Production Associate

About Vital Lyfe

At Vital Lyfe, we're on a mission to change how the world gets fresh water. We build portable desalination systems that turn seawater and other natural water sources into clean drinking water.

Mission

As a Production Associate, you'll be on the line building the product that makes it happen: assembling components from work instructions, running production equipment, and making sure every unit that leaves our floor is one we're proud of. You'll be part of a fast-moving team at the ground floor of a company scaling quickly, with real room to grow.

You'll work alongside production leads and engineers, and your ideas for making stations safer and faster will be heard.

What You’ll Do

• Assemble components, subassemblies and finished products following work instructions and drawings

• Operate hand tools, power tools and light production equipment safely

• Inspect parts and finished units for defects; flag and document quality issues

• Package, label and stage finished goods for shipping

• Track materials and consumables at your station and report shortages

• Perform basic equipment cleaning, maintenance and changeovers

• Hit daily production and quality targets as part of a team

• Suggest improvements to stations, workflows and safety practices

• Keep a clean, organized work area (5S) and follow all safety procedures, safety comes first

• Perform other duties and tasks as assigned, and support other teams or areas as business needs require

What We Are Looking For

Required

• High school diploma or GED

• Ability to follow written and verbal work instructions

• Reliable attendance and punctuality

• Must be 18 or older and authorized to work in the U.S.

Preferred

• 1+ year of experience in manufacturing, assembly, warehouse or production work

• Ability to read basic drawings, parts lists or work instructions

• Experience with hand and power tools

• Basic computer skills (email, Microsoft Office, scanning or inventory systems)

• Forklift or pallet jack experience

Physical Requirements (with or without reasonable accommodation)

• Lift and carry up to 25 lbs. unassisted

• Work involves standing and walking for extended periods. Suitable seating is provided when the nature of the work reasonably permits.

• Wear required PPE (safety glasses, gloves, safety shoes) in production areas. Required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety shoes, will be provided or reimbursed by Vital Lyfe.

Schedule

• Day shift, Monday through Friday

• Overtime and occasional weekends may be required based on production needs

Why Vital Lyfe

• Real-world impact: Our mission is turning any water source, including ocean water, into safe drinking water. We're tackling one of humanity's most pressing challenges.

• Aerospace DNA: Founded in 2024 by former SpaceX engineers, we bring aerospace manufacturing discipline to water technology.

• Strong backing: Supported by investors including General Catalyst.

• A product people want: Our first product, Access, is a push-button portable system that makes drinking water from seawater and other sources.

• Get in early: We're a small, fast-growing team, so your work shows up in every unit we ship and there's room to grow with the company.

Benefits

• Competitive Equity

• 100% Medical, dental and vision insurance for employees

• 3 weeks paid vacation

• 12 paid holidays

• Parental Leave

• 401k option (the company does not currently offer matching)

• HSA/FSA plans

• $50 Monthly Connectivity Reimbursement

• $15 daily lunch stipend

Location Requirement: Ability to work 100% onsite in Torrance, CA (remote or hybrid work will not be considered)

Vital Lyfe is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vital Lyfe is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.