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Reinforcement Learning Intern Jobs in Chicago, IL

Reinforcement Learning Intern information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$17

$25

How much do reinforcement learning intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for reinforcement learning intern in Chicago, IL is $17.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $19.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What kinds of projects or tasks can I expect to work on as a reinforcement learning intern?

As a Reinforcement Learning Intern, you will typically work on tasks such as designing, implementing, and testing reinforcement learning algorithms, analyzing experimental results, and assisting with data preprocessing or environment development. You may also collaborate with senior researchers and engineers, participate in code reviews, and contribute to technical discussions or team meetings. In many organizations, interns are given the chance to work on real-world problems—ranging from optimizing robotic control systems to enhancing recommendation engines. This hands-on experience not only builds your technical expertise but also helps you develop valuable teamwork and communication skills, preparing you for a future career in AI or machine learning.

What is a reinforcement learning intern?

A Reinforcement Learning (RL) Intern is responsible for researching, developing, and testing RL algorithms to solve complex problems. They typically work on tasks such as implementing reinforcement learning models, optimizing reward functions, and running experiments in simulated environments. Interns collaborate with researchers and engineers to refine models and improve the efficiency of RL systems. They usually have experience in machine learning, deep learning, and programming languages like Python. The role provides hands-on experience in applying RL techniques to real-world applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a reinforcement learning intern?

To thrive as a Reinforcement Learning Intern, you need strong knowledge of machine learning fundamentals, programming proficiency (usually in Python), and a background in mathematics or computer science, often demonstrated through academic coursework or relevant projects. Familiarity with popular machine learning libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and RL-specific frameworks like OpenAI Gym is typically expected. Effective problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate technical findings clearly are valuable soft skills in this position. These capabilities enable interns to contribute meaningfully to research and development efforts, bridging theory and practical application in real-world reinforcement learning projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Reinforcement Learning jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Reinforcement Learning jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Reinforcement Learning Intern jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Reinforcement Learning Intern jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Reinforcement Learning Intern jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Reinforcement Learning Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Reinforcement Learning Intern job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,504 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

JUVENILE JUSTICE SPECIAL INTERN

State of Illinois

Chicago, IL • On-site

$5.6K/mo

Full-time, Internship

Re-posted 13 days ago


State Of Illinois rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 74 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Requisition ID: 54600
Opening Date: 03/31/2026
Closing Date: Continuous Job Posting

Class Title: JUV JUSTICE SPECIALIST INTERN (21976) 
Skill Option: None 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Starting Salary: $5,607/mo 
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC006 Corrections Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code: 

JUVENILE JUSTICE SPECIALIST (INTERN)

Posting Identification Number  54600 

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

DO NOT APPLY VIA THE "APPLY" BUTTON

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the Department of Juvenile Justice website.

Website:  https://idjj.illinois.gov/careers.html

Why Work for the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice?

The mission of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice is to build youth skills and strengthen families to promote community safety and positive youth outcomes.

The Juvenile Justice Specialist position plays a key role in facilitating this mission, which is to build youth skills and strengthen families by promoting community safety and positive youth outcomes.

If you are interested in being part of an environment that is committed to preparing youth for successful reintegration into their communities through programming, treatment, and services while providing them with safety, security, and accountability, we welcome you to apply for the Juvenile Justice Specialist position. 

