Water Lab Technician
Mission
The Water Laboratory & Membrane Testing Technician will be a hands-on partner to our engineering and R&D teams, transforming ideas and designs into validated, real-world performance. You will play a central role in characterizing water quality and testing membrane performance to ensure our portable water treatment devices are safe, reliable, and high performing. This includes running and improving test methods, operating and maintaining analytical instruments, and executing membrane test protocols that directly influence product design decisions and quality standards.
The ideal candidate is practical, precise, and curious, with a strong aptitude for laboratory work, basic mechanical systems, and data-driven problem solving. You are hands-on, flexible, quick to learn new methods and instruments, comfortable in a fast-paced development environment, and bring a proactive, can-do attitude to supporting our mission of delivering clean water through innovative portable solutions.
What You Will Do
Perform routine water quality tests (pH, EC/TDS, turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, major ions, etc.).
Operate water characterization instruments (e.g., ICP, UV-Vis, turbidity meter, titrator).
Prepare samples, reagents, standards, and calibration solutions.
Operate membrane test rigs for RO/NF/UF/MF to measure flux, rejection, and performance.
Set up and monitor membrane tests, including feed preparation and operating conditions.
Conduct fouling and cleaning studies and support root-cause analysis.
Record test conditions and results accurately in lab records and digital systems.
Prepare concise test summaries and basic technical reports.
Maintain and perform basic troubleshooting on lab and test equipment.
Follow lab safety procedures, including PPE use, chemical handling, and waste disposal.
Help keep the lab organized, clean, and well stocked with chemicals and consumables.
What We Are Looking For
Someone hands-on, practical, and detail-oriented, who enjoys working in the lab with instruments, water samples, and membrane systems.
Someone who is eager to learn, can follow procedures, and can work closely with engineers and the team to improve tests and support product development.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in a water analysis or environmental testing laboratory.
Experience operating ICP and other water characterization instruments.
Experience with membrane filtration systems (RO/NF/UF/MF).
Knowledge of standard water testing methods (e.g., ISO/ASTM or similar).
Basic understanding of water chemistry and membrane performance concepts.
Ability to work with pumps, valves, and pressurized systems (or willingness to learn).
Proficiency with basic data analysis and report preparation.
· Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
High attention to detail, good communication, and ability to work in a team.
Physical Job Requirements - Essential Functions
Hands on work on development hardware.
Must be able to lift 50 lbs. unassisted.
Hands on work on development hardware.
Long periods of standing, crouching, walking.
Must be able to climb ladders and be comfortable working in tight spaces.
Must be able to move repetitively, bend or twist, and use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
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.