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Optimization Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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Optimization Engineer information

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$40

$58

$80

How much do optimization engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 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 jobs will boom in 2026?

Optimization engineers are expected to see increased demand as companies focus on improving efficiency through data analysis, automation, and machine learning. Skills in programming, statistical modeling, and familiarity with tools like Python or MATLAB will be valuable, and roles may involve working in technology, manufacturing, or logistics sectors.

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.

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?

Senior engineers in fields such as software, petroleum, and aerospace engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly in large companies or high-demand industries.

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.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data engineering, and systems engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries like technology or finance. Roles often require strong technical expertise, certifications, and leadership responsibilities.
More about Optimization Engineer jobs
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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
Infographic showing various Optimization Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,442 per year, or $58.9 per hour.
EDA Workflow Optimization Engineer

EDA Workflow Optimization Engineer

Nvidia

Santa Clara, CA • Hybrid

$130K - $154K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology-and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent. As an NVIDIAN, you'll be immersed in a diverse, supportive environment where everyone is inspired to do their best work. Come join the team and see how you can make a lasting impact on the world.

NVIDIA reinvented itself over two decades, inventing the GPU in 1999 to reshape PC gaming and modern computer graphics. 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 through study, architecture, design, verification, emulation, layout, packaging, power-on and production. You will then guide teams to improve, and sometimes re-invent those flows. You will enable our engineers to have the best tools on the planet to make the most innovative chips in the world. You will perform investigations to understand flaws and opportunities, construct metrics to continuously measure performance of our flows and services, and other infrastructure. You will work with your team of EDA and software experts to build new infrastructure in an agile, production software environment. You will continuously innovate and enhance scalable, reliable, high performance systems and tools to enable the next generation of chips!

What you'll be doing:

  • Work in a diverse team performing fast paced investigations to empower our engineers to develop at the speed of light.

  • Participate in the full life-cycle of tool development, test, and deployment.

  • Work closely with other team members and chip engineers to understand and optimize how workflows use the compute and storage environments.

  • Build metrics that are reliable and easy to use by hundreds of engineers around the world.

  • Continuously improve our chip development process.

  • Directly contribute to the overall quality and time to market for our next generation chips.

What we need to see:

  • Strong experience investigating and debugging complex, multi-discipline problems in a UNIX engineering environment.

  • Hands-on experience with architectural decisions in technologies (storage, networking, compute) our chip engineers depend on.

  • Experience with ASIC, VLSI, CAD/EDA or mixed signal design workflow environments.

  • Hands-on experience with EDA tools.

  • Experienced in UNIX Systems programming and automation using Python and/or Shell.

  • Authoritative level usage of UNIX and UNIX utilities.

  • Excellent planning and communication skills.

  • Experience in applying data analysis principles and influencing data-driven decisions.

  • Flexibility/adaptability working in a dynamic environment with changing requirements.

  • BS in Computer Science or equivalent experience; MS (preferred).

  • 5+yrs of relevant experience.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

  • Experience with job schedulers (in particular IBM Spectrum LSF and/or SLURM).

  • Hands-on experience running GPU-based workloads in a batch computing environment and a deep understanding of distributed system principles.

  • Strong programming and debugging skills with C/C++, Python, and Perl on UNIX.

  • A passion for improving engineering productivity and efficiency via data-driven philosophy.

#LI-Hybrid

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 152,000 USD - 241,500 USD for Level 3, and 184,000 USD - 287,500 USD for Level 4.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until April 26, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Nvidia logo

About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993

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