Occupation

Logistics Engineers

Human Advantage 70%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Low Risk
2.7 / 10

This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.

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.

Also Known As: Acquisition Logistics Engineer, Aero Logistics Engineer, Auto Logistics Engineer, Continuous Improvement Specialist, Cost Engineer, Cost Estimating Engineer, Cost Reduction Engineer, Logistics Engineer +7 more

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Core Tasks

  1. Propose logistics solutions for customers.
  2. Develop logistic metrics, internal analysis tools, or key performance indicators for business units.
  3. Conduct logistics studies or analyses, such as time studies, zero-base analyses, rate analyses, network analyses, flow-path analyses, or supply chain analyses.
  4. Identify cost-reduction or process-improvement logistic opportunities.
  5. Review contractual commitments, customer specifications, or related information to determine logistics or support requirements.
  6. Evaluate effectiveness of current or future logistical processes.
  7. Prepare logistic strategies or conceptual designs for production facilities.
  8. Provide logistics technology or information for effective and efficient support of product, equipment, or system manufacturing or service.
  9. Develop or maintain cost estimates, forecasts, or cost models.
  10. Analyze or interpret logistics data involving customer service, forecasting, procurement, manufacturing, inventory, transportation, or warehousing.
  11. Determine logistics support requirements, such as facility details, staffing needs, or safety or maintenance plans.
  12. Direct the work of logistics analysts.
  13. Evaluate the use of inventory tracking technology, Web-based warehousing software, or intelligent conveyor systems to maximize plant or distribution center efficiency.
  14. Develop specifications for equipment, tools, facility layouts, or material-handling systems.
  15. Identify or develop business rules or standard operating procedures to streamline operating processes.
  16. Determine requirements for compliance with environmental certification standards.
  17. Apply logistics modeling techniques to address issues, such as operational process improvement or facility design or layout.
  18. Prepare or validate documentation on automated logistics or maintenance-data reporting or management information systems.
  19. Create models or scenarios to predict the impact of changing circumstances, such as fuel costs, road pricing, energy taxes, or carbon emissions legislation.
  20. Provide logistical facility or capacity planning analyses for distribution or transportation functions.
  21. Design plant distribution centers.
  22. Interview key staff or tour facilities to identify efficiency-improvement, cost-reduction, or service-delivery opportunities.
  23. Design comprehensive supply chains that minimize environmental impacts or costs.
  24. Determine feasibility of designing new facilities or modifying existing facilities, based on factors such as cost, available space, schedule, technical requirements, or ergonomics.
  25. Review global, national, or regional transportation or logistics reports for ways to improve efficiency or minimize the environmental impact of logistics activities.
  26. 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.
  27. Develop or document reverse logistics management processes to ensure maximal efficiency of product recycling, reuse, or final disposal.

Supplemental Tasks (3)

  1. Conduct environmental audits for logistics activities, such as storage, distribution, or transportation.
  2. Develop or document procedures to minimize or mitigate carbon output resulting from the movement of materials or products.
  3. Assess the environmental impact or energy efficiency of logistics activities, using carbon mitigation software.

Education & Training

Job Zone 4 Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

Bachelor's Degree
75%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
10%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
5%
Some College Courses
5%
First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession.
5%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • C++
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Power BI
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle Database
  • Oracle Java
  • Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
  • Python
  • SAP software
  • SAS
  • Structured query language SQL
  • Tableau

Software (49)

  • Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP software
  • Failure modes and effects analysis FMEA software
  • IBM Cognos Impromptu
  • IBM ILOG CPLEX Optimization Studio
  • IBM Notes
  • ITEM Software ITEM ToolKit
  • ITEM Software Spare Cost
  • JDA Manugistics
  • JMS Software RCM WorkSaver
  • LOGSA COMPASS
  • LOGSA SYSPARS
  • Logistics Cost Estimating Tool
  • Logistics Support Analysts SmartLogic
  • Logistics management information LMI database software
  • Minitab
  • Oracle Hyperion
  • Prolog
  • Relex FMEA
  • ReliaSoft RCM++
  • ReliaSoft XFMEA
  • Reliability centered maintenance RCM software
  • Reliass EAGLE
  • SAP Business Objects
  • Warehouse management system WMS
  • Word processing software
  • i2 Transportation Modeler

Tools & Equipment (9)

  • Computer laser printers
  • Desktop computers
  • Digital cameras
  • Laptop computers
  • Laser facsimile machines
  • Multi-line telephone systems
  • Multimedia projection equipment
  • Multimedia projectors
  • Personal computers

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Planning & Logistics Advanced Manufacturing

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