Job Description: Press Test Technician

Position Summary

RUF Briquetting Systems is seeking a dependable, hands-on Press Test Technician to
execute customer material press tests and support the company’s applications testing
process. Working from priorities and test requirements established by the Sales
Operations Manager, this role prepares customer samples, sets up and operates test
equipment, records results, captures supporting photos and video, and drafts clear
press test reports.

The Press Test Technician is responsible for keeping the press test area safe, clean,
organized, and ready for use. When the testing schedule permits, this position also
provides hands-on support to Operations and Parts. The ideal candidate enjoys
operating industrial equipment, follows procedures carefully, documents work
accurately, and is willing to help wherever needed.

Key Responsibilities

Press Test Preparation & Execution

• Review test priorities, customer requirements, and expected deliverables with the Sales Operations Manager.
• Receive, identify, label, stage, and track customer samples; prepare equipment, tooling, containers, and supplies for each test.
• Operate press test equipment safely and in accordance with established procedures and the approved test plan.
• Adjust authorized operating parameters and material preparation methods as directed by the test plan or technical leadership.
• Monitor material flow, machine behavior, throughput, cycle performance, briquette quality, and relevant test conditions.
• Collect, label, and package representative briquette samples for internal review or return to the customer.
• Stop testing and promptly report unsafe conditions, equipment concerns, or unexpected results.

Data Collection & Press Test Reports

• Document the material, equipment configuration, tooling, operating parameters,
  observations, and test results using established methods.
• Capture clear photos and videos of the incoming material, test setup, equipment
  operation, and finished briquettes.
• Prepare complete, professional draft press test reports in a timely manner.
• Submit reports and supporting files to the Sales Operations Manager for review,
  approval, and customer distribution.
• Maintain organized test records and clearly flag unusual conditions, limitations,
  inconclusive results, or the need for technical review.

Test Area, Equipment & Sample Management

• Maintain a clean, safe, and orderly press test area before, during, and after testing.
• Clean equipment, tooling, floors, work surfaces, and material-handling areas between tests.
• Perform routine pre-use inspections and basic operator-level care within the employee’s training and authorization.
• Report equipment damage, maintenance needs, leaks, unusual noises, or other concerns promptly.
• Maintain test supplies and organize incoming, active, retained, and outbound samples; coordinate disposal or return as directed.
• Support continuous improvement of test-area organization, standard work, documentation, and safety practices.

Cross-Functional Support

• Coordinate daily priorities, scheduling, report status, and open items with the Sales Operations Manager.
• Work with the Technical Director on test methods, equipment setup, parameter guidance, troubleshooting, and interpretation of results.
• Assist Sales with customer demonstrations, witnessed press tests, sample preparation, and test-related questions as requested.
• Provide hands-on support to Operations with material handling, receiving, staging, assembly support, cleanup, and other assigned tasks.
• Support Parts with picking, packing, receiving, inventory counts, shipping preparation, and area organization as assigned.
• Coordinate with Service, Engineering, and RUF Germany when needed, and perform other duties based on business priorities.

Safety & Quality Expectations

• Follow all company safety procedures, machine operating instructions, lockout/tagout requirements, and personal protective equipment rules.
• Use forklifts, hoists, lifting devices, and other material-handling equipment only when trained and authorized.
• Protect customer samples and test information from loss, misidentification, contamination, or unauthorized use.
• Complete tests consistently and accurately while maintaining high standards for housekeeping, equipment care, and documentation.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical, trade, or manufacturing coursework is a plus.
• Experience operating industrial machinery or working in manufacturing, production, maintenance, testing, or a related environment preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort working around hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical equipment.
• Ability to follow written test plans, operating procedures, and safety requirements.
• Strong attention to detail, accurate data-recording habits, and clear written communication skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, email, and basic digital photo and file management.
• Ability to manage changing priorities, work independently, and ask for guidance when requirements are unclear.
• Forklift experience or willingness and ability to obtain company-required certification preferred.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and regularly bend, reach, climb, and work around industrial equipment.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds, using assistance or material-handling equipment when appropriate.
• Ability to wear required protective equipment and work safely around noise, dust, metal chips, oils, coolants, and varied customer materials.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform
the essential functions of the position.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is reliable, safety-minded, mechanically inclined, and methodical.
This person takes pride in running equipment correctly, keeping an organized
workspace, capturing accurate information, and completing reports without repeated
follow-up. They are comfortable moving between detailed test work and practical shop
support as business needs change.

Success Measures

• Success in this role will be measured by:
  • Safe, timely, and consistent completion of assigned press tests.
  • Accuracy and completeness of test data, photos, videos, and draft reports.
  • Timely submission of press test reports and supporting documentation.
  • Cleanliness, organization, and readiness of the press test area and equipment.
  • Reliable sample tracking and effective follow-through with Sales Operations and technical leadership.
  • Dependable support provided to Operations, Parts, Sales, and other departments
    as needed.

Organizational Relationships

• Reports To: Sales Operations Manager
• Works Closely With:
  • Technical Director
  • Sales Team
  • Operations
  • Parts and Warehouse
  • Service, Engineering, and RUF Germany
  • Customers and visitors, as needed