AI Research Engineer - Reinforcement Learning

What Jobs Direct is seeking a highly innovative AI Research Engineer with a strong background in Reinforcement Learning (RL) to join our advanced research team. This role operates on a hybrid model, combining collaborative sessions at our office in Sandton, Gauteng, ZA with flexible remote work. You will be at the cutting edge of AI development, conducting research and developing novel algorithms in RL to solve complex decision‑making problems.

Your work will involve designing, implementing, and evaluating RL agents for applications in areas such as robotics, game playing, optimization, and autonomous systems. This position requires a deep theoretical understanding of RL principles, strong programming skills, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence. You will collaborate with a team of world‑class researchers and engineers, contributing to publications and potentially patentable innovations.

Our client is dedicated to advancing the field of AI, and this role is integral to achieving that mission. Working in Sandton, Gauteng, ZA provides a prime location for this exciting hybrid opportunity.

• Conduct cutting-edge research in reinforcement learning theory and algorithms.
• Design, implement, and test novel RL agents and learning frameworks.
• Develop simulation environments and benchmarks for evaluating RL algorithms.
• Analyze experimental results and iterate on approaches to improve performance.
• Collaborate with other researchers and engineers on joint projects.
• Publish research findings in top‑tier AI conferences and journals.
• Contribute to the development of AI systems that leverage RL for real‑world applications.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in RL and related fields like deep learning and control theory.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to a knowledge‑sharing culture.
• Explore novel applications and use cases for reinforcement learning.

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, or a related quantitative field, with a strong focus on Reinforcement Learning.
• Proven research experience in Reinforcement Learning, demonstrated through publications in reputable venues.
• Expertise in core RL concepts (e.g., Q‑learning, policy gradients, actor‑critic methods, multi‑agent RL).
• Strong programming skills in Python and proficiency with deep learning frameworks (e.g., Tensor Flow, PyTorch).
• Experience with RL libraries and environments (e.g., OpenAI Gym, Stable Baselines).
• Solid understanding of underlying mathematical principles (linear algebra, calculus, probability).
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication skills, ability to present complex ideas clearly.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid research environment.
• Experience with simulation tools or game engines is a plus.

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package and a comprehensive benefits program, including medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and generous paid time off. Employees are encouraged to pursue continuous learning through dedicated training budgets, workshops, and opportunities to attend leading international conferences. The hybrid work model ensures a flexible work‑life balance, with regular collaborative sessions at our modern office in Sandton, Gauteng, ZA .

We foster a culture of innovation, intellectual curiosity, and scientific rigor. Join a world‑class research team and make significant contributions to the future of AI and intelligent systems. This is an exceptional career opportunity for passionate RL researchers.