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Optimization Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

They are seeking an experienced AI Optimization Engineer to apply advanced optimization and AI techniques to improve decision systems within their Applied AI Center of Excellence. Responsibilities ...

We are looking for an experienced and innovative leader to fill the position of AI Optimization Engineer within our Applied AI Center of Excellence group based in Houston, TX. Essential Job ...

We are looking for an experienced and innovative leaderto fill the position of AI Optimization Engineer within ourApplied AI Center of Excellence group based in Houston, TX. Essential Job ...

Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, or a related engineering field. * Experience: 3-5 years driving continuous improvement in a heavy industrial, manufacturing, or production ...

Services Principal Consultant

Houston, TX · On-site

$124K - $207K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Houston Employment Type: full-time The job Seeking a highly motivated Process Simulation and Optimization Engineer to execute and deliver advanced modeling and optimization solutions for refining ...

Optimization Specialist- HROC

Houston, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Collaborate closely with plant operations, process engineering, systems engineering, reliability ... Drive Continuous Optimization and Automation Strategies Support and actively contribute to the ...

Optimization Specialist- HROC

Houston, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Collaborate closely with plant operations, process engineering, systems engineering, reliability ... Drive Continuous Optimization and Automation Strategies Support and actively contribute to the ...

Services Principal Consultant

Houston, TX · Hybrid

$124K - $207K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Houston Employment Type: full-time The job Seeking a highly motivated Process Simulation and Optimization Engineer to execute and deliver advanced modeling and optimization solutions for refining ...

Optimization Specialist- HROC

Houston, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Collaborate closely with plant operations, process engineering, systems engineering, reliability ... Drive Continuous Optimization and Automation Strategies Support and actively contribute to the ...

Optimization Specialist II - HROC

Houston, TX · On-site

$84K - $113K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Monitor and control the cement manufacturing process from the Remote Optimization Center, based in ... Bachelor of Science/Engineering degree, preferably in Chemical, Industrial, or Manufacturing.

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Showing results 1-20

Optimization Engineer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$38

$56

$78

How much do optimization engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for optimization engineer in Houston, TX is $56.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.30 and $70.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an optimization engineer?

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 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 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.

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 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 cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Optimization Engineer jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Optimization Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Optimization Engineer job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,480 per year, or $57 per hour.

AI Optimization Engineer

Oxy

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
Oxy is a company that produces, markets, and transports oil and natural gas, focusing on lower-carbon technologies. They are seeking an experienced AI Optimization Engineer to apply advanced optimization and AI techniques to improve decision systems within their Applied AI Center of Excellence.
Responsibilities:
• Apply advanced continuous and combinatorial optimization, control, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and algorithmic techniques to build, maintain, and improve on decision systems/processes.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to select the relevant sources of information and formulate the right questions and problems.
• Identify what data is available and relevant, leveraging and creating data input and output pipelines and application programming interfaces (APIs).
• Provide feasible and real-life practical solutions, and demonstrate the scientific qualities: clarity, accuracy, precision, relevance, depth, breadth, logic, significance, and fairness.
• Present and depict the rationale of findings in easy-to-understand terms for the business.
• Present back results that contradict common belief, if needed.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Master’s degree in Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of optimization methods, including dynamic, parametric, and non-parametric approaches
• Experience in dynamic and/or static system modeling.
• Experience designing and implementing advanced control techniques such as Model Predictive Control (MPC), and adaptive control.
• Knowledgeable in system identification and state estimation methods such as Kalman filtering and Moving Horizon Estimation (MHE)
• Knowledgeable in machine learning concepts and their application to modeling, optimization, or control problems
• Proficient in Python
• Experience with Git version control
• Possession of excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Effective team player who takes an active role in team responsibilities.
• Strong time management skills.
• Ability to work with minimum of supervision.
Preferred:
• Knowledge of the oil and gas industry.
• Familiarity with AWS or similar cloud platforms.
• Familiarity with Docker for containerization and Kubernetes for orchestration.
Company:
Oxy is an international energy company that produces, markets and transports oil and natural gas to maximize value and provide resources fundamental to life. Founded in 1920, the company is headquartered in Houston, USA, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

Oxy logo

About Oxy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

For 100 years, Oxy has developed extensive assets, infrastructure, expertise and technology to fuel progress and improve lives around the world. Now we’re leveraging these resources to help solve the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges. We want to be part of the solution, so we're taking bold steps to innovate new technologies for a low-carbon future. Oxy produces energy and essential products to sustain and improve life on our planet. Our experienced teams, located in the United States, Middle East, Africa and Latin America, are committed to safe and efficient operations and products, and to reducing our carbon footprint and helping others do the same.

Industry

Oil and gas extraction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US