1

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

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 ...

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 ...

next page

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 19, 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

CEU Carbon Engineering ULC

Houston, TX • On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

AI Optimization Engineer page is loaded## AI Optimization EngineerApplylocations: Houston, Texastime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Yesterdayjob requisition id: JR101993Oxy produces, markets and transports oil and natural gas to maximize value and provide resources fundamental to life. The company leverages its global leadership in carbon management to advance lower-carbon technologies and products. Headquartered in Houston, Oxy primarily operates in the United States, Middle East and North Africa. To learn more, visit OxyOxy strives to attract and retain talented employees by investing in their professional development and providing rewarding opportunities for personal growth. Our goal is to meet the highest employer standards by ensuring the health and safety of our employees, protecting the environment and positively impacting our communities where we do business.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 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:*** 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.**Additional Qualifications:*** Knowledge of the oil and gas industry.* Familiarity with AWS or similar cloud platforms.* Familiarity with Docker for containerization and Kubernetes for orchestration.Occidental does not offer sponsorship of employment-based nonimmigrant visa petitions for this role.Recruitment Fraud It has come to our attention various individuals and/or organizations are contacting people falsely pretending to recruit on behalf of Oxy. Please be aware that these recruiting scams and communications do not originate nor are they associated with our recruitment process. All Oxy job postings and offers will require a completed application through our company website. Oxy does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruiting process. We will never: • Ask you to pay for applications, interviews, meetings, processing, training or for any other fees • Use recruiting or placement agencies that charge candidates an advance fee of any kind or • Request personal information such as passport and bank account details at an early stage of our recruitment process. We recommend against responding to unsolicited business propositions or offers from people you don't know. Do not disclose your personal or financial details. If you believe you have been the victim of a recruiting scam, please contact your local police department.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law. #J-18808-Ljbffr