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Reinforcement Learning Engineer Jobs in Rensselaer, NY

Reinforcement Learning Engineer information

See Rensselaer, NY salary details

$37.7K

$115K

$190.1K

How much do reinforcement learning engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for reinforcement learning engineer in Rensselaer, NY is $115,035.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $150,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Reinforcement Learning Engineers?

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 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 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 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 near Rensselaer, NY are hiring for Reinforcement Learning Engineer jobs? Cities near Rensselaer, NY with the most Reinforcement Learning Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Reinforcement Learning Engineer job openings in Rensselaer, NY as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,035 per year, or $55.3 per hour.
AI & Data Decision Science Manager - Utilities

AI & Data Decision Science Manager - Utilities

Accenture

Albany, NY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

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


Accenture Federal Services rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

59th of 487 rated business services


Job description

We Are: Accenture is a leading global professional services company that helps the world's leading businesses, governments and other organizations build their digital core, optimize their operations, accelerate revenue growth, and enhance citizen services—creating tangible value at speed and scale. We are a talent- and innovation-led company with approximately 774,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Technology is at the core of change today, and we are one of the world's leaders in helping drive that change, with strong ecosystem relationships. We combine our strength in technology and leadership in cloud, AI and data with unmatched industry experience, functional expertise, and global delivery capability. We are uniquely able to deliver tangible outcomes because of our broad range of services, solutions and assets across Consulting, Strategy, Technology, Operations, Industry X and Song. These capabilities, together with our culture of shared success and commitment to creating 360° value, enable us to help our clients reinvent and build trusted, lasting relationships. We measure our success by the 360° value we create for our clients, each other, our shareholders, partners, and communities. Visit us at accenture.com. In Consulting We work with C-suite executives, leaders and boards of the world's leading organizations, helping them reinvent every part of their enterprise to drive greater growth, enhance competitiveness, implement operational improvements, reduce cost, deliver sustainable 360° stakeholder value, and set a new performance frontier for themselves and the industry in which they operate. Our deep industry and functional expertise is supported by proprietary assets and solutions that help organizations transform faster and become more resilient. You Are: Our Decision Science practitioners use Industry & Functional domain expertise along with agentic AI knowledge to design, develop and reinvent processes with AI to drive efficiency and growth. You will be responsible for managing end-to-end data science projects, leveraging advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI technologies to create decision-making systems. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and leadership skills to deliver innovative solutions aligned with Accenture's commitment to driving 360° value for clients. The Work: Lead the delivery of Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Analytics initiatives / programs Manage teams both onshore and offshore across Data Science & Machine Learning Understand and be able to bridge between business and technical domains (for both internal and external purpose) Engage with business and analytics stakeholders to build and maintain relationships Lead the sales process, originate, and lead sales solutioning for Data Science & Machine Learning related opportunities. Customize Data Science / Machine Learning / Artificial Intelligence / Analytics models and solutions for specific business problems within an industry or function. Collaborate across Accenture's network and partner with strategy, consulting, and tech teams in the sales and delivery processes. Develop Data Science/Machine Learning / Artificial Intelligence talent within the organization. Identify AI use cases in an industry and/or function by understanding an organization's goals and areas of need, developing the business case, determining ROI, and creating the transformation roadmap. Advise organization on adoption of responsible AI solutions and governance by training users on new processes, maintaining solutions, tracking results, and communicating the realized value. Ability to travel up to 80%; travel as needed based on client expectations. Here's What You Need: Minimum of 6 years of experience in Data Science, Machine Learning, AI, or Advanced Analytics. Minimum of 6 years of experience building decision-based frameworks and models to drive insights. Minimum of 1 year of experience serving utilities clients (electric, gas, or water) or in a utilities finance, controllership, or regulatory function. Bachelor's degree or equivalent (minimum 12 years' work experience). If Associate's Degree, must have equivalent minimum 6-year work experience Bonus Points if: You have a proven track record of delivering successful AI or data science projects and teams. You have proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or SQL. You have experience with machine learning frameworks and libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn). You have strong analytical and problem-solving skills. You have experience with AI Native and cloud platforms (e.g., Open AI, Anthropic, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud). You have knowledge of big data technologies (e.g., Hadoop, Spark). Knowledge of agent-based modeling, reinforcement learning, and autonomous systems is highly desirable. You have familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI). You have experience in sales and business development. You have strong program management and communication skills, both verbal and written. You are driven and entrepreneurial: ability to originate and shape new deals, lead in client conversations, and go to market activities. You have excellent leadership and people skills: proven ability to build effective teams and foster a collaborative and inclusive environment and proven ability to build strong client relationships. You have experience bringing innovative ideas to projects. You have a Master's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field. Compensation at Accenture varies depending on a wide array of factors, which may include but are not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. As required by local law, Accenture provides a reasonable range of compensation for roles that may be hired as set forth below. We anticipate this job posting will be posted until 08/27/2026. Accenture offers a market competitive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability coverage, a 401(k) plan, bonus opportunities, paid holidays, and paid time off. See more information on our benefits here: U.S. Employee Benefits | Accenture (https://www.accenture.com/us-en/careers/local/benefits) Role Location Annual Salary Range California $94,400 to $293,800 Cleveland $87,400 to $235,000 Colorado $94,400 to $253,800 District of Columbia $100,500 to $270,300 Illinois $87,400 to $253,800 Maine $80,400 to $216,200 Maryland $94,400 to $253,800 Massachusetts $94,400 to $270,300 Minnesota $94,400 to $253,800 New York $87,400 to $293,800 New Jersey $100,500 to $293,800 Virginia $87,400 to $270,300 Washington $100,500 to $270,300 Requesting an Accommodation Accenture is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities or religious observances, including reasonable accommodation when needed. If you are hired by Accenture and require accommodation to perform the essential functions of your role, you will be asked to participate in our reasonable accommodation process. Accommodations made to facilitate the recruiting process are not a guarantee of future or continued accommodations once hired. If you would like to be considered for employment opportunities with Accenture and have accommodation needs such as for a disability or religious observance, please call us toll free at 1 (877) 889-9009 or send us an email or speak with your recruiter. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law. Our rich diversity makes us more innovative, more competitive, and more creative, which helps us better serve our clients and our communities. For details, view a copy of the Accenture Equal Opportunity Statement (https://www.accenture.com/content/dam/accenture/final/accenture-com/document-4/Accenture-Equal-Opportunity-Statement.pdf#zoom=50) Accenture is an EEO andAffirmative Action Employer of Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. Accenture is committed to providing veteran employment opportunities to our service men and women. Other Employment Statements Applicants for employment in the US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States. Candidates who are currently employed by a client of Accenture or an affiliated Accenture business may not be eligible for consideration. Job candidates will not be obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest as part of the hiring process. Further, at Accenture a criminal conviction history is not an absolute bar to employment. The Company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Additionally, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the Company's legal duty to furnish information. California requires additional notifications for applicants and employees. If you are a California resident, live in or plan to work from Los Angeles County upon being hired for this position, please click here for additional important information. Please read Accenture's Recruiting and Hiring Statement for more information on how we process your data during the Recruiting and Hiring process. #J-18808-Ljbffr


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