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Optimization 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 ...

SEO Strategist Freelancer

Houston, TX ยท Remote

$30 - $35/hr

As an SEO Strategist, your main job is to help clients websites show up higher in search results and AI overviews so more people can find them naturally. This is a client-facing role that has you ...

SEO Strategist Freelancer

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$30 - $35/hr

As an SEO Strategist, your main job is to help clients websites show up higher in search results and AI overviews so more people can find them naturally. This is a client-facing role that has you ...

SEO Strategist Freelancer

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$30 - $35/hr

As an SEO Strategist, your main job is to help clients websites show up higher in search results and AI overviews so more people can find them naturally. This is a client-facing role that has you ...

These roles are responsible for planning, optimizing, implementing and analyzing natural search engine marketing activities. This position is key to future growth and will be responsible for the top ...

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Optimization information

See Houston, TX salary details

$38

$56

$78

How much do optimization jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for optimization in Houston, TX is $56.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.30 and $70.19 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.

What job categories do people searching Optimization jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Optimization jobs in Houston, TX are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Optimization job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,480 per year, or $57 per hour.

AI Optimization Engineer

Houston, TX โ€ข On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


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:*** Masterโ€™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: โ€ข Ask you to pay for applications, interviews, meetings, processing, training or for any other fees โ€ข Use recruiting or placement agencies that charge candidates an advance fee of any kind or โ€ข 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