Train Captain Freight & Passenger

Hafeet Rail; Schamal al-Batina; On-site; OMR 35,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Hafeet Rail seeks an experienced Train Driver/Train Captain to support Operational Readiness, Testing & Commissioning, and entry into service on a UAE–Oman corridor. You will operate heavy haul freight trains with a strong emphasis on safety and compliant procedures.

You will mentor junior captains, assist in route familiarisation, and contribute to competence management programs across shifts, including nights and weekends. Relevant certifications and knowledge of ETCS Level 2 are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' operational experience driving heavy haul or freight trains.
• Experience with ETCS Level 2 signalling and ERTMS is essential.
• Proven track record in safety-critical railway operations.
• Ability to mentor and train Train Captains.
• Willingness to work shifts across UAE–Oman railway.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy haul freight trains on mainline routes during testing and readiness activities.
• Support rule book validation, route learning and competence assessments.
• Provide practical feedback to engineering and operations teams.
• Maintain safety standards and punctuality during degraded or emergency conditions.
• Mentor trainees and participate in Knowledge Transfer programs.

Skills

Train operations

Safety culture

Communication

Leadership

Mentoring

Problem solving

Education

Secondary education or recognised technical qualification

Recognised Train Driver / Train Captain certification

Safety Critical medical certification

Tools

ETCS Level 2 knowledge

Driver Machine Interface (DMI)

Job description

Supports Operational Readiness Program and transition to commercial Operations through participation in training development, Rule Book validation, route familiarization, Testing & Commissioning, ETCS Level 2 operational validation, simulator exercises and operational trials ahead of commercial operations.)

1. Operational Readiness Participation

• Participate in the development, validation and continuous improvement of training materials, operational procedures and competence assessment arrangements for Train Operations.
• Support Rule Book validation, operational procedure walkthroughs, simulator exercises and operational scenario testing.
• Undertake route familiarisation and contribute to the development of route knowledge documentation, operational risk assessments and route learning materials.
• Support operational demonstrations required during Operational Readiness, Testing & Commissioning and Entry into Service.

2. Testing, Commissioning and Trial Operations

• Operate freight trains during Testing & Commissioning, dynamic testing, route proving, shadow operations and operational trials as directed.
• Demonstrate safe operation under ETCS Level 2 and support validation of Driver Machine Interface (DMI) functionality, operational procedures and degraded mode operation.
• Record defects, observations, operational constraints and lessons learned in a structured and timely manner.
• Support the validation of operational documentation and provide practical operational feedback to engineering, signalling and operations teams.

3. Safe Train Operation

• Safely operate heavy haul freight trains in accordance with the Rule Book, ETCS Level 2 operating principles, operational procedures and safety-critical communication protocols.
• Undertake train preparation, brake testing, train examination, shunting and terminal operations in accordance with approved procedures.
• Operate trains safely during degraded, abnormal and emergency operating conditions, applying sound professional judgement and approved contingency arrangements.
• Maintain punctuality, operational efficiency and high standards of customer and stakeholder service whilst ensuring safety remains the overriding priority.

4. Competence and Professional Standards

• Maintain personal competence, operational certification, route knowledge and fitness-for-duty through continuous professional development and periodic competence assessments.
• Comply with all medical fitness, drugs & alcohol, fatigue management and Safety Critical requirements applicable to the role.
• Serve as a professional ambassador for by demonstrating exemplary operational discipline, leadership, professionalism and commitment to railway safety.
• Maintain the highest standards of Rule Book compliance, operational integrity and personal accountability.

5. Collaboration and Knowledge Transfer

• Work collaboratively with trainers, assessors, Operations Control Centre personnel, engineers and operational managers throughout Operational Readiness activities.
• Coach and mentor newly recruited Train Captains, supporting the transfer of operational knowledge, practical skills and professional standards.
• Contribute to structured knowledge transfer programmes supporting long-term operational capability, In-Country Value (ICV), Emiratisation and Omanisation objectives.
• Participate in working groups responsible for operational procedures, Rule Book development, competence management and operational standards.

