Logistics Engineers

13-1081.01

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.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• 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.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - Failure modes and effects analysis FMEA software; IBM ILOG CPLEX Optimization Studio; ITEM Software ITEM ToolKit; ITEM Software Spare Cost; JMS Software RCM WorkSaver; Logistics Cost Estimating Tool; LOGSA COMPASS; LOGSA SYSPARS; Minitab; Relex FMEA; Reliability centered maintenance RCM software; ReliaSoft RCM++; ReliaSoft XFMEA; Reliass EAGLE; SAS 🔥
• Business intelligence and data analysis software - IBM Cognos Impromptu; Microsoft Power BI ; Tableau 🔥
• Cloud-based data access and sharing software - Microsoft SharePoint 🔥
• Computer aided design CAD software - Autodesk AutoCAD 🔥; Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
• Data base management system software - Microsoft SQL Server 🔥
• Data base user interface and query software - Microsoft Access ; Oracle Database 🔥; Structured query language SQL
• Development environment software - Microsoft Visual Basic 🔥; Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA 🔥; Prolog
• Electronic mail software - IBM Notes
• Enterprise resource planning ERP software - Enterprise resource planning ERP software; Oracle Hyperion; SAP Business Objects; SAP software
• Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software - i2 Transportation Modeler; JDA Manugistics; Logistics management information LMI database software; Logistics Support Analysts SmartLogic; Warehouse management system WMS
• Object or component oriented development software - C++ 🔥; Oracle Java 🔥; Python 🔥
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint
• Process mapping and design software - Microsoft Visio 🔥
• Project management software - Microsoft Project 🔥; Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥; Word processing software

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• 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.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Advise others on logistics topics.
• Develop business or financial information systems.
• Analyze logistics processes.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency.
• Develop business or market strategies.
• Estimate costs of goods or services.
• Supervise employees.
• Develop technical specifications for systems or equipment.
• Establish organizational guidelines or policies.
• Analyze environmental regulations to ensure organizational compliance.
• Apply mathematical models of financial or business conditions.
• Maintain data in information systems or databases.
• Plan facility layouts or designs.
• Analyze jobs using observation, survey, or interview techniques.
• Evaluate logistics methods to reduce environmental impact.
• Assess the cost effectiveness of products, projects, or services.
• Develop sustainable business strategies or practices.
• Prepare financial documents.