Reinforcement Learning Intern

Brunswick; United States; On-site; USD 25,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with company match

Health benefits

Paid time off

Wellness Program

Job summary

Brunswick invites applications for a Reinforcement Learning Intern in Champaign, IL, working with the Boating Intelligence Design Lab to advance RL for autonomous marine systems. You will collaborate with engineers on simulation environments, training pipelines and evaluation frameworks.

The role targets students in BS/MS programs, starts Spring 2027, and offers a hands-on learning path with real-world marine autonomy challenges and a supportive lab environment.

Qualifications

• Permanent US Work authorization.
• Current enrollment in a BS or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign.
• Demonstrated interest in robotics, autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, or machine learning.
• Working experience with Python and/or C++.
• Familiarity or experience with Robot Operating System (Ros), Reinforcement Learning and simulation environments.
• Coursework or project experience related to robotics, machine learning, path planning, motion planning, navigation, controls, or autonomous systems.
• Portfolio/Resume highlighting a variety of projects.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development of reinforcement learning solutions for autonomous marine vessels and intelligent boating applications.
• Research and evaluate reinforcement learning algorithms, robotics frameworks, and simulation tools.
• Design, implement, and evaluate training workflows, reward functions, and performance metrics.
• Perform literature reviews and benchmarking of relevant RL and robotics technologies.
• Contribute to the creation of reusable development frameworks and best practices for future RL projects.

Skills

Python

C++

Robotics

Reinforcement Learning

Education

BS/MS in CS/Robotics/EE/Engineering

Tools

ROS

Simulation environments

Job description

Are you ready for what’s next? Come explore opportunities within Brunswick, a global marine leader committed to challenging conventions and innovating next-generation technologies that transform experiences on the water and beyond. Brunswick believes “Next Never Rests™,” and we offer a variety of exciting careers and growth opportunities within united teams defining the future of marine recreation.

Location: Champaign, IL Workplace Category: Onsite Travel Required: 5% Direct Reports: No Pay Range: $18.00-$27.00 Visa Sponsorship: Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future. Relocation: No

Position Overview: The Boating Intelligence (BI) Design Lab is seeking a Reinforcement Learning Intern to help establish and advance our capabilities in Reinforcement Learning (RL) for marine vessels and autonomous marine systems. This role is ideal for a student with a strong foundation in Python and an interest in robotics, autonomous systems, Reinforcement Learning, Simulation and AI.

The intern will collaborate with engineers to build the foundations necessary for successful RL projects, including simulation environments, training pipelines, evaluation frameworks, and experimentation workflows. The successful candidate will gain hands‑on experience applying modern machine learning and robotics techniques to real‑world marine autonomy challenges.

The Lab is hoping to find someone who can start in the Spring semester of 2027 and work with the lab continuously through the Summer and Fall semesters. At Brunswick, we have passion for our work and a distinct ability to deliver.

Essential Functions:

• Assist in the development of reinforcement learning solutions for autonomous marine vessels and intelligent boating applications.
• Research and evaluate reinforcement learning algorithms, robotics frameworks, and simulation tools.
• Design, implement, and evaluate training workflows, reward functions, and performance metrics.
• Perform literature reviews and benchmarking of relevant RL and robotics technologies.
• Contribute to the creation of reusable development frameworks and best practices for future RL projects.

Diversity of thought and experiences is fundamental when imagining the unimaginable. Certain skillsets/experiences are necessary; however, others can be developed along the way.

Required Qualifications:

• To be considered for the internship, candidates must have permanent US Work authorization.
• Current enrollment in a BS or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign.
• Demonstrated interest in robotics, autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, or machine learning.
• Working experience with Python and/or C++
• Familiarity or experience with Robot Operating System (Ros), Reinforcement Learning and simulation environments.
• Coursework or project experience related to robotics, machine learning, path planning, motion planning, navigation, controls, or autonomous systems.
• Portfolio/Resume highlighting a variety of projects.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Work experience with Unity, Unreal Engine, Isaac Sim, Gazebo, VRX , or similar simulation platforms.
• Work experience with machine learning, reinforcement learning concepts, including policy optimization, value-based methods, or model‑based approaches.
• Knowledge of marine robotics, and autonomous vehicles is a plus.

Working Conditions:

Learning Opportunities:

Our Student Program is designed to provide hands‑on experience in a professional setting. You will work alongside experienced professionals and get a chance to apply your academic knowledge to real‑world tasks.

Project Work:

The work environment is supportive, collaborative, and conducive to learning. Student co‑ops or interns typically work on specific projects or tasks that contribute to the organization’s goals. This may range from supporting larger projects to handling smaller, individual assignments.

Hours:

Co‑ops and Interns are expected to work a full 40‑hour work week

Feedback and Performance Reviews:

As a co‑op or intern, you will receive feedback and performance reviews throughout your assignment. We value the importance for interns to understand their progress and areas for improvement.

The pay range for this position is $18.00-$27.00 per hour. The actual hourly rate offered will vary depending on multiple factors including year in school/credits earned, degree, job‑related knowledge/skills, relevant experience, business needs, and geographic location. At Brunswick, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top end of the salary range for their role. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the specifics of the candidate’s qualifications and the business context.

About the Company:

Why Brunswick: Whatever tomorrow brings, we’ll be at the leading edge. As the clear leader in the marine industry, we're committed to our values and supporting our exceptional people. We offer valuable benefits including a competitive401(k) plan with company match, health benefits, paid time off, a robustWellness Program, and much more. In addition, we’re proud of being recognizedformakinga splash with numerous awards! NextisNow! Wevalue growth and development, recognizing that people come withawealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close towhatyou see listedhere,pleasestillconsiderapplying.

Brunswickis anEqualOpportunityEmployerand considersallqualified applicantsfor employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationalorigin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protectedby federal, state, or local law. Diversityofexperienceandskillscombinedwithpassioniskeytoinnovationandinspirationandweencourageindividualsfromallbackgroundstoapply.

Ifyou requireaccommodationduringtheapplicationorinterviewprocess,[e-mail].

BrunswickandWorkdayPrivacyPolicies Brunswickdoesnotacceptapplications, inquiries or solicitations from unapproved staffing agencies or vendors. Forhelp,pleasecontactoursupportteamat:[e-mail] or866-278-6942. Alljobofferswillcometoyouviathecandidateportalyoucreatewhenapplingthroughapostedpositionthrough https:///www.brunswick.com/careers. If you are ever unsure about whatisbeingrequiredofyou during the application process oritssource,pleasecontactHRSharedServicesat866-278-6942 or [e-mail].

#BrunswickCorporation FormoreinformationaboutEEOlaws,- clickhereBrunswickCorporationparticipatesinE-Verifyaspartofourcommitmenttoalawfulandtransparent hiring process. Foradditionalinformationclickhere:https://www.brunswick.com/e-verify.

Brunswickisagloballeaderinmarinerecreation, deliveringinnovationthattransformsexperiencesonthewaterandbeyond. Ourunique, technology‑drivensolutionsareinformedbydeepconsumerinsights and powered byourbeliefthat“NextNeverRests™”. BrunswickisdedicatedtoindustryLeadership,tobeingthebestandmosttrustedpartnertoourmanycustomersandtobuildingsynergiesandecosystemsthatenabletochallengeconventionanddefinethefuture.Innovative, driven, exceptional, authentic and united, these values represent our Employee Value Proposition and are at the heart of how we work together and what differentiates us as an employer of choice.