Staff Logistics Engineer

We are seeking a Staff Logistics Engineer to lead the development of the logistics function for a major vehicle program – inbound planning, internal material flow and warehousing, outbound transportation, and logistics engineering – from initial facility build-out through start of production. You will also serve as the senior logistics leader and primary liaison to a key international manufacturing partner supporting body shop and metallic component manufacturing, as well as material flow across vehicle assembly plants. This role reports to the Manager, Logistics Engineering. The ideal candidate has taken a logistics organization from a greenfield or brownfield site through start of production, has led new-product or new-program launches in a complex automotive manufacturing environment, and has managed an executive-level manufacturing partner relationship. You are comfortable being the single point of accountability for logistics on a major program and can travel as required. In this role, you will: Lead the end-to-end design, layout, and operational launch of new Logistics programs, including inbound planning, internal material flow and warehousing, outbound transportation, and logistics engineering (packaging, systems, and industrial engineering). Serve as the senior logistics lead and primary liaison to a key international manufacturing partner, representing Logistics in onsite workshops, program steering meetings, and executive alignment sessions. Lead Logistics readiness across the full site lifecycle – from greenfield/brownfield facility build-out and build-location decisions through new-product launch and start of production (SOP). Develop a comprehensive logistics launch plan to drive cross-functional logistics readiness for program gate reviews, surfacing schedule, capacity, and material-flow risks early and driving them to closure. Manage a recurring cadence of onsite engagement with international manufacturing partner facilities, including technical workshops, kickoffs, and leadership reviews. Establish 5S, visual management, standard work, and inventory control processes tailored specifically for a high-turn, high-availability service environment. Collaborate with IT and Systems teams to specify requirements for Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and inventory tracking technologies across the network. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, Operations, or a related field. 12+ years of experience in logistics, industrial engineering, supply chain, or operations leadership within the automotive industry. Proven experience launching logistics operations for a greenfield or brownfield manufacturing site, from initial build-out through start of production (SOP). Experience launching new products or programs (NPI) in a complex manufacturing environment. Strong analytical and decision-support skills, including build-location trade studies, transportation cost modeling, and logistics infrastructure planning. Willingness and ability to travel as required. Bonus Qualifications Experience working with contract or co-development vehicle manufacturers. Experience with SAP, S/4HANA, or comparable ERP/logistics systems. APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP, CLTD) or PMP. Experience in autonomous vehicle, robotics, or other advanced-technology manufacturing environments.