About this role
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
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Assemble components, subassemblies and finished products following work instructions and drawings
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Operate hand tools, power tools and light production equipment safely
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Inspect parts and finished units for defects; flag and document quality issues
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Package, label and stage finished goods for shipping
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Track materials and consumables at your station and report shortages
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Perform basic equipment cleaning, maintenance and changeovers
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Hit daily production and quality targets as part of a team
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Suggest improvements to stations, workflows and safety practices
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Keep a clean, organized work area (5S) and follow all safety procedures, safety comes first
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Perform other duties and tasks as assigned, and support other teams or areas as business needs require
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What We Are Looking For
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Required
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High school diploma or GED
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Ability to follow written and verbal work instructions
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Reliable attendance and punctuality
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Must be 18 or older and authorized to work in the U.S.
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Preferred
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1+ year of experience in manufacturing, assembly, warehouse or production work
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Ability to read basic drawings, parts lists or work instructions
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Experience with hand and power tools
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Basic computer skills (email, Microsoft Office, scanning or inventory systems)
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Forklift or pallet jack experience
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Physical Requirements (with or without reasonable accommodation)
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Lift and carry up to 25 lbs. unassisted
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Work involves standing and walking for extended periods. Suitable seating is provided when the nature of the work reasonably permits.
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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.
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Schedule
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Day shift, Monday through Friday
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Overtime and occasional weekends may be required based on production needs
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Why Vital Lyfe
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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.
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Aerospace DNA: Founded in 2024 by former SpaceX engineers, we bring aerospace manufacturing discipline to water technology.
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Strong backing: Supported by investors including General Catalyst.
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A product people want: Our first product, Access, is a push-button portable system that makes drinking water from seawater and other sources.
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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
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Competitive Equity
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100% Medical, dental and vision insurance
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3 weeks paid vacation
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12 paid holidays
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Parental Leave
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401k option (the company does not currently offer matching)
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HSA/FSA plans
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$125 Monthly Connectivity Reimbursement; Home Internet & Phone
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$15 daily lunch stipend
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Location Requirement: Ability to work 100% onsite in Torrance, CA (remote or hybrid work will not be considered)
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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.