IDJJ is almost always hiring for Juvenile Justice Specialist positions at all of our youth centers! 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Department of Juvenile Justice is seeking a compassionate and motivated candidate to assist in the positive rehabilitation of the youth in our care. The ideal candidate for this position will possess a passion for positive change, the ability to apply a high degree of patience with residents and their families, and the ability to confidently develop and implement recommendations for positive behavior change and rehabilitation. The incumbent in this role will possess excellent communication skills both orally and in writing as they will have daily interaction with various youth, other staff both inside and outside the facilities, families of the residents, and members of the community. The Juvenile Justice Specialist plays a critical role in the maintenance and rehabilitation of the youth in our care. If this sounds like an opportunity that fits the career path you're looking for, then IDJJ is looking for you! We encourage all interested and qualified candidates to apply! 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Provides role-modeling behavior, facilitating appropriate communications and developing suitable problem solving and conflict resolution skills for assigned youth, supervising and monitoring the progress of youth in accordance with the individualized service plan.
  • Provides youth with immediate reinforcement of appropriate interaction, limit setting, and correction of inappropriate communication and interaction.
  •  Works with counselors and other professional and direct support staff to provide additional assistance and support services to youth, through individualized student interaction and facilitating group programs where trained and certified to do so.
  • Supervises youth in accordance with specified agency rules and standards. Participates in the development and implementation of an individualized service plan including, but not limited to, monitoring implementation of the plan, preparing periodic written and oral reports, attending professional staff meetings for assigned youth, and contributing to the plan in areas of specialization, goal setting, behavioral observations and management issues.
  • Completes all required reports and notifies appropriate staff of issues, concerns and activities.
  • Transports and supervises youth movement to and from destinations inside and/or outside the facility grounds; observes behavior and social interaction of youth and intervenes when conflicts occur and deescalates the situation.
  • Administers nonprescription medications per established protocols and ensures youth have access to necessary and appropriate medical services.
  • Conducts periodic inspections of facility to assure the safety and well being of youth being served.
  • Receives ongoing training to develop new and updated skill and proficiency in carrying out specialized service delivery programs to targeted youth involving group or individual services.
  • Provides guidance and conducts peer training for specialists and interns to familiarize them with different and more challenging assignments and to assist the training coordinator with cyclical training, instruction, and reinforcement of existing directives and procedures and new or improved work methods and techniques.
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.
MINIMUM QUALFICATIONS
  • Requires a high school diploma or equivalent and either;    

                        (A) any bachelor's or advanced degree from an accredited college or university or

                        (B) Verification of 2 or more years of experience providing direct care to youth in the form of residential care, coaching, case management, or mentoring.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
  • Candidates must be over the age of 21.
  • Requires the ability to pass an IDJJ/IDOC background check.
  • Requires the ability to pass an IDJJ/IDOC drug screening.
  • Requires the successful completion of a Department of Juvenile Justice Training Program.
  • Requires the ability to speak, and write in English
  • Requires possession of an appropriate valid driver's license.
  • Requires physical agility and strength to stand and walk for up to three hours at a time, to run for short distances, and to provide physical intervention and control, as necessary, in order to protect and/or restrain individuals.
HOW TO APPLY
  1. Be sure you meet the qualifications listed above.
  2.  Fill out an Electronic Application at least 3 business days before the screening you will attend.
  3. Prepare a comprehensive resume to bring to the screening.
  4. Gather the needed identification documents listed on the Items to Bring to Screening page. Most importantly, bring a COPY of your driver's license AND your original license to the screening
  5. Attend an employment screening. (Be sure you have done the electronic application a few days in advance. Don't forget to bring your driver's license, a copy of your driver's license, and your resume. Bring all other additional completed forms as well. 

Work Hours: 1st Shift: 6:00am-2:00pm/ 2nd Shift: 2:00pm to 10:00pm/3rd Shift: 10:00pm to 6:00am
Headquarter Location:
100 N Western Ave, Chicago, Illinois, 60612
Work County:
Cook
Agency Contact:
Human Resources
Email:
djj.humanresources@illinois.gov
Posting Group: Public Safety; Social Services

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your "junk mail", "spam", or "other" folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

  • donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
  • systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com

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About State of Illinois

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Illinois is not a traditional company, but rather a governmental entity encompassing diverse agencies and departments that serve the constituents of Illinois. Based in Illinois, United States, this governmental body communicates with its citizens through the official website illinois.gov. The website is a one-stop resource for Illinois residents to access information about the state's services, including education, healthcare, transportation, and public safety, among others.

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Springfield, IL, US

Year founded

2009

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