A method for tuning workflow settings in a distributed computing workflow comprising sequential interdependent jobs includes pairing a terminal stage of a first job and a leading stage of a second, sequential job to form an optimization pair, in which data segments output by the terminal stage of the first job comprises data input for the leading stage of the second job. The performance of the optimization pair is tuned by determining, with a computational processor, an estimated minimum execution time for the optimization pair and increasing the minimum execution time to generate an increased execution time. The method further includes calculating a minimum number of data segments that still permit execution of the optimization pair within the increased execution time.