Principal Machine Learning Engineer - Reinforcement Learning

Our client, a global leader in developing intelligent automation solutions, is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Machine Learning Engineer to join their elite research and development team in Rustenburg, North West
. This senior position will focus on pioneering advancements in Reinforcement Learning (RL) and its applications in complex decision-making systems. You will be at the forefront of designing, building, and deploying state-of-the‑art RL agents and algorithms that drive autonomous behavior and optimize performance in critical industrial processes. This is a unique opportunity to lead significant technical initiatives, mentor talented engineers, and influence the strategic direction of AI development.

We are looking for an individual with a deep theoretical understanding of RL, coupled with extensive practical experience in implementing scalable solutions. Your contributions will be vital in shaping the next generation of AI-powered automation. The role offers an intellectually stimulating environment, significant research freedom, and the chance to work on challenging, real‑world problems. Join us in Rustenburg and be part of a team that is redefining industry standards through advanced AI.

• Lead the research, design, and implementation of novel Reinforcement Learning algorithms and models.
• Develop and deploy scalable RL systems for complex optimization and control problems.
• Architect and build robust simulation environments for training and evaluating RL agents.
• Collaborate with domain experts to define problem formulations and performance metrics for RL applications.
• Mentor and guide junior machine learning engineers and researchers.
• Stay abreast of the latest research in RL and related fields (e.g., deep learning, control theory).
• Publish research findings in top‑tier conferences and journals.
• Contribute to the company's intellectual property portfolio through patents and technical innovations.
• Optimize RL algorithms for efficiency and real‑time performance.
• Ensure the ethical and responsible development and deployment of AI systems.

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in machine learning, with a strong specialization in Reinforcement Learning.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and deploying RL solutions in real‑world applications.
• Expertise in programming languages such as Python, and proficiency with ML libraries (e.g., Tensor Flow, PyTorch, Keras).
• Deep understanding of RL algorithms, including Q‑learning, Policy Gradients, Actor‑Critic methods, and model‑based RL.
• Experience with simulation tools and environments (e.g., OpenAI Gym, Mu Jo Co , Unity ML‑Agents).
• Strong theoretical foundation in mathematics, statistics, and linear algebra.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and critical thinking abilities.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to mentor and guide teams.
• Experience with large‑scale data processing and distributed computing is a plus.

• Executive‑level compensation package, including significant bonuses and potential equity.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents.
• Generous vacation policy and paid time off.
• Significant budget for professional development, conferences, and advanced training.
• Access to world‑class computing infrastructure and cutting‑edge research tools.
• Opportunity to work on highly impactful and challenging projects.
• Relocation assistance provided for successful candidates.
• Contribution to a leading pension fund.
• Regular innovation challenges and hackathons.
• A culture that values intellectual curiosity and scientific exploration.