Mechanical Engineer

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.

• 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

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

1. Move Fast, Move Smart: Act quickly, but with clear thinking and good judgment.
2. Extreme Ownership: Own outcomes fully from idea to execution to results.
3. Disagree Boldly, Then Commit Fully: Challenge ideas openly, then align and execute without hesitation.
4. Intellectual Honesty Above All: Prioritize truth over ego. Be candid, admit mistakes, and follow the evidence.
5. 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.