of machining processes and manufacturing methods. Basic knowledge of statistics and measurement data analysis. Experience in automotive manufacturing, quality engineering, or dimensional inspection. Exposure to gauge design, development, validation, or troubleshooting. Familiarity with CAD software and technical design tools. Day-to-Day Responsibilities Support gauge engineering activities across manufacturing facilities in Flora, Salem, and Paris, Illinois. Assist with gauge development, implementation, and validation to support manufacturing quality requirements. Review engineering drawings, blueprints, and dimensional specifications. Support gauge delivery schedules and coordinate onsite activities as needed. Work with quality and manufacturing teams to address gauge-related concerns. Apply GD&T principles and dimensional measurement concepts to support quality objectives. Analyze measurement information and assist with identifying dimensional or process issues. Collaborate with experienced Gauge Engineering personnel to learn customer-specific processes and standards. Physical and Environment Requirements Physical expectations and working conditions associated with the job may include standing, walking, or sitting for extended periods, lifting up to 25–50 lbs depending on role, and other work that may be performed in a manufacturing, warehouse, or office environment. The role is primarily remote but requires travel to manufacturing plants based on gauge delivery schedules. Company Benefits & Culture Contract opportunity with an expected minimum duration of six months and potential extension to one year. Primarily remote work arrangement with scheduled onsite plant visits. Reimbursement for eligible business-related travel expenses, including mileage, meals, and lodging. Detailed training and knowledge transfer from an experienced Gauge Engineer. Opportunity to gain hands-on exposure to automotive manufacturing, gauge engineering, and quality processes.