6. Compliance and Safety

• Comply with all applicable safety, operational, environmental and regulatory requirements.
• Promptly report accidents, incidents, near misses, defects and unsafe conditions using approved reporting systems.
• Support operational investigations and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Promote a strong safety culture and contribute positively to the continual improvement of railway operations.
• Technical and Industry Knowledge and Experience:
• Demonstrable experience operating heavy haul freight trains on a recognised mainline railway with a strong safety culture.
• Demonstrable commercial experience operating freight trains under ETCS Level 2 / ERTMS Level 2 (Essential).
• Demonstrable record of safe train operations throughout their railway career, supported by exemplary operational discipline, Rule Book compliance and professional conduct.
• Sound knowledge of railway operating rules, ETCS Level 2 operating principles, safety-critical communications, degraded mode operation and freight train handling techniques.
• Experience supporting new railway start-ups, Operational Readiness, Testing & Commissioning or Entry into Service programmes is highly desirable.
• Experience operating on GCC railway networks is desirable.
• Technical Skills:
• Competent in train preparation, brake testing, train examination, shunting and terminal operations.
• Strong heavy haul train handling skills, including operation of long and heavy freight trains.
• Demonstrated ability to operate safely under degraded ETCS Level 2 conditions.
• Strong fault recognition, fault reporting and operational problem-solving capability.
• Ability to use onboard systems, radio communication equipment, Driver Machine Interface (DMI) and electronic reporting systems.
• Ability to mentor trainee Train Captains and support competence development activities.
• Personal Attributes:
• High level of vigilance, professionalism, operational discipline and Rule Book compliance.
• Calm, resilient and decisive during degraded, abnormal and emergency operating situations.
• Strong safety ethic with an uncompromising commitment to safe railway operations.
• Willingness to work shifts, nights, weekends and public holidays.
• Willingness to operate across the UAE–Oman railway and support Operational Readiness activities.
• Communication Skills:
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Highly effective safety-critical communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, capable of working effectively with Operations Control Centre staff, engineering teams, terminals, trainers and operational managers.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally during operational incidents and degraded working.
• Education and Certifications:
• Secondary education or recognised technical qualification.
• Recognised Train Driver / Train Captain certification from an established railway administration.
• Valid Safety Critical medical certification and psychometric assessment.
• Current competence certification for ETCS Level 2 operations highly desirable

Work Experience:

• Minimum 5 years' operational experience driving heavy haul or freight trains on a recognised mainline railway.
• Demonstrable operational experience driving freight trains under ERTMS / ETCS Level 2 signalling principles. (Essential).
• Experience operating long and heavy freight trains within demanding operational environments.
• Participation in Testing & Commissioning, route proving, dynamic testing, operational trials or new fleet introduction is highly desirable.
• Experience mentoring, coaching or supporting newly qualified Train Captains is desirable.

Additional Requirements

• Safety Critical Position subject to medical, competence and certification requirements.
• Shift work, including nights, weekends and public holidays.
• Willingness to be based and operate across locations throughout the UAE–Oman railway.
• Willingness to participate in simulator exercises, route proving, Testing & Commissioning and Operational Readiness activities.
• Ability to mentor newly recruited Train Captains and support knowledge transfer initiatives.
• Strong communication, teamwork and professional conduct.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure within a dynamic railway environment.

Differentials

• Extensive commercial ERTMS/ETCS Level 2 freight driving experience.
• Direct involvement in Start-up railway Operational Readiness, Testing & Commissioning and Entry into Service programmes.
• Extensive heavy haul freight operating experience, including long and heavy train operations.
• Current operational competence and commercial driving experience on Progress Rail EMD SD70ACS locomotives.
• Recognised Train Driver Instructor, Assessor or Competence Assessor qualification.
• Experience supporting Rule Book validation, operational procedure development and competence management systems.
• Experience mentoring, coaching and developing Train Captains within a structured competence management framework.
• Experience operating on GCC railway networks or comparable international heavy haul railways.
• Cross-border railway operating experience is desirable.