Hitting a drill hole within 5 cm, without a single survey stake on the ground, is what separates a good rig operator from an average one. Mas Rock Engineering, a specialist drilling, blasting and rock engineering contractor headquartered in Fujairah, is hiring an experienced Epiroc SmartROC Drill Operator to run high-precision surface drilling for UAE projects.
About the Role
Mas Rock Engineering works across infrastructure, land development, tunnelling and mining, with the strategic backing of Eastern Mining Company (EMC). As the SmartROC operator, you will set drilling parameters on the Rig Control System, monitor Measure While Drilling data, and collar holes with the Hole Navigation System using GNSS coordinates. You will oversee AutoDrill cycles, step in only when rock conditions or alerts need your judgement, and keep the rig running efficiently with lower fuel use and less tool wear.
Career Impact & Growth Opportunity
Automated, GPS-guided rigs are becoming standard on modern sites, and operators who can run them well are in demand. The listing does not describe a promotion path, but this experience is a solid base for drill lead, blast crew or site supervisor roles.
Why This Role Matters
Accurate drilling decides how well rock breaks, how safe the blast is and how much a project spends on fuel, bits and rework. Careful operators save time and money on every shift.
Key Responsibilities
- Use the Rig Control System and touch-screen interface to set drilling parameters and monitor MWD data
- Operate the Hole Navigation System to collar holes within 5 cm tolerance using GNSS/GPS coordinates
- Oversee AutoDrill cycles, including automatic rod adding and extraction, and step in when alerts or rock conditions require it
- Adjust rotation and impact pressure to suit different rock types and reduce bit wear
- Log penetration rates, fuel use per metre and hole alignment, and upload them to planning software such as ROC Manager
- Carry out pre-shift walk-arounds on hydraulic fluids, hoses, feed chain tension and the COP rock drill or DTH hammer
Qualifications & Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent; vocational training in heavy equipment or mining is a major plus
- 2–5 years of surface drilling experience (DTH or Tophammer)
- Experience with SmartROC, Pit Viper or FlexiROC is highly preferred
- Confident with GPS/GNSS navigation and reading digital 3D drill plans
- MSHA or an equivalent regional mining safety certification
- Valid driver’s licence, and often a Heavy Rigid licence for site mobilisation
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to work independently in remote or harsh environments
About This Opportunity
The listing gives no salary or benefits. Ask about pay, visa, accommodation, transport and shift pattern before you accept an offer.
Who Should Apply
Rig operators who already run automated surface drills and care about precision should apply, especially those with SmartROC, Pit Viper or FlexiROC time. Email your updated CV to careers@mrengineering.ae.
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