In dealings with the public, a technical representative represents one or more manufacturing companies. Sales, installation, inspection, maintenance, operation, and repair of the equipment made the companies they represent are all handled technical representatives. People in these positions typically require specialized training from the companies for which they work. Some employers prefer college graduates, while others have no educational requirements for their workers.
The technical representative meets with people who are interested in purchasing equipment to discuss the various options and features available, as well as cost of operation, maintenance requirements, and other relevant information. After someone signs a contract to purchase equipment, the technical representative oversees delivery and installation and may train employees on how to use the equipment safely and appropriately. Depending on the type of equipment involved, employee training can include discussions about basic maintenance and repairs to allow employees to solve problems on the spot before calling in repair technicians.
The technical representative is available to answer questions, provide maintenance information, inspect equipment, and perform repairs as buyers use their equipment. Because people frequently have to service equipment in situ, this job necessitates a lot of travel, and a technical representative is frequently assigned a region or area to cover. Furthermore, people skills are required for everything from selling equipment to providing buyers with instructions on how to operate and maintain it. Even if they have a high level of technical competency, people who cannot communicate clearly and effectively are not useful to their employers.
Technical representative positions are frequently available in the manufacturing industry. Prior experience in a related field is usually very beneficial for applications, and experience may be required in competitive job searches. Some technical representatives work as independent contractors or as employees of services that represent multiple companies in the same industry. This type of work necessitates a broad understanding of a wide range of machines and manufacturers.
The manufacturer will provide a course in installing, maintaining, operating, and repairing equipment for those who have not received any training. The technical representative may begin following someone else, but as time goes on, he or she will take on more independent tasks. The more years of experience a representative has, the more skills they have learned, and the more valuable they are to the company. Long-term employees can usually negotiate better pay and benefits leveraging their skills in discussions about compensation and benefits.