Occupation · SOC 13-1081.01
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.
Median wage
$80,880
$49,260–$132,110
Projected growth
+16.7%
Faster than average
Annual openings
4,030
per year
Employed (US)
235,640
Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
2,481 mapped
Core skills
Systems AnalysisWritingSystems EvaluationComplex Problem SolvingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningJudgment and Decision MakingMathematics
Knowledge areas
Engineering and TechnologyMathematicsTransportationProduction and ProcessingComputers and Electronics
Technology & tools
Computer aided design CAD softwareObject or component oriented development softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareMaterials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software
Representative tasks
Identify cost-reduction or process-improvement logistic opportunities.Analyze or interpret logistics data involving customer service, forecasting, procurement, manufacturPrepare logistic strategies or conceptual designs for production facilities.Evaluate the use of technologies, such as global positioning systems (GPS), radio-frequency identification (RFID), route navigation software, drone or robotic technology, or satellite linkup systems,
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Logistics data sets involving inventory, transportation, or warehousing — collect and organize under direct supervision using spreadsheet and database software.Standard operating procedures and business rules — review and apply to routine logistics tasks within an established supply chain environment.Basic logistics performance metrics — identify and document using templates provided by senior engineers in a manufacturing or distribution setting.Supply chain and ERP software tools — navigate and enter data accurately under guidance to support daily logistics operations.Cost-reduction opportunities in routine processes — recognize and flag using structured checklists with oversight from experienced logistics staff.Logistics reports and technical documentation — read and summarize key findings to support team analysis activities in a business operations setting.Facility layouts and flow-path diagrams — interpret using CAD software with guidance to understand material movement within production environments.Time study data and rate information — gather from field observations under supervision to support formal logistics studies.Internal stakeholders and facility staff — listen actively during guided interviews to capture process information for efficiency assessments.Mathematical reasoning and quantitative methods — apply to basic logistics calculations such as inventory turnover and transportation costs under direction.
developing
Logistics data involving customer service levels, forecasting, and procurement — analyze using business intelligence and analytical software with limited oversight to identify operational trends.Process-improvement opportunities across familiar logistics workflows — identify and document recommendations with supporting data in a distribution or manufacturing environment.Key performance indicators and internal analysis tools — develop and maintain for assigned business units using established frameworks and ERP data sources.Standard operating procedures for supply chain activities — draft and refine based on stakeholder input and process observations in a mid-sized logistics operation.Time studies and zero-base analyses — conduct independently on defined logistics processes to evaluate efficiency and resource utilization.Logistics modeling techniques — apply using analytical software to address facility layout or operational process problems within a known system boundary.Logistic strategies for production facility layouts — prepare conceptual designs that balance throughput, cost, and space constraints using CAD and planning tools.Staff interviews and facility walkthroughs — lead in a structured manner to identify service-delivery gaps and cost-reduction opportunities across operational sites.Network and flow-path analyses — perform for assigned supply chain segments to evaluate routing options and recommend improvements.Written logistics reports and briefing materials — produce clearly and accurately to communicate analytical findings to project teams and operational managers.
proficient
Complex logistics data spanning customer service, procurement, manufacturing, and transportation — integrate and interpret autonomously to drive strategic operational decisions across an enterprise.Cost-reduction and process-improvement opportunities — identify proactively across end-to-end supply chains by applying systems analysis and critical thinking without supervisory direction.Comprehensive logistics studies including supply chain analyses and rate analyses — design and execute independently, applying rigorous quantitative and qualitative methods.Logistics metrics and key performance indicator frameworks — develop from scratch for diverse business units, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and measurable outcomes.Business rules and standard operating procedures — formulate for non-routine or highly complex logistics scenarios, balancing operational efficiency with risk and compliance requirements.Advanced logistics modeling techniques — apply across facility design, network optimization, and operational process redesign using specialized analytical and simulation software.Logistic strategies and conceptual facility designs — prepare and present for senior leadership, incorporating trade-off analysis across cost, capacity, and service-level objectives.Cross-functional stakeholder interviews and multi-site facility assessments — lead to synthesize systemic efficiency and service-delivery insights across large, complex operations.Materials requirements planning and supply chain software platforms — configure and leverage to model scenarios and evaluate end-to-end logistics performance improvements.Non-routine logistics problems involving ambiguous constraints — resolve using inductive and deductive reasoning combined with deep domain knowledge in transportation and production processing.
advanced
Enterprise-wide logistics strategy and conceptual design direction — set and champion across multiple business units, aligning supply chain investment with long-term organizational objectives.Logistics engineering talent pipelines — develop by designing mentorship programs, training curricula, and competency pathways that build organizational capability at scale.Organization-wide key performance indicator governance — establish and evolve to ensure logistics metrics drive accountability, continuous improvement, and competitive differentiation.Complex, high-stakes logistics studies and network analyses — commission, oversee, and synthesize to inform executive-level capital investment and operational restructuring decisions.Innovation in logistics modeling and analytical methodology — lead by evaluating emerging technologies, tools, and approaches and directing their adoption across the engineering function.Cost-reduction and process-improvement initiatives — sponsor at the portfolio level, prioritizing opportunities based on financial impact, feasibility, and strategic alignment across the enterprise.Cross-enterprise business rules and standard operating procedure governance — define authoritative frameworks that standardize logistics operations and enable scalable growth.Executive and board-level stakeholders — advise on logistics risk, capacity strategy, and supply chain resilience through authoritative written and oral communication.Industry-wide logistics engineering standards and best practices — influence by contributing to professional bodies, publishing research, and shaping policy in supply chain and logistics domains.Organizational culture of analytical rigor and continuous improvement — cultivate by modeling intellectual curiosity, achievement orientation, and data-driven decision-making at the leadership level.
Also known as
17 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Cost Reduction EngineerContinuous Improvement SpecialistAuto Logistics Engineer (Automotive Logistics Engineer)Cost Estimating EngineerLogistics Planning EngineerReliability EngineerAcquisition Logistics EngineerSupportability EngineerProcurement EngineerEngineerCost EngineerLogistics System EngineerLogistics SpecialistAero Logistics Engineer (Aeronautical Logistics Engineer)Logistics Research EngineerSystems EngineerLogistics Engineer