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Senior Optimization Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Senior Data Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Dark Wolf is seeking a Senior Data Engineer to design, build, and optimize robust data pipelines ... Experience configuring and optimizing managed cloud data platforms in AWS GovCloud or Azure.

Dark Wolf is seeking a Senior Data Engineer to design, build, and optimize robust data pipelines ... Experience configuring and optimizing managed cloud data platforms in AWS GovCloud or Azure.

Senior Data Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Dark Wolf is seeking a Senior Data Engineer to design, build, and optimize robust data pipelines ... Experience configuring and optimizing managed cloud data platforms in AWS GovCloud or Azure.

Senior Data Engineer

Vienna, VA · On-site

$106K - $144K/yr

The Senior Data Engineer at Satsyil Corp will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing enterprise data architectures using Databricks as the primary data lakehouse platform. This ...

Senior AI Platform Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

The Senior AI Platform Engineer owns the deployment and optimization of self-hosted open-weight large language models, GPU infrastructure, and the platform services that enable engineers to build and ...

Senior AI Platform Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

The Senior AI Platform Engineer owns the deployment and optimization of self-hosted open-weight large language models, GPU infrastructure, and the platform services that enable engineers to build and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Optimization Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$59K

$125.5K

$181.9K

How much do senior optimization engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior optimization engineer in Virginia is $125,471.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,600.00 and $142,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior optimization engineer?

A Senior Optimization Engineer is a highly experienced professional who specializes in improving the efficiency and performance of systems, processes, or products. They use advanced analytical, mathematical, and engineering techniques to identify inefficiencies and develop solutions that maximize output while minimizing costs or resource usage. Senior Optimization Engineers often work in industries such as manufacturing, software, logistics, and energy. Their responsibilities may include data analysis, algorithm development, simulation modeling, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement improvements. This role typically requires a strong background in engineering, mathematics, and optimization methods, as well as several years of relevant experience.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a senior optimization engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Optimization Engineer, you need expertise in mathematical modeling, data analysis, and optimization algorithms, typically supported by a degree in engineering, mathematics, or a related field. Proficiency in programming languages (such as Python, MATLAB, or C++), optimization software (like Gurobi or CPLEX), and familiarity with simulation tools are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and project management skills help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are vital to developing efficient solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and driving impactful process improvements.

How does a senior optimization engineer collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement solutions?

Senior Optimization Engineers often work closely with data scientists, software developers, and business analysts to design and implement process improvements. They play a key role in translating complex mathematical models into practical solutions that can be integrated into existing systems. Regular communication and collaboration are essential, as these engineers must ensure that proposed optimizations align with business goals and technical constraints. Effective teamwork and stakeholder engagement are crucial for successfully moving projects from concept to execution.

What is the difference between Senior Optimization Engineer vs Data Scientist?

AspectSenior Optimization EngineerData Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, Mathematics, or related field; experience in optimization algorithmsBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Statistics, or related field; proficiency in data analysis
Work EnvironmentEngineering teams, product development, operationsData analysis teams, research, business intelligence
Industry UsageManufacturing, logistics, tech companies focusing on process optimizationTech, finance, healthcare, focusing on data-driven insights

While both roles require strong analytical skills and technical expertise, Senior Optimization Engineers focus on improving processes and systems through optimization techniques, whereas Data Scientists analyze data to generate insights and support decision-making. The roles often collaborate but serve different core functions within organizations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optimization Engineer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Optimization Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Optimization Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Optimization Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Optimization Engineer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 91% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,471 per year, or $60.3 per hour.

Senior Data Engineer

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Dark Wolf Solutions
IT Services • 51 - 200 employees

$130K - $170K/yr

Full-time, Contractor

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Dark Wolf constructs and deploys data management and analytics solutions for the defense and intelligence communities. We're proud to boast a world-class engineering team that thrives on rolling up their sleeves to solve your mission's biggest challenges.
Dark Wolf is seeking a Senior Data Engineer to design, build, and optimize robust data pipelines, data warehouses, and streaming solutions. You will be responsible for integrating heterogeneous data sources, building complex analytical data models, automating workflows, and deploying containerized data services within multi-cloud secure environments.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and implement batch and real-time streaming data ingestion pipelines utilizing Spark, Kafka, and Airflow.
  • Model and build performant data structures within enterprise data warehouses (e.g., Snowflake, Redshift, BigQuery).
  • Deploy and manage containerized data microservices using Docker and Kubernetes.
  • Integrate automated security scanning and credential management tools into continuous integration (CI/CD) data pipelines.
  • Collaborate within Agile teams to estimate user stories, review code, and mentor junior data engineers.

Qualifications:

  • Clearance: Must be a US Citizen holding an active TS/SCI security clearance with an active Full-Scope Polygraph.
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related technical field (Master's degree preferred).
  • Experience: 4-7+ years of data engineering experience.

Technical Competencies:

  • Data Processing Frameworks: Hands-on experience with PySpark, Apache Airflow, Kafka, and dbt.
  • Database Systems: Strong expertise with MPP databases, distributed data stores, and graph or key-value engines.
  • Data Modeling: Proficiency in Kimball dimensional modeling, Data Vault 2.0, and high-performance schema optimization.
  • Programming & Scripting: Strong proficiency in Python, SQL, Scala, or Java, alongside REST API development.
  • Containerization: Proficient with Docker container orchestration, Kubernetes deployment, and Helm charts.
  • Agile Frameworks: Active participation in Agile sprint execution, story point estimation, and backlog grooming.
  • Multi-Cloud Architecture: Experience configuring and optimizing managed cloud data platforms in AWS GovCloud or Azure.
  • Security Scanning Tooling: Experience embedding SAST/DAST tools and data-at-rest encryption practices into CI/CD pipelines.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Certifications such as AWS Certified Data Engineer, Databricks Certified Data Engineer, or CKA (Certified Kubernetes Administrator).
  • Experience implementing fine-grained access control (ABAC/RBAC) in classified environment databases.

Position Clearance Requirement: 

US Citizenship with an active TS/SCI security clearance with Full-Scope Polygraph


Location:
  Chantilly/Herndon, VA. 

Target Salary Range: $130,000.00 - $170,000.00 (Commensurate with specialized expertise and technical skillset).


Equal Opportunity Employer:

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity, confirm US Citizenship, and complete the required employment eligibility verification upon hire.

We are strictly looking for direct, full-time W2 employees. We do not engage with third-party staffing agencies, C2C, or 1099 independent contractors for this role.