Summer Lab Assistant Jobs in Champaign, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 competitive 401(k) plan with company match, health benefits, paid time off, a robust Wellness Program, and much more. In addition, we're proud of being recognized for making a splash with numerous awards!
Next is Now!
We value growth and development, recognizing that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying.
Brunswick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is key to innovation and inspiration and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact hrsharedservices@brunswick.com for support.
Brunswick and Workday Privacy Policies
Brunswick does not accept applications, inquiries or solicitations from unapproved staffing agencies or vendors. For help, please contact our support team at: hrsharedservices@brunswick.com or 866-278-6942.
All job offers will come to you via the candidate portal you create when applying through a posted position through https:///www.brunswick.com/careers. If you are ever unsure about what is being required of you during the application process or its source, please contact HR Shared Services at 866-278-6942 or HRSharedServices@brunswick.com.
#Brunswick Corporation
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