Temporary R&D Engineer

What You’ll Do

• Develop and optimize processes for new and existing products, translating product and formulation requirements into repeatable compounding workflows that can be successfully executed within pharmacy operations.
• Lead process scale-up and technology transfer, partnering with Product Development and Pharmacy teams to transition products from lab or pilot development into production / compounding.
• Map and assess current-state processes to identify bottlenecks, sources of variability, operational risks, and opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, and scalability.
• Design future-state processes and establish appropriate process parameters, controls, equipment requirements, material flows, and operating procedures.
• Plan and execute process trials, pilot runs, engineering batches, and first production runs to evaluate process performance and resolve technical issues prior to or during launch.
• Analyze process performance and troubleshoot issues using data and structured problem-solving methodologies to identify root causes and implement corrective or preventive improvements.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including process maps, SOPs, work instructions, process specifications, batch documentation, equipment requirements, and other materials required to support reliable execution.
• Identify critical process parameters and risks and partner with Quality, Compliance, and Pharmacy stakeholders to establish appropriate controls and acceptance criteria.
• Evaluate equipment and compounding capabilities and recommend solutions that improve process reliability, throughput, ergonomics, quality, or scalability.
• Support new product launches by developing process readiness plans, identifying dependencies and risks, and ensuring operational requirements are addressed before launch.
• Partner cross-functionally with Product Development, Pharmacy Operations, Pharmacy Compliance, Quality/Regulatory, Supply Chain, and external partners to drive projects from development through implementation.
• Manage multiple workstreams and timelines, proactively communicating risks, dependencies, decisions, and progress to key stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to simplify workflows, reduce variability and waste, improve cycle time, and increase process capability.
• Transfer knowledge to operational teams through clear documentation, training, and structured handoffs to ensure new or improved processes are sustainable.
• Stay informed on relevant compounding, pharmacy, manufacturing, automation, and process-engineering technologies and capabilities.
• Travel as needed to Ro pharmacy locations, suppliers, manufacturers, or other partners to support development, testing, scale-up, and implementation activities.

What You’ll Bring to the Team

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience in process engineering, manufacturing engineering, process development, technical operations, or a related role, preferably within pharmaceuticals, compounding, consumer health, medical devices, cosmetics, food, or another regulated manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience developing and scaling processes, including pilot activities, production trials, process qualification, technology transfer, or new product introduction.
• Strong process-engineering fundamentals, with experience defining process parameters, evaluating process capability, identifying sources of variability, and designing robust production workflows.
• Experience with structured problem solving and continuous improvement, including root-cause analysis, process mapping, FMEA, Lean/Six Sigma, DOE, or similar methodologies.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to use data to evaluate process performance, identify trends, and make recommendations.
• Experience creating technical documentation, including SOPs, work instructions, process flows, specifications, protocols, and technical reports.
• Excellent project and timeline management skills, with the ability to independently manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to translate technical information for cross-functional audiences and work effectively with both technical and operational teams.
• A hands-on and detail-oriented approach, with a willingness to spend time observing and testing processes directly in pharmacy or production environments.
• Experience working in a regulated environment and an understanding of the importance of process controls, documentation, quality systems, and compliance.
• Knowledge of compounding pharmacy operations and guidelines is preferred, but not required.
• Experience supporting automation, equipment selection, or process/equipment qualification is a plus.

We’ve Got You Covered

• Full medical, dental, and vision insurance + OneMedical membership
• Healthcare and Dependent Care FSA
• 401(k) with company match
• Flexible PTO
• Wellbeing + Learning & Growth reimbursements
• Paid parental leave + Fertility benefits
• Pet insurance
• Student loan refinancing
• Virtual resources for mindfulness, counseling, and fitness

We welcome qualified candidates of all races, creeds, genders, and sexuality to apply.

Pay and benefits

The target base salary for this position ranges from $103,700 - $128,500, in addition to a competitive equity and benefits package (as applicable). When determining compensation, we analyze and carefully consider several factors, including location, job-related knowledge, skills and experience. These considerations may cause your compensation to vary.

Ro recognizes the power of in-person collaboration, while supporting the flexibility to work anywhere in the United States. For our Ro’ers in the tri-state (NY) area, you will join us at HQ on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For those outside of the tri-state area, you will be able to join in-person collaborations throughout the year (i.e., during team on-sites).