Take on more complex work, mentoring and quality accountability while building evidence for the next formal step.
Compare roles and pay →Automation & remote operations · Specialist
Remote drill or equipment operator
Operates an authorised drill or other equipment through a remote interface while coordinating with on-site teams and area controls.
Indicative 2026 annual cash$130k–$190kGross, generally before super
Common roster contextContinuous control may use rotating shifts; office and engineering positions may be Perth-based rather than FIFO.
Role at a glance
What this role actually does.
Operates an authorised drill or other equipment through a remote interface while coordinating with on-site teams and area controls. The precise scope changes with the employer, asset, jurisdiction and written authorities.
The work
Core duties
- 01
Check remote equipment state and area readiness
- 02
Operate within approved modes
- 03
Escalate faults, lost communications or field changes
The assets
Equipment and systems
- 01
Remote HMI and cameras
- 02
Drill or equipment control system
- 03
Radio and event logs
Before mobilisation
Typical foundations
- 01
Strong hands-on machine and mine-method experience
- 02
OEM and site remote-control verification
- 03
Field access and exclusion responsibilities understood
Prove capability
Evidence employers can verify
- 01
Machine and control modes
- 02
Remote fault and field coordination
- 03
Documented authorisation and operating hours
Entry pathway
A credible way into the role.
- 01
Build conventional equipment competence
- 02
Enter supervised remote-operations training
- 03
Gain platform and area verification
Earning context
What tends to move pay
- 01
Experience and verified scope
- 02
Roster, location and shift pattern
- 03
Employer, contract and allowances
Before accepting
Questions to ask about the offer
- 01
Is this base salary, gross cash or a package including super?
- 02
Which roster, point of hire, ordinary hours and overtime terms apply?
- 03
What duties, equipment and written authorities are included in the offer?
Progression
Possible next moves.
Coordinates autonomous haulage fleet activity and site interfaces from a designated control position.
Related role band: $115k–$165kCompare the role's actual scope, qualifications and employer requirements before treating this as a direct promotion.
Compare roles and pay →Progression depends on demonstrated competence, vacancies, performance, qualifications and any appointment requirements. A related profile is a starting point, not a guarantee of that exact title or scope. Browse all 98 role profiles →
Keep exploring
Related role profiles.
Sources and role examples
Editorial note
Salary bands are broad 2026 Australian mining comparisons, not promised rates. Role requirements summarise common practice and do not replace legislation, regulator guidance, an employment agreement, site procedures or a written appointment. Pay presentation reviewed 27 September 2026.