Woodside Energy is Australia’s largest independent energy producer and one of the most respected employers in the oil and gas industry. Headquartered in Perth, the company operates massive onshore and offshore LNG projects, supplying natural gas to global markets while rapidly investing in renewables and hydrogen.
For FIFO and offshore workers, Woodside offers some of the highest-paying, most technically advanced, and safest roles in the country. But it’s also among the most demanding employers — with strict safety standards, complex systems, and physically and mentally challenging work conditions.
This 2026 guide explains what to expect when working with Woodside — covering sites, roles, training, pay, rosters, and how to prepare for a career in Australia’s offshore and LNG sector.
1. Company Overview and Operations
Woodside Energy operates some of the world’s most advanced LNG production facilities. Its projects form the backbone of Australia’s gas export industry and include both offshore platforms and large-scale onshore plants.
Core Operations:
- Karratha Gas Plant (KGP): Located on the Burrup Peninsula near Karratha. Processes gas and condensate from offshore fields including North Rankin, Goodwyn, and Angel.
- Pluto LNG: A newer plant next to KGP, with Pluto Train 2 expansion underway for 2026–2027.
- Scarborough Gas Project: A massive offshore development expected to supply Pluto Train 2.
- North West Shelf Project: Australia’s longest-running LNG operation and a cornerstone of the industry.
- Offshore Platforms and FPSOs: North Rankin Complex, Goodwyn A, Pluto Platform, and the Okha Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel.
What makes Woodside unique:
- Operates at the cutting edge of process and marine engineering.
- One of the safest and most structured workplaces in the world.
- High pay and training standards.
- Blend of FIFO onshore jobs and offshore swing rosters.
- Expanding into hydrogen and renewable projects.
Challenges:
- Extremely high entry standards for qualifications and safety.
- Long swings offshore and strict fatigue management.
- Fewer entry-level opportunities compared to mining.
- Heavy focus on compliance and corporate culture.
2. Types of FIFO and Offshore Work
Woodside offers two main categories of roles: onshore (FIFO) and offshore (fly-in/fly-out by helicopter or marine transfer).
Onshore LNG and Support Operations
Roles based at Karratha Gas Plant and Pluto LNG include:
- Process Operators and Technicians (gas processing, compressors, and cryogenics).
- Mechanical Fitters, Electricians, and Instrumentation Technicians.
- Control Room Operators and Process Engineers.
- Reliability, Planning, and Maintenance Technicians.
- Health, Safety, and Environmental Officers.
- Camp Utilities, Logistics, and Site Admin roles.
Offshore Production and Maintenance
Offshore platforms and FPSOs employ:
- Mechanical and Electrical Technicians.
- Instrument Technicians and Control Systems Specialists.
- Production Technicians and Process Operators.
- Rope Access Trades (mechanical, inspection, or electrical).
- Crane Operators and Deck Crew.
- Marine Engineers, Motormen, and Logistics Officers.
- HSE Advisors and Emergency Response Personnel.
Project and Construction Roles (2026 Expansion)
With Pluto Train 2 and Scarborough gas projects under development, demand is increasing for:
- Riggers, Scaffolders, and Welders.
- Pipefitters, Boilermakers, and Structural Fabricators.
- QA/QC Inspectors and Safety Coordinators.
- Commissioning Technicians and Project Planners.
3. Work Locations and Rosters
Primary Locations
- Burrup Peninsula, WA: Onshore LNG hubs at Karratha and Pluto.
- Offshore Carnarvon Basin: North Rankin, Goodwyn, Angel, and Scarborough fields.
- Perth HQ: Engineering, operations planning, and corporate support roles.
- Upcoming Hydrogen Hubs: In Karratha and Perth for renewable energy projects.
Roster Types
- Onshore FIFO (Karratha): 8 days on / 6 days off, or 14 days on / 14 off.
- Offshore Platforms: Commonly 2 weeks on / 4 weeks off or 3 weeks on / 3 weeks off.
- Project and Construction Work: Varies from 3:1 to 2:1 depending on project phase.
- Office and Engineering Roles: 5 days on / 2 off (Perth-based).
Offshore work includes daily helicopter transfers, 12-hour shifts, and strict fatigue management systems.
4. Pay and Benefits (2026)
Woodside remains one of the highest-paying employers in Australia’s energy sector.
Typical Annual Earnings:
- Camp / Site Utility: $90,000 – $110,000
- Process Operator (Onshore): $160,000 – $200,000
- Offshore Production Technician: $190,000 – $250,000
- Mechanical / Electrical / Instrumentation Trades: $170,000 – $230,000
- Offshore Rope Access Technician: $180,000 – $240,000
- Control Room Operator / Supervisor: $200,000 – $280,000
- Engineers (Process, Electrical, Mechanical): $190,000 – $300,000+
Key Benefits:
- Flights, accommodation, meals, and transfers fully covered.
