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Optimization Jobs in Cary, NC (NOW HIRING)

At Optima Engineering , an employee-owned MEP engineering consulting firm, we focus on delivering high-quality mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and technology design solutions for ...

At Optima Engineering , an employee-owned MEP engineering consulting firm, we focus on delivering high-quality mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and technology design solutions for ...

Showing results 21-40

Optimization information

See Cary, NC salary details

$37

$55

$75

How much do optimization jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for optimization in Cary, NC is $55.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.10 and $68.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an optimization job?

Optimization jobs refer to roles that focus on improving systems, processes, or products to achieve the best possible performance, efficiency, or outcomes. These positions can be found in various industries, including engineering, data science, logistics, and business operations. Professionals in optimization analyze data, identify inefficiencies, and develop solutions using mathematical models, algorithms, or process improvements. Their goal is to maximize value while minimizing costs or resource use. Common job titles in this field include Optimization Engineer, Data Optimization Analyst, and Operations Research Analyst.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in optimization roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in optimization roles often encounter challenges such as dealing with incomplete or noisy data, balancing multiple and sometimes conflicting objectives, and ensuring that solutions are scalable for real-world implementation. Addressing these challenges requires strong analytical skills, collaboration with domain experts, and the ability to communicate complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Leveraging advanced tools and staying updated with the latest optimization techniques can also enhance problem-solving capabilities and contribute to project success.

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

To thrive as an Optimization Specialist, you need strong analytical skills, a background in mathematics or engineering, and experience with data-driven decision-making. Familiarity with optimization software (such as Gurobi or CPLEX), programming languages like Python or R, and relevant certifications in operations research or analytics are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for interpreting results and collaborating with stakeholders. These skills and qualities are crucial for identifying optimal solutions, improving efficiency, and delivering measurable business value.

What is the difference between Optimization vs Data Analyst?

AspectOptimizationData Analyst
Required CredentialsOften requires degrees in mathematics, statistics, or related fields; certifications like Google Data Studio or Six SigmaTypically requires degrees in statistics, computer science, or related fields; certifications like Microsoft Excel or Tableau
Work EnvironmentPrimarily analytical, project-based, often in marketing, e-commerce, or manufacturingData-driven, reporting-focused, in various industries including finance, healthcare, and tech
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by companies aiming to improve processes, efficiency, and performanceUsed by organizations to interpret data, generate reports, and support decision-making

While both roles involve data analysis, Optimization focuses on improving processes and performance through analytical techniques, whereas Data Analysts primarily interpret data and generate reports to inform business decisions.

Infographic showing various Optimization job openings in Cary, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 84% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,937 per year, or $55.3 per hour.

Sr Product Manager- Optimization and Network Analytics

SAS

Cary, NC โ€ข On-site, Remote

$118K - $156K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Senior Product Manager (Optimization and Network Analytics)- Hybrid, Cary, North Carolina or Remote in the US
We're a leader in data and AI. Through our software and services, we inspire customers around the world to transform data into intelligence - and questions into answers.
If you're looking for a dynamic, fulfilling career with flexibility and a world-class employee experience, you'll find it here. We're recognized around the world for our inclusive, meaningful culture and innovative technologies by organizations like Fast Company, Forbes, Newsweek and more.
About the job
If you are passionate about the math that potentially saves lives, directs resources during natural disasters and identifies suspicious transactions indicative of fraud, then please join our team!
As a Senior Product Manager- Optimization and Network Analytics, you will be responsible for driving SAS' market-leading algorithmic product strategy across the SAS platform. In this high-profile role, you will be set product direction with respect to algorithms across the following disciplines: Mathematical optimization, operations research, graph optimization, network analytics, and entity resolution. These disciplines play a critical role in supporting business decisions using embeddable analytic components across major SAS industry solutions.
In addition, you will work across SAS application teams to bring these capabilities to life within products such as Data & AI Studio, Model Studio, and Visual Investigator. You will help ensure that powerful analytic technologies are delivered through intuitive user experiences and industry solutions that create measurable business value.
As a Senior Product Manager- Optimization and Network Analytics, you will:
  • Define and prioritize product requirements based on business drivers, customer inputs, market direction, and field contribution.
  • Translate business requirements into technical, functional, and non-functional requirements.
  • Define user personas and write use cases.
  • Drive product development and collaborate with software development teams based on requirements management, risk management, risk mitigation, and product lifecycles.
  • Partner and align with Product Commercialization Specialists to define market potential.
  • Support product launches as primary content provider to facilitate knowledge transfer of product functionality to marketing and sales.
  • Present product vision, roadmap, and software demonstrations to internal constituents, senior management stakeholders, customers, and analysts.
  • Embrace curiosity, passion, authenticity and accountability. These are our values and influence everything we do.

