Distribution Engineer (Night Dispatcher)

Pilot Thomas Logistics; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Pilot Thomas Logistics seeks a Distribution Engineer to optimize supply chain systems and ensure On-Time Delivery by balancing transportation, inventory, warehousing, and service levels. You will design distribution plans, engineer network inputs, and leverage ERP tools to improve margins and asset utilization.

The role requires 1–3 years in logistics (oil & gas preferred) and the ability to work nights/weekends as business needs dictate.

Qualifications

• HS diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree preferred in Supply Chain, Business Administration, or Industrial Engineering.
• 1–3 years of progressively responsible experience in logistics, oil & gas preferred but open to extensive logistics experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead fuel procurement and arbitrage initiatives to enhance margin and routing efficiency.
• Adhere to SOPs for logistics of assets/drivers and inbound customer orders.
• Create distribution plans including Fleet Deployment, Resource Allocation, and Lift Point Optimization.
• Engineer distribution inputs/outputs to achieve On-Time Delivery targets for each terminal/customer.
• Leverage asset planning tools to improve distribution network performance and asset utilization.
• Reconcile and manage open customer orders within the distribution network to ensure timely delivery.
• Maintain compliance with PTL policies and procedures.
• Travel as required; work nights and weekends as needed.

Skills

Logistics optimization

ERP systems

Customer service

Communication

TWIC credential

Education

HS diploma or GED

Bachelor's in Supply Chain

Tools

Microsoft Office

ERP platforms

Job description

This role is critical to the success of our Logistics Process Excellence (LPE) program. A Distribution Engineer is a specialized professional who designs, analyzes, and enhances supply chain systems to optimize the efficient flow of goods, information, and resources. Utilizing engineering principles and technological tools to solve complex logistical challenges, ensuring that products are delivered to the right place, at the right time, and in the most cost-effective manner. By balancing factors such as transportation, inventory management, warehousing, and customer service, Distribution Engineers play a critical role in the seamless operation of supply chains and the overall success of businesses.

• Lead fuel procurement and arbitrage initiatives that enhance margin performance while optimizing routing efficiency across local, regional, and network operations.
• Adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs) as related to logistics of assets/drivers and creation of inbound customer orders.
• Create and deploy optimal distribution plans engineered to meet Company expectations and customer delivery needs for all products and services by relying on key knowledge, Company experience, existing tools, and systems available within the Company. The plan will include at a minimum, Fleet Deployment Model, Allocation of Team Resources, and Lift Point Optimization.
• Independently, within the Company parameters, engineer distribution network inputs and outputs to achieve On-Time Delivery (OTD) targets for each operating terminal and customer. Ensure the customer experience is positive and simple when administering orders; triage and resolve customer challenges in a timely and professional manner.
• Leverage asset planning tool(s) to achieve improved distribution network performance and asset utilization targets.
• Reconcile and manage open customer orders within the distribution network and related network tools to ensure the delivery is completed or need to adjust order timeframe.
• Maintains compliance with all PTL policies and procedure.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• 1-3 years of progressively responsible experience in similar roles, oil and gas industry experience preferred but accepting extensive logistics experience in other high-performing organizations.
• Ability to work nights and weekends as deemed necessary by business need.
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced work environment while ensuring accuracy and quality output of service is excellent.
• Flexibility to work evening and weekends, based on operational needs.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Proficient with technological platforms and utilization of ERPs to streamline logistics processes.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• Prior experience with logistics platforms and ERPs, preferably building out linkage between the two to maximize utility and OTD.
• Ability to communicate with all levels.
• Willingness to travel as required.
• Required to have/carry a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card when on maritime facilities and vessels. Otherwise, an escort with a valid TWIC card is required.

Education:

HS diploma or GED required. Bachelor's degree (Supply Chain, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering) preferred.

Working Conditions:

• Extended schedules may be required as dictated by management and business needs.
• May be required to lift, push, or pull materials weighing up to twenty (20) pounds.
• May be required to sit and review information on a computer screen for extended periods.
• May require repetitive motions of the hands and wrist related to writing and typing at an electronic keyboard.