Automotive Key Technician

Automotive Key Technician - Columbia, MO

DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF A CAR ENTHUSIAST?

How does the idea of driving around to dealerships, auto auctions, etc. and making keys for the sweetest new rides out there sound to you? Come work for Car Keys Express! Car Keys Express, otherwise known as CKE, offers our Technicians the ability to make a competitive wage, all while working a Monday through Friday business hours schedule. We also offer career growth opportunities, a company provided vehicle with no out of pocket expenses (other than your pants and shoes!), a laptop, phone, and benefits that include medical, dental, company paid life insurance, 401K and PTO!

So who are we?

CKE is the world’s first online retailer of automotive keys and remotes as well as the largest single-vendor solution for replacement keys and automotive reconditioning. We invented the world’s first and only Universal Car Remote.

The Mobile Technician will support, grow, and maintain our business relationships with dealerships and fleet operations in your metro area. This person will also be responsible for developing and maintaining a weekly sales route in their territory to maximize profits. You will be responsible for managing inventory, maintaining a company vehicle, audits, and accurate logs of sales stops. Candidates with 2-5 years of automotive, cable installation, route sales or related fields make great fits!

Do you meet our qualifications?

• Go getter attitude!
• Sales and customer service experience (commission based sales experience preferred)
• Ability to work remotely without constant supervision
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 21 years of age with a valid Driver’s license
• Familiar with computers, email, and navigating the internet
• Professional demeanor and appearance
• Safe place to park company van
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds, bend, stoop, squat and stand
• Ability to enter and exit elevated van doors 30-40 times daily
• Lift car hoods, disconnect batteries, enter/ exit other vehicles
• Work in all elements of weather is required

Who You Are (our profile for success):

• Adaptable. You thrive when no two days look the same — different customers, tasks, and roads keep you energized, not overwhelmed.
• Automotive-minded. You're comfortable in a dealership environment and at ease around cars, car culture, and the people who live it.
• Hands-on and mechanically capable. You approach technical challenges the way a DIYer would — curious, confident, and willing to figure it out.
• A natural connector. You don't hesitate to introduce yourself and talk through how your services solve a customer's problem.
• Pioneering. You take pride in developing and owning your route, nurturing your accounts, and watching the relationships you've built turn into lasting business.
• Self-directed. You don't need someone looking over your shoulder to stay productive and accountable.

Who You Are Not (known failure patterns):

• Uncomfortable with strangers. This role requires daily cold and warm outreach to dealership staff, UCMs, and sales managers — reserved or avoidant personalities will find it difficult to succeed.
• Technology-averse. Key programming relies heavily on specialized software. Slow adopters or those limited to basic phone and computer use will struggle to keep up.
• A 9-to-5 mindset. Long days are part of the job. If you need a predictable, desk-bound schedule, this isn't it.
• Sensitive to the elements. You'll work outdoors in all seasons — hot summers and cold winters included. Physical endurance in varying conditions is a must.
• Sales-averse. Closing deals is a core function. If prospecting, pitching, and following up aren't in your comfort zone, this role will be a poor fit.
• Opposed to driving. Your office is your van. Extended time behind the wheel across a defined territory is your daily reality.
• Uncomfortable in a large vehicle. You'll operate a full-size company van as your primary work vehicle — comfort and confidence driving one is non-negotiable.
• Disconnected from automotive work. Tasks like disconnecting batteries, removing panels, and plugging into vehicles for diagnostics are routine. If that sounds foreign or unappealing, this likely isn't the right fit.

What we offer:

• Match 401(k)
• Health Insurance
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance
• Company-paid life insurance
• Paid vacations
• Paid holidays
• Paid Personal Time Off
• Laptop, Company Phone, Gas Card, Company Van

Compensation:

• The compensation for this role is made up of salary, commission and bonus.
• Year 1 Average - $62,440/ year
• Average after the first year - $81,320/ year

Growth = Opportunity:

We’re looking for people who are eager to apply and challenge themselves. Ideal candidates are assertive, aggressive self-starters. If you’re someone who really “owns” projects at work, is a passionate advocate, who doesn’t need supervision to get results--then this company is for you! If you’re interested in advancement, ambitious, and show potential, you’ll get more responsibility. You may be asked to “wear more than one hat”. For those who want to gain a lot of great experience and develop their skill set, this is a rare opportunity!