Lead AI Engineer - Reinforcement Learning

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and incentives

Health and retirement benefits

Paid time off and holidays

Professional development opportunities

Advanced computing resources

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch is seeking a Lead AI Engineer specializing in reinforcement learning to head a team building and deploying RL solutions for robotics, autonomous systems, and game AI. The role operates under a hybrid work model with in-person collaboration at the Stellenbosch office.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or PhD in a quantitative field, demonstrates proven AI/ML leadership in RL, and commands deep knowledge of RL algorithms, DL frameworks, and RL libraries.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or related quantitative field.
• Proven experience leading AI/ML projects, with strong specialization in reinforcement learning.
• Deep understanding of RL algorithms (e.g., Q-learning, Policy Gradients, Actor-Critic methods).
• Proficiency with deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) and RL libraries (e.g., Ray RLlib, Stable Baselines).
• Strong programming skills in Python and experience with relevant scientific computing libraries.
• Experience with simulation environments or game engines is a plus.
• Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of reinforcement learning algorithms and systems.
• Mentor and guide a team of AI engineers, fostering technical excellence and project success.
• Architect and build scalable RL training environments and simulation platforms.
• Develop and optimize RL agents for various complex tasks and domains.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate RL solutions into products and applications.
• Conduct research and experimentation to advance the state-of-the-art in reinforcement learning.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in AI, machine learning, and reinforcement learning research.
• Ensure the performance, reliability, and efficiency of deployed RL systems.
• Document methodologies, experiments, and codebase effectively.

Skills

Leadership

Python

Reinforcement learning

Communication

Team management

Education

Master's or PhD in CS/AI/ML

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Ray RLlib

Stable Baselines

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in developing intelligent systems within the AI & Emerging Technologies space, is seeking an experienced Lead AI Engineer specializing in Reinforcement Learning (RL). This role is based in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, a hub for innovation and technology. You will lead a team of talented engineers in designing, implementing, and deploying sophisticated RL algorithms to solve complex problems in areas such as robotics, autonomous systems, and game AI. This position requires a deep understanding of deep learning, optimization techniques, and practical experience with RL frameworks. The role operates under a hybrid work model, offering a blend of remote flexibility and essential in-person collaboration within our Stellenbosch offices. This is an exceptional opportunity to drive innovation in one of AI's most exciting fields, working with cutting-edge technologies and contributing to groundbreaking projects. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with a strong technical background and a passion for pushing the boundaries of intelligent systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of reinforcement learning algorithms and systems.
• Mentor and guide a team of AI engineers, fostering technical excellence and project success.
• Architect and build scalable RL training environments and simulation platforms.
• Develop and optimize RL agents for various complex tasks and domains.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate RL solutions into products and applications.
• Conduct research and experimentation to advance the state-of-the-art in reinforcement learning.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in AI, machine learning, and reinforcement learning research.
• Ensure the performance, reliability, and efficiency of deployed RL systems.
• Document methodologies, experiments, and codebase effectively.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related quantitative field.
• Proven experience leading AI/ML projects, with a strong specialization in reinforcement learning.
• Deep understanding of RL algorithms (e.g., Q-learning, Policy Gradients, Actor-Critic methods).
• Proficiency with deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) and RL libraries (e.g., Ray RLlib, Stable Baselines).
• Strong programming skills in Python and experience with relevant scientific computing libraries.
• Experience with simulation environments or game engines is a plus.
• Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and manage project timelines.
• Must be comfortable with a hybrid work arrangement at our Stellenbosch, Western Cape office.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and retirement benefits.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Significant opportunities for professional development and research.
• Access to advanced computing resources and cutting-edge AI technologies.
• A dynamic and innovative work environment with exciting challenges.
• Potential for international collaboration and conference attendance.
• Regular team-building events and social activities.