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Swiss Machinist at Mayfly Outdoors

Mayfly Outdoors Montrose, CO $23 - $38/hour

Job Description

Swiss Machinist

Mayfly Outdoors Precision Manufacturing - Fly Fishing Equipment

Location: Montrose, Co.
Employment Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Wage: $23 - $38

About Mayfly Outdoors

Mayfly Outdoors designs and manufactures premium fly-fishing equipment for anglers who care deeply about performance, durability, and craftsmanship. From precision-machined components to finished gear that sees real water, we believe great products start with great manufacturing.

We are expanding our in-house machining capabilities and are seeking an experienced Swiss CNC Machinist to support the production of high-precision components used in our fly-fishing systems and outdoor gear.

Position Summary

The Swiss Machinist is responsible for setting up, programming, and operating Swiss-type CNC lathes to produce small, high-precision components to exact specifications. This role requires a strong attention to detail, process ownership, and pride in producing parts that meet both tight tolerances and the functional demands of outdoor use.

This position may include a defined period of travel to Florida to support the planned transfer of manufacturing equipment. Responsibilities may include assisting with equipment relocation, commissioning, and process qualifications. Participation will be aligned with operational needs and provides exposure to facility startup and expansion activities beyond standard machining responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

  • Set up
  • and operate Citizen Swiss-type CNC lathes
  • Manufacture small-diameter, high-precision components with tight tolerances
  • Read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and process documentation
  • Select tooling, optimize feeds and speeds, and perform tool offsets
  • Inspect parts using micrometers, calipers, optical comparators, and other precision measuring equipment
  • Troubleshoot machining and quality issues; make real-time adjustments
  • Collaborate with engineering and production teams to improve efficiency and part quality
  • Maintain machines, tooling, and a clean, organized work environment
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives and best manufacturing practices
  • Lead training for production staff on Swiss machining equipment; develop and maintain SOPs and standardized training procedures.
  • For select roles, support equipment transfer, commissioning, and qualification activities during a planned facility transition, which may include temporary travel to Florida

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of Machinist experience, including operating and setting up Swiss-type CNC lathes
  • Strong understanding of Swiss machining principles and guide bushing applications
  • Experience machining stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, or similar materials
  • Ability to hold tight tolerances ( 001" preferred)
  • Comfortable editing programs at the machine (G-code experience required)
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills
  • Quality-driven mindset with attention to detail

Preferred Experience

  • PartMaker Programming experience
  • Swiss Machine experience with "L" series
  • Experience in outdoor, sporting goods, medical, or aerospace manufacturing
  • Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience
  • Passion for fly fishing or outdoor products (a plus, not required)

What We Offer

  • Competitive pay based on experience
  • Benefits package including health, PTO, Sick pay, retirement, etc.
  • Stable production environment with room to grow
  • Opportunity to manufacture components used in real-world outdoor gear
  • A team culture that values craftsmanship, accountability, and pride in work

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume outlining relevant Swiss machining experience to: . Selected applicants may be asked to complete a skills review or shop interview.

$48k - $79k is competitive for Machinists nationally

National salary averages
$48k - $79k
↑ 13% vs typical mid-level
Entry
Mid
Senior
This job
$38k Market range (10th-90th percentile) $79k

Hot hiring, constrained wages

Employers are hiring actively, but pay hasn't caught up with demand. Focus on competing offers and non-salary benefits.

Hiring leverage
Lean candidate
Wage leverage âš  Disconnect
Limited
Mobility
Good mobility
Durability
High fragility

Why this market feels harder than it looks

This market is hiring aggressively, but compensation hasn't caught up and most openings are backfilling churn, not expansion. Employers are filling roles, but not bidding wages up.

Who this leverage applies to

Stronger for: Senior candidates with options
Weaker for: Entry-level candidates, Career switchers

Where to negotiate

Base salary
Sign-on bonus
Title / level
Remote flexibility
Scope & responsibility
Start date / PTO

Likely Possible Unlikely

Watch out for

Wage disconnect: Hiring is active but pay hasn't responded—negotiate on other terms.

Don't let hiring headlines mislead you—focus on concrete offers. Your leverage may be less durable than it appears—move decisively.

Does this path compound?

Job Growth →
High churn
Growth, flat pay
🚀 Compound
Growth + pay upside
⚠️ Plateau
Limited growth
Specialize
Experts earn more
Pay Upside →
Stable but flat

Steady work, but limited growth in both jobs and pay.

0%
10yr growth
Most openings come from retirements and turnover, not new positions.
Typical: High school diploma or equivalent

Openings come from turnover, not new growth. Differentiate to advance.

Labor data: BLS 2024