Train Captain Freight & Passenger

Profile Overview:

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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.