- Premium medical insurance and employee wellness programs.
- 6 weeks annual leave plus generous time-off rotations.
- On-site gyms, recreation facilities, and health services.
- Leadership development and global transfer opportunities.
Woodside also offers a performance bonus structure and employee share program for long-term staff.
5. Training, Licences, and Safety Requirements
Safety is central to Woodside’s operations. Every worker undergoes extensive induction and competency training before mobilisation.
Mandatory Requirements:
- Construction Induction (White Card).
- Working at Heights.
- Confined Space Entry.
- Gas Test Atmospheres.
- First Aid and CPR.
- Dangerous Goods Awareness and Permit-to-Work training.
- OGUK or equivalent offshore medical and sea survival certification (BOSIET).
- Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC) for port or offshore access.
- Trade Certificate or relevant engineering degree.
Highly Valued Extras:
- Instrumentation or automation systems training (Allen-Bradley, Honeywell).
- Hazardous Areas (EEHA) certification for electricians.
- Rope access qualifications (IRATA).
- Offshore firefighting and emergency response training.
- Confined space rescue or H2S safety awareness.
Training Pathways:
Woodside operates accredited training partnerships through TAFEs and RTOs for process operator apprenticeships, engineering cadetships, and graduate programs.
6. Life Offshore and Onsite
Offshore Life
- Workers live on platform accommodation modules or FPSOs.
- Cabins are typically shared (2-person rooms) with private or semi-private bathrooms.
- Meals provided 24/7; all cleaning and laundry handled by staff.
- Internet access available but limited; strict fatigue and shift rotations.
- Recreation includes gyms, TV rooms, reading areas, and limited leisure spaces.
Reality Check: Offshore life is confined and physically demanding. You’ll be surrounded by the same crew for weeks at a time, and professionalism is essential.
Onshore Life (Karratha and Pluto)
- Large, modern FIFO villages with private ensuite rooms.
- Excellent dining, fitness, and recreational facilities.
- Short bus rides between village and plant.
- Strong focus on team culture, safety, and continuous improvement.
7. Advantages and Challenges
Advantages:
- World-class pay, safety, and technology standards.
- Stable long-term employment with global experience potential.
- Exposure to advanced control systems, automation, and offshore operations.
- Excellent living conditions for both onshore and offshore rotations.
- Strong company focus on training, development, and promotion.
Challenges:
- Long swings and long flights can affect family life.
- Intense compliance environment — every action is monitored and logged.
- Offshore confinement and unpredictable weather delays.
- Competition for entry-level roles is extremely high.
- Medical and safety standards are among the strictest in the world.
8. Career Progression and Development
Woodside actively promotes internal advancement and provides structured pathways for both trades and professionals.
Common Career Pathways:
- Process Operator → Senior Operator → Control Room Technician → Supervisor → Shift Superintendent.
- Mechanical Fitter → Reliability Technician → Maintenance Supervisor → Asset Engineer.
- Electrician → EEHA / Instrumentation Tech → Control Systems Specialist → Electrical Engineer.
- Offshore Technician → Offshore Supervisor → Maintenance Superintendent.
Graduate and Apprenticeship Opportunities:
Woodside runs one of Australia’s most competitive graduate and apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeships focus on mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation trades, while graduate programs include engineering, data science, and sustainability.
9. The Future of Woodside (2026–2030)
The next decade will be transformative for Woodside. The Scarborough and Pluto Train 2 developments will add hundreds of FIFO and contractor roles in engineering, construction, and operations.
Beyond gas, Woodside is expanding into hydrogen, ammonia, and renewable power projects, with pilot facilities planned for Karratha and Perth.
Demand for trades and technicians skilled in automation, process control, electrical instrumentation, and mechanical reliability will remain high. The company’s focus on decarbonisation also means new roles in solar, battery storage, and hydrogen plant maintenance are emerging.
10. Final Thoughts
Working FIFO or offshore for Woodside Energy is a career-defining opportunity. The standards are high, the systems complex, and the lifestyle challenging — but the rewards are unmatched in pay, training, and long-term prospects.
If you’re a tradesperson, operator, or engineer seeking to work with Australia’s most advanced energy infrastructure, Woodside offers a pathway to world-class experience and financial stability.
Be ready for discipline, precision, and professionalism. For those who thrive under pressure and pride themselves on doing things right, there’s no higher standard in Australia’s energy industry.
