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Science & ResearchISCO 2149

Logistics engineer

A logistics engineer is a person who designs the systems that move goods, and then puts them in place, so that transport takes less time and less effort than it did before.

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Rate 5 of the 14 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

execute analytical mathematical calculations

perform scientific research

use technical drawing software

manage logistics

interpret technical requirements

About logistics engineer

A logistics engineer job description is largely design and measurement. The engineer works out how material should flow between suppliers, warehouses, vehicles and customers, interprets the technical requirements a system has to meet, and produces the layouts and drawings for it in drafting software. Analytical calculations run underneath the design: throughput, capacity, loading, distances and timings worked out mathematically rather than estimated, because a layout that cannot carry the volume fails expensively. The engineer also makes sure the system allows micro-tracking, so an individual item can be located, and that information passes cleanly between the different transport methods and stages a consignment goes through.

Once designed, the system has to work in practice, so the engineer directs logistics functions and manages the logistics operation as it runs, correcting what the design did not anticipate.

In short, logistics engineering is supply chain management approached as an engineering problem. It draws on engineering fundamentals, mathematics, and knowledge of how a supply chain behaves when one part of it is delayed. Formal requirements are set by the employer and by the professional rules of each country.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a logistics engineer.

1

System Design and Optimization

  • Design logistics systems that optimize time and resources in transportation activities
  • Perform analytical mathematical calculations to model logistics scenarios and outcomes
  • Implement micro-tracking systems to monitor shipments and improve supply chain visibility
  • Analyze transportation networks to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement
2

Technical Requirements and Documentation

  • Define and interpret technical requirements for logistics systems and transportation solutions
  • Create technical drawings and specifications for logistics infrastructure and systems
  • Use technical drawing software to visualize logistics solutions and system layouts
3

Project Management and Implementation

  • Manage engineering projects from conception through implementation and monitoring
  • Direct logistical functions and coordinate with internal teams and external partners
  • Manage logistics operations to ensure smooth communication across transport methods and stages
  • Perform scientific research to evaluate new technologies and methodologies in logistics

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (14)

technical drawingstechnical drawingsDrawing software and the various symbols, perspectives, units of measurement, notation systems, visual styles and page layouts used in technical drawings.logisticslogisticsThe 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 ...execute analytical mathematical calculationsexecute analytical mathematical calculationsApply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.perform scientific researchperform scientific researchGain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.use technical drawing softwareuse technical drawing softwareCreate technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.manage logisticsmanage logisticsCreate logistic framework for transporting goods to customers and for receiving returns, execute and follow up the logistics processes and guidelines. Adapt the production processes to the contingenci...interpret technical requirementsinterpret technical requirementsAnalyse, understand and apply the information provided regarding technical conditions.engineering principlesengineering principlesThe engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.mathematicsmathematicsMathematics 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 pr...supply chain managementsupply chain managementThe 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.direct logistical functionsdirect logistical functionsCoordinate logistic operations related to product life cycles, such as distribution, delivery and final disposal of products or resources.define technical requirementsdefine technical requirementsSpecify 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 acc...manage engineering projectmanage engineering projectManage engineering project resources, budget, deadlines, and human resources, and plan schedules as well as any technical activities pertinent to the project.project managementproject managementThe discipline of project management, the activities which comprise this area and the variables implied in it, such as time, resources, requirements, deadlines, and responding to unexpected events.
Optional (17) — show
product packaging requirementsproduct packaging requirementsThe packaging requirements for different types of products and the related materials.green logisticsgreen logisticsThe approaches and activities aimed at minimising the ecological impact of logistics activities.transportation engineeringtransportation engineeringThe 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 environm...carry out inventory planningcarry out inventory planningDetermine the optimal quantities and timings of inventory in order to align it with sales and production capacity.maintain logistics databasesmaintain logistics databasesMaintain databases accessible to users in the logistics and storage sub-sector.administer multi-modal logisticsadminister multi-modal logisticsManage the flow of products through multi-modal transportation.manage distribution channelsmanage distribution channelsOversee distribution channels with regards to the requirements of customers.analyse logistic changesanalyse logistic changesAssess the financial impact of possible logistics changes such as shipping modes, product mixes or volumes, carriers and means of product transportation.manage warehouse organisationmanage warehouse organisationManage organisation and design layout of warehouse and warehouse staff. Take actions to ensure maximum safety and risk prevention.use methods of logistical data analysisuse methods of logistical data analysisRead 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 contractsmanage contractsNegotiate 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, ...analyse supply chain strategiesanalyse supply chain strategiesExamine 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...implement efficiency plans for logistics operationsimplement efficiency plans for logistics operationsImplement efficiency plans developed by managers in facilities. Use techniques, resources, and training in order to improve workplace efficiency.process customer ordersprocess customer ordersHandle 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 operationsmanage warehouse operationsManage 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.lean manufacturinglean manufacturingLean manufacturing is a methodology that focuses on minimizing waste within manufacturing systems while simultaneously maximizing productivity.warehouse operationswarehouse operationsThe basic principles and practices of warehouse operations such as goods storage and the organisation of warehouse facilities.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a logistics engineer do?

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.

What skills does a logistics engineer need?

A logistics engineer needs 14 essential skills, including technical drawings, logistics, execute analytical mathematical calculations, perform scientific research, use technical drawing software.

Will AI replace logistics engineer jobs?

The AI disruption score for logistics engineer is 78/100 (very high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: use methods of logistical data analysis, supply chain management, execute analytical mathematical calculations. Most resilient: lean manufacturing, perform scientific research, transportation engineering.

AI Replacement Risk

78/ 100
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Quick Facts

SectorScience & Research
ISCO GroupScience and engineering professionals
Essential Skills14

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