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Optimization Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apple

SW ML Optimization Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

You'll collaborate with engineers across Apple to design how all of our technologies work in unison ... optimized solutions based on Apple Silicon. In this role, you will analyze existing and new ...

NIO

LLM Algorithmic Optimization Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$143K - $186K/yr

... Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Communications, Electronics, or a related field with relevant research projects and publications. * Strong understanding of GPU/NPU architecture and optimization ...

Mytra

Senior Modeling & Optimization Engineer

Brisbane, CA · On-site

$175K - $190K/yr

This role sits within the Modeling & Optimization team, the technical and analytical backbone of ... Build and hand off self-serve tooling to the commercial org - so solutions engineers and designers ...

NIO

LLM Algorithmic Optimization Engineer

San Jose, CA

$143K - $186K/yr

... Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Communications, Electronics, or a related field with relevant research projects and publications. * Strong understanding of GPU/NPU architecture and optimization ...

Qualcomm

#Windows Power Optimization Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$94K - $141K/yr

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering General Summary: ***This position is ... Interested in playing a key role in optimizing battery life while maintaining high performance in ...

Nvidia

EDA Workflow Optimization Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · Hybrid

$130K - $154K/yr

As an engineer in our EDA Workflow Optimization team, you will partner closely with our engineering teams worldwide. You will understand workflows covering the full chip design process from inception ...

Avantus

Sr. Engineer, Optimization Engineering

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$110K - $152K/yr

Optimization Engineer willdemonstrateindustry knowledge, superior communicationskills, and detail-oriented organizational skills.This is seen as critical roletosupport projects from early-stage ...

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Optimization Engineer information

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How much do optimization engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for optimization engineer in California is $58.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.69 and $72.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Optimization Engineer vs Data Analyst?

AspectOptimization EngineerData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Mathematics, or related field; often certifications in optimization or data analysisBachelor's in Statistics, Mathematics, or related field; certifications in data analysis tools
Work EnvironmentEngineering teams, manufacturing, logistics, or software developmentBusiness, finance, marketing, or healthcare sectors
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, tech, logistics, supply chainFinance, marketing, healthcare, consulting

Optimization Engineers focus on improving processes and systems through mathematical modeling and algorithms, often working in technical environments. Data Analysts interpret data to support business decisions, typically working with data visualization and reporting tools. While both roles analyze data, Optimization Engineers emphasize process optimization, whereas Data Analysts focus on insights and reporting.

What are Optimization Engineers?

Optimization Engineers are professionals who analyze, design, and implement solutions to improve the efficiency, performance, and cost-effectiveness of systems, processes, or products. They use mathematical models, data analysis, and simulation tools to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to achieve optimal results. These engineers work across various industries, including manufacturing, technology, energy, and logistics, to help organizations maximize output while minimizing resources and waste.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optimization Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optimization Engineer, you need a solid background in mathematics, data analysis, and engineering principles, often supported by a degree in engineering, mathematics, or a related field. Familiarity with optimization software (such as Gurobi, CPLEX, or MATLAB), programming languages like Python, and data modeling tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication make candidates stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing efficient solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and driving continuous improvement in complex systems.

What does an optimization engineer do?

An optimization engineer analyzes and improves processes, systems, or algorithms to increase efficiency, reduce costs, or enhance performance. They often use mathematical modeling, data analysis, and tools like MATLAB or Python to develop solutions and may work in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, or software development.

What engineers make 200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as software, petroleum, aerospace, and data engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and relevant certifications. Compensation can vary based on industry, location, and company size, with roles involving specialized expertise, leadership, or management responsibilities typically commanding higher salaries.

How does an Optimization Engineer typically collaborate with other departments to implement solutions?

Optimization Engineers often work closely with cross-functional teams such as production, operations, and data analysis. They collaborate by gathering input on current processes, identifying bottlenecks, and proposing data-driven improvements. Regular meetings and clear communication are crucial to ensure that proposed optimizations are practical and align with business goals. By involving stakeholders from various departments, Optimization Engineers help facilitate smoother implementation and ensure that solutions are sustainable and well-integrated.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data engineering, or systems architecture can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially in senior or executive roles at large technology companies. These roles often require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive industry experience, and compensation may include base salary, bonuses, and stock options.

