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.