Mechanical Engineer (Contract)

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. We're a small team inventing what doesn't yet exist and turning it into something beautiful.

We're looking for a 6-month full-time contract with a Mechanical Engineer to support our in-house team.

What You'll Own

• Run test plans and experiments, for example spray droplet size against nozzle and air pump settings
• Test pneumatics, and log flow, pressure, and temperature data
• Operate lab instruments, including a laser droplet-size analyzer and a viscometer
• Inspect molded and machined parts against drawings
• Build test rigs and fixtures, and assemble prototypes
• Support pump testing
• Keep clean data logs and write short test reports
• 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

• 2+ years of hands-on mechanical or test work (strong internships count)
• Reads engineering drawings, with a working knowledge of GD&T basics
• Comfortable with calipers, micrometers, and gauges
• 3D printing and basic shop tools
• Careful, consistent data recording (Excel or Python)
• Basic CAD (SolidWorks or similar)
• Experience running structured tests or experiments and summarizing results
• Thrive in a small, resource-conscious startup where the job is to invent, build and ship

Bonus Points

• Fluidics or pneumatics experience
• Spray or dispensing systems
• Inspection of injection-molded parts
• Cosmetics or consumer product experience
• Interesting side projects

Who You Are

• Mission-driven: excited to build a new category of personal robotics that works on real people
• Hands-on: you like building, testing and fixing hardware yourself
• Energized by working in person with a small team in our Oakland office
• High ownership, and comfortable moving fast with incomplete information

Culture and 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 and Benefits

• This is a full-time contract position.
• The range for this role is $10-14K, depending on experience and level. The package also includes flexible time off and commuter benefits.
• In-person collaboration in our Oakland office.