Senior Robotics 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. We’re a small team inventing what doesn’t yet exist—and turning it into something beautiful. Although we're still in stealth we are backed by top-tier investors.

We’re looking for a Senior Robotics Engineer to bring a new category of consumer robotics to life by designing precise, real-time motion systems and building the algorithms that make our robot move with intention, fluidity, and reliability.

• Overlay engineers work closely with the founders to influence product direction, company roadmap, and business outcomes
• We enjoy shipping features, moving fast, and being scrappy
• We are receptive to feedback and continuously work on improving both our product and our craft
• We work out of our Oakland office together

• Design and implement real-time motion control, trajectory generation, and inverse kinematics systems
• Build and tune robotic behaviors for consistent, precise, and stable output
• Develop calibration pipelines for system accuracy and repeatability
• Integrate perception-to-action flows—using CV input to drive reactive, safe motion
• Collaborate closely with computer vision and mechanical engineering to fuse motion, sensing, and actuation
• Architect safety layers and fault-detection logic for human-safe operation
• Validate system performance through physical testing and real-world face interactions
• Contribute to the core robotics architecture and product-level decisions
• Embody our values of ownership, velocity, and craft

• 5+ years of experience in robotics, controls, or automation systems
• Proficiency in motion planning, kinematics, and real-time control logic
• Hands-on experience with physical robots, actuators, or gantry systems
• Proficiency with ROS2 and familiarity with MoveIt2, or similar frameworks
• Strong coding skills in C++, Python, or similar languages
• Comfort working across hardware and software boundaries
• You can take a concept from idea to prototype in a fast-paced environment
• You move with velocity and invest in improving your craft
• You are energized by collaborating in-office with your peers

• Experience with motion systems for consumer products, 3D printers, or CNC machines
• Background in integrating perception with reactive motion
• Interest in systems that combine technology, aesthetics, and creative output
• Experience working with contract manufacturers

• Highly competitive salary & generous early-stage equity
• Best-in-class medical, dental & vision insurance
• 401(k) matching program
• Supportive Flexible Time Off program, plus 10 paid holidays
• Commuter benefits for transit or parking
• Located in downtown Oakland, next door to a BART station