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
- 3 weeks paid vacation
- 12 paid holidays
- Parental Leave
- 401k option (the company does not currently offer matching)
- HSA/FSA plans
- $125 Monthly Connectivity Reimbursement; Home Internet & Phone
- $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.

Compensation

$21 per hour • Offers Equity