Logistics Engineer

Also called: Acquisition Logistics Engineer, Continuous Improvement Specialist, Cost Engineer, Cost Estimating Engineer, Cost Reduction Engineer

Varies

estimated salary

Logistics engineers design or analyze operational solutions for projects such as transportation optimization, network modeling, process and methods analysis, cost containment, capacity enhancement, routing and shipment optimization, or information management.

  • Propose logistics solutions for customers.
  • Develop logistic metrics, internal analysis tools, or key performance indicators for business units.
  • Conduct logistics studies or analyses, such as time studies, zero-base analyses, rate analyses, network analyses, flow-path analyses, or supply chain analyses.
  • Identify cost-reduction or process-improvement logistic opportunities.
  • Review contractual commitments, customer specifications, or related information to determine logistics or support requirements.
  • Evaluate effectiveness of current or future logistical processes.
  • Prepare logistic strategies or conceptual designs for production facilities.
  • Provide logistics technology or information for effective and efficient support of product, equipment, or system manufacturing or service.
  • Develop or maintain cost estimates, forecasts, or cost models.
  • Analyze or interpret logistics data involving customer service, forecasting, procurement, manufacturing, inventory, transportation, or warehousing.
  • Determine logistics support requirements, such as facility details, staffing needs, or safety or maintenance plans.
  • Direct the work of logistics analysts.
  • Evaluate the use of inventory tracking technology, Web-based warehousing software, or intelligent conveyor systems to maximize plant or distribution center efficiency.
  • Develop specifications for equipment, tools, facility layouts, or material-handling systems.
  • Identify or develop business rules or standard operating procedures to streamline operating processes.
  • Determine requirements for compliance with environmental certification standards.
  • Apply logistics modeling techniques to address issues, such as operational process improvement or facility design or layout.
  • Prepare or validate documentation on automated logistics or maintenance-data reporting or management information systems.
  • Create models or scenarios to predict the impact of changing circumstances, such as fuel costs, road pricing, energy taxes, or carbon emissions legislation.
  • Provide logistical facility or capacity planning analyses for distribution or transportation functions.
  • Design plant distribution centers.
  • Interview key staff or tour facilities to identify efficiency-improvement, cost-reduction, or service-delivery opportunities.
  • Design comprehensive supply chains that minimize environmental impacts or costs.
  • Determine feasibility of designing new facilities or modifying existing facilities, based on factors such as cost, available space, schedule, technical requirements, or ergonomics.
  • Review global, national, or regional transportation or logistics reports for ways to improve efficiency or minimize the environmental impact of logistics activities.
  • Evaluate the use of technologies, such as global positioning systems (GPS), radio-frequency identification (RFID), route navigation software, or satellite linkup systems, to improve transportation efficiency.
  • Develop or document reverse logistics management processes to ensure maximal efficiency of product recycling, reuse, or final disposal.
  • Conduct environmental audits for logistics activities, such as storage, distribution, or transportation.
  • Develop or document procedures to minimize or mitigate carbon output resulting from the movement of materials or products.
  • Assess the environmental impact or energy efficiency of logistics activities, using carbon mitigation software.
Work Context
  • Electronic Mail — 100% responded "Every day".
  • Telephone — 70% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 75% responded "Every day".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 79% responded "Every day".
  • Contact With Others — 55% responded "Contact with others most of the time".
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 45% responded "Extremely important".
  • Spend Time Sitting — 40% responded "More than half the time".
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Work Activities
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Advise others on logistics topics.
  • Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency.
  • Analyze jobs using observation, survey, or interview techniques.
  • Supervise employees.
  • Plan facility layouts or designs.
  • Develop technical specifications for systems or equipment.
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Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
  • Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
English Language
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Mathematics
  • Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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Skills

Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Systems Analysis
  • Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Judgment and Decision Making
  • Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Complex Problem Solving
  • Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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Abilities

Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Computer aided design CAD software
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Hot Technology
Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology
Office suite software
  • Microsoft Office Hot Technology
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