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Optimization Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

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Optimization information

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$45

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$92

How much do optimization jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for optimization in Washington, DC is $67.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.99 and $83.27 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 are the most commonly searched types of Optimization jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Optimization jobs in Washington, DC are:

What job categories do people searching Optimization jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Optimization jobs in Washington, DC are:

Optimization jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optimization job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,466 per year, or $67.5 per hour.

Space Enterprise Optimization Analyst

The Aerospace Corporation

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace's strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The divisionleveragesa broad array of engineering disciplines against a wide-ranging and dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities.

The Space Enterprise Design and Optimization Department (SEDOD) is in EED's Enterprise Design Subdivision (EDS). We bring to bearexpertisein a wide variety of fields to tackle tough problems and explore novel ideas, focusing on the performance modeling, analysis, and optimization of orbits, mission architectures, and acquisition portfolios to inform the future of the national space enterprise.

As part of SEDOD and EDS, a member of our technical staff will employ and develop sophisticated simulation tools to perform space and ground design, optimization, and analysis in support of architecture concept trade studies, requirements verification, analyses-of-alternatives, and performance modeling. Additionally, this staff member willleverageoptimization techniquesand astrodynamicsexpertisetoprovideresponsive analyses integratingspace vehicle designwith constellation optimization. They will act as a technical expert for a portfolio of high-impact projects, in addition to working on teams and collaborating with other analysts to expand their domain knowledge.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA, offering an in-person work model that combines 4 or more regular onsite workdays per week and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.

WhatYou'llBe Doing

  • Independently and collaborativelyconductingdeep dives, trade studies, and assessments to define and address customer needs in the areas of space architecture design and optimization, trade space exploration, andspace vehicle design

  • Leveraging in-house and commercial- and government-off-the-shelf engineering analysis tools to deliver technical insights through analytical deep dives, trade studies, and assessments in department focus areas

  • Contributing to the development of analysis software tools and actively pursuing opportunities to enhance and improve existing simulation and analysis capabilities for a wide range of customers

  • Developing and presentingtimelyand technicallyaccuratepresentations and reports that clearly communicate analysis results and provide recommended solutions to technical leads, management, and customers

  • Building andmaintaininga strong baseof customers and collaborators for the department through effective working relationships with cross-organization partners, government customers, and contractor teammates

What You Need to be Successful

MinimumRequirements:

  • B.S. degree in aerospace, astronautical, or mechanical engineering, physics, operations research, mathematics, or a related field of science or engineering

  • Advanced degree or 2 or more years of relevant and progressive professional or academic experience

  • Experience with constellation design, orbital mechanics, or mathematics related to satellite access geometry

  • Knowledge of Python, C, C++, MATLAB, or another programming language

  • Ability to support multiple programs and/or activities, acting as a technical contributor across both individual and broader team efforts

  • This position requires the ability to obtain andmaintaina Top Secret/SCI security clearance with CI polygraph, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship isrequiredto obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, theminimumrequirements for the Sr. Member of the Technical Staff include:

  • 4 or more years of relevant and progressive professional experience and/or a Ph.D. in a field of study mentioned above

  • Significant experiencemaking effective contributions to a wide range of technical analysis or development projects

  • Ability to support multiple programs and/or activities, acting as a technical advisor to help define and address customer needs

  • Ability to lead and mentor small teams in conducting routine analysis and development tasks as part of larger project efforts

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if youhaveone or more of these:

  • An advanced degree or extensive work experience in a field of study mentioned above

  • Work history in one of these specific national security space or intelligence mission areas: geo-spatial intelligence, signals intelligence,missile warning/tracking/defense,space surveillance, space protection, ground systems, or communications infrastructure

  • Background in one or more of the following areas: optimization techniques, genetic algorithms, space mission design, satellite constellation performance modeling, satellite orbit access analysis, simulation development, or payload/bus design

  • Experience working independently on creating, executing, and debugging modeling and simulation tools

  • Current TS/SCI access with a current CI polygraph

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$86,600.00 - $150,400.00 Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

  • Operate Strategically
  • Lead Change
  • Engage with Impact
  • Foster Innovation
  • Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

  • Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

  • 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

  • Flexible spending accounts

  • Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

  • Relocation assistance

  • Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

  • Education assistance programs

  • An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equalopportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color,religion,geneticinformation, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by emailat peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.

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