Logistics engineer

Logistics engineers design and implement systems aimed to optimise the time and efforts invested in transportation activities. They ensure that systems allow for micro-tracking and smooth communication across transport methods and stages.

The following job titles also refer to logistics engineer:

logistics engineering consultant
logistics technology engineer
logistics technology engineering expert
logistics engineering adviser
logistics technology engineering consultant
logistics technology engineering specialist
logistics engineering specialist
logistics technology engineering adviser
logistic engineer
logistics engineering expert

Bachelor’s degree is generally required to work as logistics engineer. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Logistics engineer is a Skill level 4 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to logistics engineer.

equipment engineer
contract engineer
research engineer
process engineer
component engineer

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of logistics engineer. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of logistics engineer with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of logistics engineer.

Engineering principles: The engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.
Mathematics: Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove the truth or falsity of these conjectures. There are many fields of mathematics, some of which are widely used for practical applications.
Technical drawings: Drawing software and the various symbols, perspectives, units of measurement, notation systems, visual styles and page layouts used in technical drawings.
Project management: Understand project management and the activities which comprise this area. Know the variables implied in project management such as time, resources, requirements, deadlines, and responding to unexpected events.
Engineering processes: The systematic approach to the development and maintenance of engineering systems.
Logistics: The management of resources such as materials, time, and information to control the flow of products between the point of origin and the point of use. This includes the production, packaging, storing and transportation of goods.
Supply chain management: The flow of goods in the supply chain, movement and storage of raw materials, work-in-process inventory, and finished goods from point of origin to point of consumption.

These skills are necessary for the role of logistics engineer.

Execute analytical mathematical calculations: Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.
Perform scientific research: Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
Use technical drawing software: Create technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.
Manage engineering project: Manage engineering project resources, budget, deadlines, and human resources, and plan schedules as well as any technical activities pertinent to the project.
Manage logistics: Create logistic framework for transporting goods to customers and for receiving returns, execute and follow up the logistics processes and guidelines.
Interpret technical requirements: Analyse, understand and apply the information provided regarding technical conditions.
Define technical requirements: Specify technical properties of goods, materials, methods, processes, services, systems, software and functionalities by identifying and responding to the particular needs that are to be satisfied according to customer requirements.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of logistics engineer. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Warehouse operations: Know the basic principles and practices of warehouse operations such as goods storage. Understand and satisfy customer needs and requirements while effectively utilising warehouse equipment, space and labour.
Product package requirements: Understand product package requirements to prepare or select materials for packaging purposes.
Green logistics: Know about green logistics, in which significant efforts are made to minimise the ecological impact of logistics activities.
Transportation engineering: The subdiscipline of civil engineering that plans, designs and studies the operation and management of the transportation of people and goods in a safe, efficient, comfortable, economical and environmentally friendly manner.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of logistics engineer. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Carry out inventory planning: Determine the optimal quantities and timings of inventory in order to align it with sales and production capacity.
Maintain logistics databases: Maintain databases accessible to users in the logistics and storage sub-sector.
Administer multi-modal logistics: Manage the flow of products through multi-modal transportation.
Manage distribution channels: Oversee distribution channels with regards to the requirements of customers.
Analyse logistic changes: Assess the financial impact of possible logistics changes such as shipping modes, product mixes or volumes, carriers and means of product transportation.
Manage warehouse organisation: Manage organisation and design layout of warehouse and warehouse staff; take actions to ensure maximum safety and risk prevention.
Use methods of logistical data analysis: Read and interpret supply chain and transportation data. Analyse the reliability and availability of findings by using methods such as data mining, data modelling and cost-benefit analysis.
Manage contracts: Negotiate the terms, conditions, costs and other specifications of a contract while making sure they comply with legal requirements and are legally enforceable. Oversee the execution of the contract, agree on and document any changes.
Analyse supply chain strategies: Examine an organisation’s planning details of production, their expected output units, quality, quantity, cost, time available and labour requirements. Provide suggestions in order to improve products, service quality and reduce costs.
Analyse supply chain trends: Analyse and make predictions about trends and evolutions in supply chain operations in relation to technology, efficiency systems, types of products shipped, and logistical requirements for shipments, in order to remain at the forefront of supply chain methodologies.
Implement efficiency plans for logistics operations: Implement efficiency plans developed by managers in facilities. Use techniques, resources, and training in order to improve workplace efficiency.
Process customer orders: Handle orders placed by customers. Receive the customer order and define a list of requirements, a working process, and a time frame. Execute the work as planned.
Manage warehouse operations: Manage warehouse operations such as delivering orders and maintaining stock; control safety and risk prevention in the warehouse; follow plans to maximise efficiency of the supply chain.

2149 – Engineering professionals not elsewhere classified

 

 

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References

1. Logistics engineer – ESCO