What Is Optimization Engineering?

The job duties of an optimization engineer focus on taking an existing design and improving making it stronger, fast, more efficient, or more durable. Career qualifications for an optimization engineer include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering and years of field experience through internships or similar positions. Strong analytical and research skills are important for this job, as well as a strong background in advanced mathematics.

How much do optimization engineers make?

Optimization engineers typically earn a median salary ranging from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in data analysis, programming, and modeling can earn higher compensation, often exceeding $150,000.
More about Optimization Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Optimization Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Optimization Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Optimization Engineer jobs in California? For Optimization Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optimization Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Optimization Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Optimization Engineer jobs in CA? For Optimization Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Optimization Engineer jobs near you
Multidisciplinary Analysis and Optimization Engineer II

Multidisciplinary Analysis and Optimization Engineer II

Relativity Space

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$126K - $188K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

At Relativity Space, we're building rockets to serve today's needs and tomorrow's breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that's just the start. Achieving commercial success with Terran R will unlock new opportunities to advance science, exploration, and innovation, pioneering progress that reaches beyond the known.
Joining Relativity means becoming part of something where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level. Here, you're not just executing tasks; you're solving problems that haven't been solved before, helping develop a rocket, a factory, and a business from the ground up. Whether you're in propulsion, manufacturing, software, avionics, or a corporate function, you'll collaborate across teams, shape decisions, and see your work come to life in record time. Relativity is a place where creativity and technical rigor go hand in hand, and your voice will help define the stories we're writing together. Now is a unique moment in time where it's early enough to leave your mark on the product, the process, and the culture, but far enough along that Terran R is tangible and picking up momentum. The most meaningful work of your career is waiting. Join us.
About the Team:
The Integrated Performance team owns the holistic view of how Terran R comes together, ensuring that every system on the vehicle and ground is capable of achieving our ambitious objectives. The team works across the full launch system, from trajectory design and aerodynamics to reliability analysis and beyond, with direct influence on all parts of the product lifecycle, from conceptual design to post-flight data review. Beyond analysis, team members engage hands-on with hardware and operations, with the mission and authority to drive meaningful programmatic change. With a unique organizational structure, the integrated performance team spans multiple technical domains and embeds directly with partner teams to solve the hardest multi-disciplinary problems. The team operates with a rare scale: large enough to support complex development, yet small enough that individual contributors have meaningful impact.
About the Role:
  • Closely collaborate with key design teams to integrate the latest design data into full simulations of customer missions
  • Develop and leverage software tooling to optimize launch and orbital trajectories across key customer missions
  • Lead interdisciplinary design trade analyses to inform critical decisions about the vehicle, mission trajectories, and ConOps
  • Define and maintain high-level vehicle and trajectory design requirements to inform the overall design process
  • Implement, maintain, and improve software tooling across a variety of languages, from core simulation capabilities to peripheral analysis utilities
  • Establish and lead cross-functional collaboration with key teams across Vehicle Engineering

About You:
  • An undergraduate or graduate degree (BS/MS/PhD) in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related field
  • 1+ years of relevant full-time work experience with demonstrated ability to solve complex problems from first principles
  • Direct experience on rocketry, space systems, or equally complex hardware systems
  • Strong proficiency in high-level programming languages (e.g. Python, Julia, MATLAB) and setting up complex simulation processes
  • Ability to complete projects with end-to-end ownership and a high degree of independence
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced and intense startup environment

Nice to haves but not required:
  • Familiarity with launch vehicle trajectory design and optimization
  • Have previously been a leading contributor on complex multi-disciplinary engineering analysis projects
  • Prior work in a startup environment
  • Experience working with advanced software development practices such as Docker, Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD), and dependency management

At Relativity Space, we are committed to transparency and fairness in our compensation practices. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.
Compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. Relativity Space offers competitive salary and equity, a generous PTO and sick leave policy, parental leave, an annual learning and development stipend, and more! To see some of the benefits & perks we offer, please visit here.
Hiring Range:
$126,000-$188,000 USD
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at accommodations@relativityspace.com.

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