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Reinforcement Learning Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts

Create reinforcement learning environments for software engineering tasks. * Design tasks involving bug fixing, feature development, refactoring, and performance optimization . * Build deterministic ...

Create reinforcement learning environments for software engineering tasks. * Design tasks involving bug fixing, feature development, refactoring, and performance optimization . * Build deterministic ...

Machine Learning / Computer Vision Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$121K - $142K/yr

Develop visual models that support reinforcement learning and imitation learning policies ... Collaborate with robotics, robot learning, and simulation engineers to define the perception ...

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Reinforcement Learning Engineer information

See Massachusetts salary details

$41.5K

$126.5K

$209.1K

How much do reinforcement learning engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for reinforcement learning engineer in Massachusetts is $126,538.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,600.00 and $165,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a reinforcement learning engineer?

Reinforcement Learning Engineers are specialized professionals who design, develop, and implement algorithms based on reinforcement learning, a type of machine learning where agents learn to make decisions by receiving rewards or penalties. They work on building models that enable machines to learn optimal actions through trial and error in complex environments. Their responsibilities often include developing RL architectures, tuning hyperparameters, running simulations, and applying RL methods to real-world problems like robotics, gaming, or recommendation systems. RL Engineers typically have strong backgrounds in computer science, mathematics, and deep learning, along with experience in programming languages like Python and frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch.

What are some common challenges faced by reinforcement learning engineers when deploying models in real-world environments?

One of the main challenges Reinforcement Learning (RL) Engineers face is bridging the gap between simulation and real-world deployment. Models that perform well in controlled environments may struggle with unpredictable data, safety constraints, or limited feedback in production. Additionally, RL algorithms often require significant computational resources and careful tuning to avoid instability. Collaboration with domain experts and software engineers is essential to address these issues and ensure successful integration of RL solutions into existing systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a reinforcement learning engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Reinforcement Learning Engineer, you need a strong background in machine learning, mathematics (especially probability and statistics), and programming languages like Python, often supported by a relevant degree in computer science or engineering. Familiarity with deep learning frameworks (such as TensorFlow or PyTorch), RL libraries (like OpenAI Gym), and cloud computing platforms is typically required. Problem-solving skills, creativity, and effective collaboration help set outstanding engineers apart in this field. These competencies enable the design and deployment of advanced RL solutions that address real-world challenges and drive innovation.

What is the difference between Reinforcement Learning Engineer vs Machine Learning Engineer?

AspectReinforcement Learning EngineerMachine Learning Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in CS, AI, or related; experience with RL frameworksBachelor's/Master's in CS, Data Science, or related; experience with ML algorithms
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, AI startups, tech companies focusing on RL applicationsTech companies, data-driven firms, AI departments across industries
Industry UsageSpecialized in RL projects like robotics, game AI, autonomous systemsBroader applications including predictive modeling, NLP, computer vision

Reinforcement Learning Engineers focus on developing algorithms that learn through interactions with environments, often in robotics or gaming. Machine Learning Engineers work on a wider range of models and applications. While both roles require strong programming and math skills, RL Engineers specialize in sequential decision-making, whereas ML Engineers handle diverse data-driven tasks across industries.

What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Reinforcement Learning Engineer jobs?

Cities in Massachusetts with the most Reinforcement Learning Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Reinforcement Learning Engineer job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,538 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

Applied Scientist - Reinforcement learning, OMHS SCS

Reading, MA • On-site

Amazon
IT Services • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 7,180 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

As an Applied Scientist on the Science SW team, you will collaborate closely with other scientists and engineers to bring Reinforcement Learning (RL) research to production. This role combines the scientific application of ML, and specifically RL
and sequential decision making, with software development engineering and a strong product focus. It will be your job to design, implement, and deploy novel RL agents, reward models, and control policies in both prototype and production environments, and to prove their impact in high-fidelity simulation before scaling them across the fleet.
Key job responsibilities
• Own the research and development of reinforcement learning and sequential decision making solutions spanning deep RL, policy
optimization, offline/batch RL, contextual bandits, and multi-agent RL for real-time MHE control and building-wide optimization in a production
environment.
• Formulate fulfillment operations problems (throughput optimization, flow, merge, and congestion control) as sequential decision-making
problems, and design multi-objective reward functions that balance competing operational objectives.
• Build and leverage high-fidelity simulation environments for safe offline training, policy validation, and sim-to-real transfer before fleet-scale
deployment.
• Collaborate across multiple science and engineering teams to integrate RL policies into real-time production and control systems.
About the team
Amazon is building next generation software, hardware, and processes that will run our global network of fulfillment centers that move millions of units of inventory, and ensure customers get what they want when promised.
The Science Software team in the One MHS organization unlocks Material Handling Equipment (MHE) innovation through a multiplicity of disciplines within Artificial Intelligence (AI) and applied science, including Computer Vision (CV), Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs), Optimization, Reinforcement Learning, classical Machine Learning, statistical modeling, and sensing-hardware
prototyping. Rooted in first principles aligned experimentation, the team is dedicated to building self-optimizing fulfillment centers, developing the models that drive real-time, building-wide orchestration of MHE. We conduct experiments,
develop models, and apply machine learning (ML) at scale to optimize throughput, flow, merge, and congestion control, and to improve operational performance across the fulfillment network.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD in computer science, machine learning, engineering, or related fields
- 2+ years of building machine learning models or developing algorithms for business application experience
- Demonstrated experience developing and applying reinforcement learning and sequential decision-making methods (e.g., deep RL, policy gradient / actor-critic methods, offline RL, contextual bandits, or multi-agent RL) to real-world control or optimization problems.
- Fluency in a high-level programming language such as Python; experience with C++ is a plus.
- Experience with popular deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow) and RL tooling or simulators (e.g., Ray/RLlib, Gymnasium, Stable-Baselines3, Isaac Gym/Omniverse, MuJoCo).
- Ownership of end-to-end solutions in terms of research, prototyping, and experimentation.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- First-author publications at top-tier machine learning and AI venues (e.g.,NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, AAAI, AISTATS, CoRL, or RLC/RLDM).
- Experience applying RL in a setting analogous to ours: real-time control, robotics or material handling, industrial process or operations.
- Experience deploying RL or ML models to production at scale and partnering with engineering teams on real-time inference and feedback loops.
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you're applying in isn't listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
USA, MA, Boston - 142,800.00 - 193,200.00 USD annually
USA, MA, N.Reading - 142,800.00 - 193,200.00 USD annually

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About Amazon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate, computer and electronic product manufacturing and software development

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US