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Production Optimization Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Our first product (Sohu) only supports transformers, but has an order of magnitude more throughput ... Engineers, and Physical Design teams to implement design for optimal power using advanced power ...

Our first product (Sohu) only supports transformers, but has an order of magnitude more throughput ... Engineers, and Physical Design teams to implement design for optimal power using advanced power ...

Our first product (Sohu) only supports transformers, but has an order of magnitude more throughput ... Engineers, and Physical Design teams to implement design for optimal power using advanced power ...

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Production Optimization Engineer information

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$50.5K

$131.7K

$144K

How much do production optimization engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for production optimization engineer in the United States is $131,667.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $143,000.00 and $143,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Production Optimization Engineers?

Production Optimization Engineers are professionals who focus on maximizing the efficiency and output of production systems, particularly in industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, and process engineering. They analyze production data, identify bottlenecks, and implement strategies to enhance productivity and reduce costs. Their role often involves collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, using specialized software, and applying engineering principles to troubleshoot and optimize operations. The goal is to ensure optimal performance, safety, and profitability of production facilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Production Optimization Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Production Optimization Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical, petroleum, or mechanical engineering, along with experience in production systems and process optimization. Familiarity with production simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, OLGA), SCADA systems, and relevant industry certifications like SPE Petroleum Engineering Certification is highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities help you drive performance improvements and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for maximizing production efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring safe, reliable operations in complex industrial environments.

What is the difference between Production Optimization Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectProduction Optimization EngineerProcess Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications in production or process optimizationBachelor's or higher in Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering, similar certifications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, production facilities, industrial settingsDesign labs, manufacturing plants, process development environments
Industry UsageManufacturing, oil & gas, chemical processingChemical, manufacturing, energy sectors

Both roles focus on improving efficiency and processes within industrial settings. The Production Optimization Engineer primarily concentrates on optimizing existing production processes to increase output and reduce costs, while the Process Engineer often works on designing, developing, and improving manufacturing processes. Although their responsibilities overlap, the Optimization Engineer is more focused on operational improvements, whereas the Process Engineer emphasizes process design and development.

What types of cross-functional collaboration can a Production Optimization Engineer expect in their daily work?

As a Production Optimization Engineer, you'll regularly collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including operations, maintenance, reservoir engineering, and data analytics. This role often requires facilitating communication between field personnel and technical experts to implement process improvements, troubleshoot bottlenecks, and optimize production rates. Effective teamwork is essential, as you'll frequently participate in meetings, share findings, and coordinate pilot projects or process trials to ensure optimal equipment performance and cost efficiency.
More about Production Optimization Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Production Optimization Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Production Optimization Engineer job openings:
What job categories do people searching Production Optimization Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Production Optimization Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Production Optimization Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,667 per year, or $63.3 per hour.
Mission Planning and Optimization Engineer

Mission Planning and Optimization Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

Chantilly, VA

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 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 diverse 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.

As a corecomponentof EED, the Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics (EMFD) Department provides flight mechanicsexpertisefor the cislunar domain, multi-objective"traveling salesman" trajectory sequence generation, facility location optimization, and trans-atmospheric flight design for missiles,hyperglidevehicles, and reentry vehicles.We are looking for aMember of Technical Staff/Senior Member of Technical Staffto contribute technicalexpertiseto complex optimization and mission planning challenges. The selected candidate will provideexpertisefor a wide range of customer flight mechanics needs, supporting analysis, research, and development requestsemployingtrajectory optimization, tree search algorithms, combinatorial optimization, orbital mechanics/astrodynamics, and decision-making under uncertainty. The work will require candidates to provide deep technical solutions while also collaborating with engineering partners tofacilitateintegrated solutions for our customers' hardest problems.Customers will include defense, intelligence,civil and commercial organizations.

Work Model

This is afull-timeposition based inEl 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 business needs allow.

WhatYou'llBe Doing

  • Perform optimization analysis for time-dependent Traveling Salesman and Facility Location Problems using tree search algorithms and multi-objective optimization techniques.

  • Design andoptimizespacecraft maneuvers for orbit transfer, station keeping, disposal, and reentry events across cislunar and Earth-orbit missions.

  • Support evaluation of contested space mission applications to assess system vulnerabilities and contribute tothedevelopment of operational concepts.

  • Develop and implement flight dynamics algorithms and tools that support the department's analytical capabilities and customer deliverables.

  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate customer mission requirements into technical solutions and analysis products.

  • Contribute to research and development efforts that advance the department's optimization and mission planning methodologies.

What You Need to be Successful

MinimumRequirements forMember of Technical Staff- Flight Mechanics

  • BSdegreefroman accredited college/university programin engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field

  • Twoor moreyears of relevantprofessional,technical work experience.

  • Experience in one or more of the following subjects: space mission analysis and design, advanced astrodynamics, algorithm design, software development, mathematical modeling, multi-objectiveoptimization,decision making under uncertainty,trajectory simulation and performance optimization of spacecraft, missiles, and reentry vehicles

  • Proficiencywith one or more of the following programming languages/tools: C, C++, Python, Fortran, MATLAB

  • Effective written and verbal communication skills

  • Willing to travel domestically to customer and contractor facilities (approx. 10%)

  • This position requires ability to obtain andmaintaina security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship isrequiredto obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, theminimumrequirements for theSenior Member of Technical Staff - Flight Mechanicsinclude:

  • Five or more years of experience of relevant technical work

  • Demonstrated technical excellence in the relevant job capabilities and functions

  • The ability tooperateindependently, often in the presence of ambiguity, and still deliver high quality, relevant end products to a range of customers

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

  • MS or PhDdegreefroman accredited college/university programin engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field

  • Graduatelevelcourse work,researchand/or experience in the following areas:multi-objective optimization, decision making under uncertainty, astrodynamics

  • Experience using or building analysis software to combine numerical methods, orbital or flight mechanics, and optimization approaches for launch vehicles, missiles, interceptors, spacecraft, or reentry vehicles (hypersonics)

  • Experience with contested space trajectory applications

  • Current SSBI with an active TS/SCI clearance.

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)

$95,200.00 - $165,500.00Pay 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.