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.