Locomotive Operator

About Us

Be part of something big. Fortescue is leading the world with our plan to decarbonise our iron ore operations, projects that harness renewable energy and the development of technology that will change our planet forever.

Our Opportunity

Work Location: Hedland Operations - Port Hedland - Fortescue’s Hedland Operations is located on the traditional lands of the Kariyarra people.

Roster: 8D/8N/8RnR and 14D/14N/14RnR- residential in Hedland OR FIFO ex Perth. 

Your Journey Starts Here – Drive the Future of Heavy Haul Rail

Fortescue is currently seeking experienced and safety-driven Advanced Locomotive Operators to join our high-performance Rail Operations team in Port Hedland. In this critical frontline role, you'll take charge of operating our state-of-the-art locomotives across Fortescue’s heavy-haul network—ensuring safe, efficient delivery of iron ore from mine to port.

This is a residential or FIFO position offering balanced rosters and the opportunity to be part of one of the most advanced rail operations in the world.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate and monitor locomotives across the rail network in accordance with Fortescue's procedures and network rules.
• Conduct train preparation, inspections, fault-finding, and reporting to ensure operational readiness and reliability.
• Manage in-field communications and coordinate with Network Control and Port Operations to ensure smooth transit.
• Respond to rail incidents, faults, or delays and initiate corrective actions where required.
• Mentor and support trainee operators, fostering a strong safety culture and skill development within the team.
• Maintain accurate operational records and contribute to continuous improvement of rail operations.

Qualifications and Experience

• Proven experience as a Locomotive Operator in heavy haul, freight, or mining environments
• Current Certificate IV in Train Driving (or equivalent nationally recognised qualification)
• Strong understanding of rail safety standards, signalling systems, and in-cab technologies
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions in dynamic operating conditions
• Commitment to safety, teamwork, and delivering operational excellence
• Previous experience working in the Pilbara or on long-distance routes highly regarded

Our Commitment

Fortescue celebrates individual strengths and team members are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. Our global workforce drives and promotes an inclusive culture, both within our organisation and throughout the communities we interact with. Diverse backgrounds include First Nations Peoples, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ community, gender, neurodiverse, cultural diversity, all age groups, and those with an intersectional or multiple diverse characteristics. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

https://fortescue.com/careers 

Internal Candidates / Current Contractors please apply via Success Factors Careers Portal. For further information on how to apply please visit the Fortescue Hub. 

Fortescue reserves the right to close applications early should a suitable pool of candidates be identified. Fortescue will never contact you to ask for payment of any kind, whether directly or through a third party.