High School

Strong mathematical and science knowledge as well as business skills are needed for logistics engineering. Be sure to take math, science, business, and computer classes to develop these skills. The ability to write and speak clearly is also essential for working with others and presenting recommendations. English and public speech classes will help you to fine-tune your reading comprehension and communication skills.

Postsecondary Education

Most logistics engineers have a bachelors degree in engineering, logistics, or transportation. Other fields may be operations research, systems engineering, and industrial engineering. Bachelors degree programs for logistics engineering cover such topics as statistical quality control, engineering economy, warehousing systems, supply chain data analytics, supply management, and transportation and distribution systems. Schools that offer bachelors degree programs or concentrations in logistics and supply chain management include Kennesaw State University in Atlanta, Georgia; Embry Riddle Aeronautical University; and California State University, East Bay, among others.

Certification

Many colleges and universities offer in-person, online, and hybrid certificate programs in logistics, supply chain management, and emerging technologies. For example, the University of Louisville offers an online graduate certificate program in engineering logistics. To earn the certificate, students must complete one of the following required courses: Simulation (requires a background in probability and statistics) or Operations Research Methods. They also must take two of the following elective classes: Facility Location and Layout, Production and Inventory Control, Models of Logistics Systems, and Supply Chain Engineering. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs.

Additionally, the Association for Supply Chain Management offers certificate programs in supply chain technology, supply chain planning, and other fields. Visit https://www.ascm.org/learning-development/certificate-programs for more information.

Other Education or Training

The Association for Supply Chain Management, Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, Institute for Supply Management, and other organizations offer continuing education seminars, webinars, and other learning opportunities. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

Some companies prefer to hire logistics engineers who have received certification in certain specialties. Certification can demonstrate engineers professional competence and show potential employers that they have good knowledge of logistics. It can also lead to higher salaries and improved advancement opportunities. The following associations provide certification to logistics professionals:

• Association for Supply Chain Management: certified in planning and inventory management, certified in transportation for supply chain, certified supply chain professional; certified in logistics, transportation, and distribution
• Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals: SCPro^TM certification
• Institute for Supply Management: certified professional in supply management, certified professional in supplier diversity, associate professional in supply management
• National Contract Management Association: certified professional contract manager
• SOLE-The International Society of Logistics: certified professional logistician, certified master logistician

Some tech companies also provide certification. For example, SAP America offers certification for logistics professionals in areas such as logistics execution and warehouse management.

Logistics engineers who work with U.S. Department of Defense acquisitions must be certified by the Defense Acquisition University.

Logistics engineers usually have three to four years of experience in lower-level positions. Employers prefer to hire those with experience in improving production and distribution processes and reducing labor and costs. They must be knowledgeable about math and science principles in engineering. Logistics engineers must have strong knowledge of business operations and be well versed in logistics and analytical software programs. Excellent communication skills are needed to work well with others and present recommendations for logistics plans. They must also be able to work independently with minimal supervision. Those who do best in this job are analytical thinkers who pay attention to details and are thorough in their work. They are dependable, cooperative, and honest and ethical.