Opportunity for Logistics Engineer (Lead Logistics Systems & Warehouse Engineer) _ Michigan city, Indiana

Location: Michigan City, Indiana | Duration: 9+ Months Contract

About the Role

Seeking a highly technical, execution-focused Lead Logistics Systems & Warehouse Engineer to architect, standardize, and optimize end-to-end warehouse and production material flow systems within a high-mix manufacturing environment. This role serves as the engineering authority for warehouse design, SAP-driven inventory architecture, line-side logistics, replenishment engineering, material handling systems, and lean operational transformation.

Responsibilities

• Warehouse Systems Engineering & Logistics Architecture
  • Design and implement lean visual warehouse systems utilizing fixed-bin structures, supermarket replenishment models, FIFO-controlled material flow, point-of-use inventory strategies, flow racks, VMIL/heavy-part staging areas, and standardized warehouse zoning.
  • Develop warehouse slotting strategies based on velocity analysis, BOM frequency, travel-time reduction, cubic utilization, and ABC classification principles.
  • Establish engineered standards for warehouse aisles, storage systems, forklift traffic flow, tugger routes, dock-to-line movement, operator ergonomics, equipment charging stations, and material presentation systems.
  • Lead warehouse redesign initiatives involving facility layout optimization, throughput balancing, capacity modeling, warehouse consolidation, and material flow simulation.
• SAP EWM / ERP Integration & Inventory Control
  • Own SAP/EWM warehouse alignment including storage types, bin structures, putaway logic, picking strategies, replenishment triggers, warehouse task sequencing, and backflush controls.
  • Establish full digital traceability between physical inventory and SAP warehouse architecture.
  • Develop standardized SAP transaction workflows supporting receiving, putaway, kitting, production staging, line-side replenishment, cycle counting, inventory reconciliation, and backflush execution.
  • Design BOM-driven pick logic and station-level material allocation methodologies while eliminating transactional discrepancies through engineered inventory control processes and real-time material validation.
• Production Logistics & Material Flow Engineering
  • Architect structured material flow systems from receiving docks through warehouse supermarkets, production supply areas, line-side presentation, replenishment, and reverse logistics/backflush operations.
  • Engineer replenishment systems utilizing Kanban, two-bin systems, min/max logic, sequenced delivery, milk-run routing, and consumption-based triggers.
  • Define optimal kit sizing and replenishment frequencies through coordination with production scheduling, operations, purchasing, inventory control, and manufacturing engineering teams.
  • Design scalable line-feeding strategies minimizing WIP accumulation, excess travel, handling touches, operator motion waste, and production downtime while maximizing manufacturing throughput and material availability.
• Material Handling
  • Lead engineering selection and optimization of forklifts, Drexel equipment, tugger systems, flow racks, lift-assist devices, ergonomic material presentation systems, and heavy-part handling equipment.
  • Analyze and optimize equipment utilization, travel paths, empty travel time, dock utilization, loading efficiency, and material transfer latency.
  • Develop standards for transport systems, material handling constraints, facility traffic patterns, storage density, safety clearances, and ergonomic access zones.
  • Apply warehouse engineering methodologies including time studies, capacity analysis, motion analysis, spaghetti mapping, value stream mapping, process simulation, and throughput analysis to optimize warehouse and logistics performance.
• Lean Enterprise & Continuous Improvement
  • Drive warehouse transformation initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 6S methodology, standardized work, visual factory principles, Kaizen execution, and root cause analysis.
  • Develop visual management systems including color-coded replenishment controls, KPI dashboards, warehouse performance boards, inventory visibility systems, audit processes, and ownership mapping.
  • Lead continuous improvement projects targeting labor optimization, warehouse space reduction, inventory reduction, throughput improvement, dock-to-stock reduction, and inventory accuracy enhancement.
  • Develop SOPs, operator training programs, skill matrices, standardized work instructions, and warehouse audit systems supporting operational discipline and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics Engineering, Supply Chain Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Operations Engineering.
• Minimum 7+ years of progressive experience in warehouse engineering, manufacturing logistics, SAP EWM/WM systems, lean material flow, production logistics engineering, warehouse optimization, and inventory control within high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Advanced expertise in SAP EWM/WM/MM, warehouse slotting optimization, BOM-driven material staging, lean replenishment systems, inventory control engineering, warehouse layout optimization, and material flow analysis.
• Strong technical knowledge of material handling systems, production supply systems, logistics modeling, and facility layout engineering required.
• Forklift and Drexel operational knowledge preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
• APICS CPIM/CSCP
• SAP EWM certification
• OSHA/warehouse safety training
• Lean manufacturing certifications