Required qualifications
  • Master's degree or higher, operations research, industrial engineering, optimization, math, computer science, or a related quantitative discipline.
  • 6+ years' experience in direct product management or software development related to analytics.
  • Strong understanding of optimization and network analytics applications, including routing, scheduling, resource allocation, supply chain planning, and operational decision-making.
  • Knowledge of optimization methodologies and solver technologies, including linear programming, mixed-integer programming, nonlinear optimization, metaheuristics, and optimization under uncertainty.
  • Knowledge of network analytics and graph-based optimization techniques, including centrality, community detection, entity resolution, max flow, pattern matching, and vehicle routing.
  • Working knowledge of analytics platforms, data pipelines, and large-scale operational data used to power optimization and decision-support workflows.
  • Ability to define product requirements for APIs, embeddable analytics, and platform-based integration into enterprise applications and industry solutions.
  • Understanding of simulation, scenario analysis, model lifecycle, and decisioning systems to help customers evaluate tradeoffs and improve business outcomes.
  • Equivalent combination of related education, training and experience may be considered in place of the above qualifications.

Additional competencies, knowledge and skills
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage in technical discussions with customers, partners, and industry analysts.
  • Excellent critical thinking skills with demonstrated history of making good decisions in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proven ability to work in a highly collaborative environment across multiple business units.
  • Ability to innovate and define creative solutions with compelling user experiences that exceed customer expectations.
  • A self-starter with bias toward action and the know-how to balance getting details right while still moving fast.

World-class benefits
Highlights include...
  • Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental and vision plans.
  • Medical plan options include:
    • PPO with low annual deductible and copays.
    • HDHP combined with a health savings account with a contribution from SAS (no access to on-site health care center).
  • Onsite Health Care Center (HQ) that's free to employees and family members enrolled in the PPO plan. There's a pharmacy too! Not local to HQ? The pharmacy will ship prescriptions for no additional charge!
  • An industry-leading 401k plan.
  • Tuition Assistance Program and programs and resources to support your development
  • Generous time away including vacation time, a variety of paid holidays, and our much-loved U.S. Winter Wellness Break between December 25 and January 1.
  • Volunteer Time Off, parental leave and unlimited paid sick days.
  • Generous childcare benefits for all full-time employees.

You are welcome here.
At SAS, it's not about fitting into our culture - it's about adding to it. We believe our people make the difference. Our inclusive workforce brings together unique talents and inspires teams to create amazing software that reflects the diversity of our users and customers.
Additional Information:
To qualify, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States, and should not require, now or in the future, sponsorship for employment visa status. SAS is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law. Read more: Know Your Rights.
Resumes may be considered in the order they are received. SAS employees performing certain job functions may require access to technology or software subject to export or import regulations. To comply with these regulations, SAS may obtain nationality or citizenship information from applicants for employment. SAS collects this information solely for trade law compliance purposes and does not use it to discriminate unfairly in the hiring process.
SAS only sends emails from verified "sas.com" email addresses and never asks for sensitive, personal information or money. If you have any doubts about the authenticity of any type of communication from, or on behalf of SAS, please contact Recruitingsupport@sas.com.
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