Transportation Planner

Transportation Planner

Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented Transportation Planner to join our team! In this role you will be responsible for designing, coordinating, and optimizing the movement of personnel, equipment, and materials in support of customer missions.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Ensuring that transportation activities are safe, compliant, efficient, and aligned with operational requirements for the U.S. Department of War (DoW), national security agencies, and international clients
• Analyze demand, selects carriers and modes, develops routing plans, and monitors execution to meet cost, schedule, and performance objectives in complex and often austere environments
• Develop and maintain transportation plans, routing solutions, and schedules for inbound, outbound, and intra-theater movements (air, sea, ground, rail)
• Coordinate daily and long-range transportation requirements with operations, warehousing, procurement, and program teams
• Consolidate shipments and optimize loads to reduce cost and cycle time while meeting service-level requirements
• Monitor transportation activities in real time, adjusting plans to address delays, disruptions, or changing mission priorities
• Interface with carriers, freight forwarders, and government transportation offices to confirm bookings, resolve issues, and ensure on-time delivery
• Track shipments using TMS/ERP and other visibility tools; provide status updates and exception reports to stakeholders
• Develop and maintain KPIs, dashboards, and performance reports; recommend corrective actions and process enhancements
• Conduct route and mode optimization studies to support proposal efforts, cost reductions, and service improvements
• Identify transportation risks (security, schedule, regulatory, environmental) and support mitigation strategies and contingency plans
• Serve as a transportation subject-matter resource for program managers, logistics leads, and customer representatives
• Communicate clearly and proactively with internal and external stakeholders regarding requirements, constraints, and statuses
• Use Transportation Management Systems (TMS), ERP platforms, and logistics software to plan, tender, and track shipments

What Required Skills You'll Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation, Business, or related field is required, Master's degree is preferred.
• Equivalent military or industry experience may be considered
• Minimum of 5 years of transportation planning, logistics, or supply chain experience; defense or government contracting experience required
• Demonstrated experience with multi-modal transportation (e.g., commercial air, military airlift, ocean, truckload/LTL, rail)
• Must have a current/active secret level or higher clearance as required
• U.S. citizenship may be required due to contract and security requirements.
• Willingness to work extended hours, shift work, or on-call support during surge or contingency operations
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, including to austere or high-risk locations, as mission requirements dictate

What Desired Skills You'll Bring:

• Experience supporting DoW/DoD, federal agencies, or large program operations (deployment, sustainment, base operations, or contingency support)
• Familiarity with defense logistics systems and processes (e.g., military air/sea movement, government bill of lading, freight routing guides)
• Background in planning transportation in austere, conflict, or remote environments.
• Strong understanding of transportation principles, carrier operations, and logistics network design
• Working knowledge of applicable regulations and standards (e.g., DOT, IATA/ICAO, IMDG, ADR, HAZMAT/HAZDEC; ITAR/EAR for controlled items)
• Proficiency with TMS, ERP, and related logistics tools (e.g., SAP, Oracle, JDA/Blue Yonder, MercuryGate, or similar)
• Advanced skills in Excel and data analysis; familiarity with visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) is an asset
• Ability to interpret contracts, tariffs, routing guides, and service agreements.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; able to manage multiple movements and priorities simultaneously
• Effective written and verbal communication; able to convey complex transportation plans to non-specialists
• Problem-solving mindset with ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing mission requirements
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional and multi-cultural teams, including military, civilian, and international partners
• A desire to contribute directly to mission-critical operations that support U.S. national security and international partners
• Ability to work within a collaborative, fast-paced environment with opportunities to influence logistics strategy and innovation

Security Clearance Requirement:

An active Secret security clearance is required for this position.

Salary Range: $88,400.00 - $154,700.00

We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!

Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.