Logistics Engineer

Job Title: Logistics Engineer - Warehouse

Location: Benson, MN (onsite)

Job Type: Long-term Contract

Job Purpose

The Logistics Engineer - Warehouse is responsible for improving warehouse and logistics operations by optimizing material flow, storage systems, labor utilization, inventory management, and overall operational efficiency. This role works with Warehouse Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and other cross-functional teams to improve productivity, reduce waste, enhance safety, and support continuous improvement initiatives. The position focuses on warehouse layout optimization, process standardization, KPI development, capacity planning, and implementation of Lean methodologies to support efficient logistics operations.

Key Responsibilities

Warehouse Operations & Process Improvement

• Analyze warehouse processes, inventory movement, labor utilization, and material flow to identify productivity, quality, and cost improvement opportunities.
• Develop optimized warehouse layouts, storage locations, staging areas, receiving/shipping zones, and picking locations to maximize space utilization and workflow efficiency.
• Evaluate warehouse capacity requirements and create plans based on inventory levels, production demands, and future business needs.
• Identify process bottlenecks and implement data-driven solutions to improve throughput and operational performance.
• Establish standard operating procedures, work instructions, and performance standards for warehouse activities.

Material Flow & Logistics Optimization

• Design and improve material flow routes for forklifts, carts, tuggers, and internal transportation systems.
• Support efficient receiving, put-away, replenishment, picking, kitting, staging, shipping, and line-side delivery processes.
• Partner with Supply Chain and Operations teams to optimize inventory, replenishment, storage, and delivery parameters.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to improve inbound logistics, packaging methods, material presentation, and delivery efficiency.
• Support implementation of Just-in-Time (JIT) material delivery systems and warehouse best practices.

KPI Development & Data Analysis

• Develop and maintain KPIs related to productivity, inventory accuracy, throughput, space utilization, labor efficiency, and service performance.
• Conduct data analysis, capacity studies, time studies, and labor assessments to support operational decision-making.
• Utilize data to identify process gaps, quantify improvement opportunities, and recommend sustainable solutions.
• Prepare reports, dashboards, presentations, process maps, and implementation plans to communicate recommendations.

Continuous Improvement & Technology

• Apply Lean Manufacturing principles including 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Visual Management, Standard Work, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Lead or support continuous improvement projects from identification through implementation and results tracking.
• Evaluate material handling systems, warehouse equipment, storage solutions, and automation opportunities to improve safety, productivity, and cost performance.
• Support warehouse management system and ERP processes, including SAP/EWM transactions, inventory control, replenishment, and data accuracy.
• Promote problem-solving, operational excellence, and continuous improvement throughout warehouse operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain, Logistics, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience in warehouse, logistics, manufacturing, material handling, or supply chain operations.
• Knowledge of Lean methodologies, process improvement, data analysis, and root cause analysis.
• Experience with WMS, ERP, or SAP/EWM systems preferred.
• Strong analytical, communication, problem-solving, and project coordination skills.
• Experience with warehouse layouts, material flow optimization, automation, Power BI, AutoCAD, Visio, or similar tools is preferred.