Malave’s career with the department started in 2001 when he worked as a Summer Intern in southwest Oklahoma. While in college, he was part of the University of Oklahoma Bridge Design Squad. He joined ODOT full time as an Engineering Intern after graduating in 2003. In 2004, he joined the Bridge Division and stayed there until 2009 when he transferred to the state Maintenance Division. Then in 2015 he served as the Division Three Traffic Engineer, overseeing traffic operations. Previously, Malave was the Resident Engineer at the Purcell Residency, where he oversaw construction contracts in Cleveland, McClain, and Garvin counties.
Malave oversaw the construction of the new US-77/SH-39 Purcell-Lexington bridge over the Canadian River that opened in 2019 as well as many improvements to the I-35 corridor between Moore and Wynnewood. While in the state Maintenance Division, he managed several programs and assisted with the allocation of the statewide maintenance budget.
Malave attended the University of Oklahoma where he earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 2003. He became a licensed Professional Engineer in 2008.