About Overlay

Overlay is building the world’s first intelligent makeup robot—reimagining beauty application through robotics, perception, and design. As a venture-backed, pre-launch startup, we’re defining a new category of personal robotics at the intersection of self-expression and engineering. Our system operates directly on the human face, requiring an unprecedented level of precision, safety, and real-world robustness.

We’re a small, highly technical team working in person in Oakland—building something that does not yet exist, and making it real.

What You’ll Do

Design and prototype core mechanical systems for our novel robotic platform
Develop custom mechanisms for motion, positioning, and precision actuation
Collaborate with robotics, software, and product teams to ensure seamless integration across disciplines
Create assembly and fabrication-ready part drawings
Rapidly iterate concepts using hands-on testing, user feedback, and research data
Noisy data analysis / reduction
Contribute to decisions around manufacturability, materials, and mechanical architecture
Form and justify opinions based on limited data in a congenial manner
Juggle several projects, knowing dynamic prioritization is critical at this stage
Embody our company values of ownership, velocity and craft

What We’re Looking For

At least 5 of the following things:

3+ years of experience in machine design, robotics, or consumer hardware
Strong hands-on experience
Proficiency in Solidworks; other CAD experience is acceptable
CFD, bonus for mixed fluid analysis
Microfluidics
High precision mechanism design, preferably polymer based
Test fixture design
Working knowledge of ASME 14.5
Mechatronics experience
An optimized blend of speed and quality.
You are energized by collaborating in-office with your peers.

Bonus Points

3D printing, machining, rapid prototyping
Passion for human-centered hardware and creative applications of engineering
Experience working with contract manufacturers
Injection molding
Process experience
Design of Experiments
Interesting side projects

Benefits

Highly competitive salary & generous early-stage equity
Best-in-class medical, dental & vision insurance
401(k) matching program
Flexible Time Off with 10 paid holidays
Commuter benefits
Office in downtown Oakland near 19th Street BART station

The Team

Small, fast-moving team with high ownership and low process
Strong bias toward shipping, learning, and iterating quickly
In-person collaboration in our Oakland office

Culture & Values

Move Fast, Move Smart: Act quickly, but with clear thinking and good judgment.
Extreme Ownership: Own outcomes fully from idea to execution to results.
Disagree Boldly, Then Commit Fully: Challenge ideas openly, then align and execute without hesitation.
Intellectual Honesty Above All: Prioritize truth over ego. Be candid, admit mistakes, and follow the evidence.
Live Demos: Show real, working results instead of talking about ideas.

Compensation: The annual salary range for this position is $150,000–$250,000 annually based on level in addition to equity & benefits.

Mechanical Engineer

Job Description