Lead Computer Vision / Perception Engineer

Overlay•Oakland, CA

1d•$175,000 - $250,000•Onsite

About The Position

Overlay is building the world’s first intelligent makeup robot, aiming to revolutionize beauty application through robotics, perception, and design. As a venture-backed, pre-launch startup, we are creating a new category of personal robotics that blends self-expression with engineering. Our system interacts directly with the human face, demanding exceptional precision, safety, and real-world reliability. We are a small, highly technical team working collaboratively in person in Oakland to bring this innovative product to life.

Requirements

5+ years solving applied computer vision problems in real-world systems (robotics, embedded, or similar)
Strong foundation in modern CV/ML (OpenCV, PyTorch / TensorFlow / JAX)
Proficient in Python and C++ with production-quality engineering standards
Demonstrated ownership of complex systems or projects end-to-end
Track record of identifying and solving high-impact problems independently
Strong engineering judgment — able to make practical tradeoffs under constraints
Comfortable operating in ambiguity and making decisions with incomplete information
Experience translating research or prototypes into reliable production systems
Clear communicator who can work effectively across disciplines

Nice To Haves

Experience with ROS2 and motion planning (MoveIt2, Nav2, OMPL)
Background in real-time systems, embedded Linux, or hardware integration
Experience shipping robotics or hardware products to real users
Hands-on prototyping experience (3D printing, machining, etc.)
Strong opinions on perception systems—and the ability to defend them

Responsibilities

Work closely with the Head of Robotics to build the perception stack end-to-end.
Transition early-stage prototypes into reliable, production-ready consumer products by collaborating with external fabrication houses, contract manufacturers, and industrial design partners.
Define and prioritize perception problems that are critical to product success.
Design and build real-time vision systems for precise interaction with the human face.
Develop and optimize pipelines for 3D reconstruction, tracking, and spatial understanding.
Make architectural decisions that scale from prototype to production hardware.
Integrate perception with robotics and motion control systems (ROS2, real-time systems).
Build data pipelines, evaluation frameworks, and validation systems.
Collaborate with hardware, mechanical, and design teams to deliver production systems.
Understand and help guide the long-term perception direction and contribute to the overall product roadmap.