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Combinatorial Optimization Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$105K - $145K/yr

Combinatorial and constraint-based optimization Heuristic and learning-based optimization approaches * Own data pipelines for ML systems * Data validation and quality checks * Feature engineering and ...

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$105K - $145K/yr

Combinatorial and constraint-based optimization Heuristic and learning-based optimization approaches * Own data pipelines for ML systems * Data validation and quality checks * Feature engineering and ...

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$105K - $145K/yr

Combinatorial and constraint-based optimization Heuristic and learning-based optimization approaches * Own data pipelines for ML systems * Data validation and quality checks * Feature engineering and ...

Combinatorial Optimization information

What is combinatorial optimization?

Combinatorial optimization is a field in mathematics and computer science focused on finding the best solution from a finite set of possible solutions. It involves problems where you need to arrange, select, or group discrete objects according to certain rules to achieve an optimal outcome. Examples include scheduling, routing, and assignment problems. Techniques such as linear programming, branch and bound, and heuristics are often used to solve these problems. Combinatorial optimization is widely applied in logistics, operations research, computer science, and engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a combinatorial optimization specialist?

To thrive as a Combinatorial Optimization Specialist, you need a solid background in mathematics, computer science, and operations research, often supported by an advanced degree in a related field. Familiarity with programming languages (such as Python, C++, or Java), optimization libraries, and mathematical modeling tools like CPLEX or Gurobi is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help you devise and explain complex solutions to stakeholders. These skills are crucial for developing efficient algorithms and models that address challenging optimization problems in various industries.

How does a combinatorial optimization specialist typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

Combinatorial Optimization specialists frequently work cross-functionally, partnering with data scientists, software engineers, and business analysts to translate complex business problems into mathematical models. They help teams identify optimal solutions for scheduling, routing, resource allocation, and other operational challenges. Effective communication is crucial, as specialists must explain complex algorithms to non-technical stakeholders and integrate their solutions into broader business processes. Collaborative teamwork and iterative problem-solving are common in this role.

What is the difference between Combinatorial Optimization vs Data Analyst?

AspectCombinatorial OptimizationData Analyst
Required CredentialsMathematics, Operations Research, Computer Science degreesStatistics, Data Science, Business Analytics degrees
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, consulting firms, tech companiesCorporate offices, finance, marketing departments
Industry UsageLogistics, manufacturing, AI, supply chainFinance, marketing, healthcare, retail

While both roles involve analytical skills, Combinatorial Optimization focuses on solving complex mathematical problems to find optimal solutions, often in logistics and operations. Data Analysts interpret data to inform business decisions, working across various industries. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer expectations.

What are popular job titles related to Combinatorial Optimization jobs in Washington?

For Combinatorial Optimization jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Combinatorial Optimization jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Combinatorial Optimization job openings:

Infographic showing various Combinatorial Optimization job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution.

Dynamic Scheduler DSP Algorithm Engineer

AST SpaceMobile

Lanham, MD • On-site

$143K - $167K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Position Overview

The Dynamic Scheduler DSP Algorithm Engineer designs and optimizes a resource-allocation algorithm for the satellite payload system, working at the intersection of combinatorial optimization, signal processing, and system-level performance trade-offs. This person designs, analyzes, and improves optimization algorithms for large-scale resource-allocation problems, balancing competing system objectives - efficiency, coverage, and performance - and validating solutions against simulation and real system metrics rather than theoretical guarantees alone. The role requires strong communication skills and comfort working across algorithm, system, and hardware constraints to ensure solutions scale efficiently to large problem sizes. 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Design, analyze, and improve optimization algorithms for large-scale resource-allocation problems.
  • Balance competing system objectives (efficiency, coverage, performance) and formalize the trade-offs involved.
  • Validate algorithms against simulation and real system metrics, not just theoretical guarantees.
  • Ensure solutions scale efficiently to large problem sizes.

 Qualifications 

Education:

Experience:

  • Strong background in optimization (combinatorial and/or convex), with hands-on problem-solving experience.
  • Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for algorithm prototyping.
  • Ability to translate mathematical/technical specifications into working code. 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Background in wireless communications, satellite systems, or signal processing.
  • Graduate degree (MS/PhD) in EE, applied math, operations research, or CS with an optimization focus. 

Soft Skills:

  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across algorithm, system, and hardware constraints. 

Technology Stack:

  • Python and/or MATLAB for algorithm prototyping.
  • Combinatorial and convex optimization frameworks and solvers.
  • Simulation and system-metric validation tooling for large-scale resource-allocation problems. 

Physical Requirements 

  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
  • Ability to use a computer for extended periods.
  • Ability to work in an office environment, with occasional exposure to lab or test environments to validate algorithms against real system metrics.
  • Ability to travel occasionally to support system validation or cross-team collaboration as needed.

This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands.