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Harpoon Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mission Planning Tester

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Salary Range: $70,310 - $75,000 As the Joint Mission Planning Tester/Planner the incumbent willsupport Harpoon, SLAM ER and JSOW mission planning and will provide the supporting COMSEC support ...

Salary Range: $70,310 - $75,000 As the Joint Mission Planning Tester/Planner the incumbent will support Harpoon, SLAM ER and JSOW mission planning and will provide the supporting COMSEC support ...

Mission Planning Tester

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Salary Range: $70,310 - $75,000 As the Joint Mission Planning Tester/Planner the incumbent will support Harpoon, SLAM ER and JSOW mission planning and will provide the supporting COMSEC support ...

Harpoon information

What is a harpoon?

Harpooners are crew members on whaling or fishing vessels responsible for handling and operating the harpoon, a long spear-like instrument used to catch large marine animals such as whales or tuna. Their main job is to accurately target and secure the animal so it can be brought aboard the ship. Harpooners must have excellent aim, strong physical abilities, and knowledge of maritime safety. Modern harpooners may also work with mechanical or explosive harpoons, and their role is crucial in both commercial and research fishing expeditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a harpoon?

To thrive as a Harpooner, you need strong physical endurance, hand-eye coordination, and knowledge of maritime navigation, often developed through seafaring experience rather than formal qualifications. Familiarity with harpoons, rigging, and small vessel operation is essential, along with basic safety certifications such as STCW. Quick decision-making, teamwork, and resilience are important soft skills for managing the demands of open-sea work. These abilities are crucial for ensuring operational efficiency and safety during high-risk, physically demanding maritime tasks.

What are some common challenges faced by harpoon operators on maritime vessels?

Harpoon Operators on maritime vessels often encounter challenges such as operating heavy and specialized equipment in unpredictable weather conditions and maintaining safety during high-pressure situations, like whaling or marine research. They must also work closely with teammates to coordinate precise aiming and deployment, which requires excellent communication and situational awareness. Adapting to long hours at sea and handling the physical demands of the job are also key aspects to consider before applying.

What is the difference between Harpoon vs Marine Engineer?

AspectHarpoonMarine Engineer
Required CredentialsMilitary or defense-related certifications, weapons handlingEngineering degree, maritime certifications
Work EnvironmentMilitary ships, defense facilitiesCommercial or naval ships, maritime industry
Employer & IndustryDefense contractors, militaryShipping companies, naval forces
Common Search/ComparisonHarpoon vs Marine Engineer

Harpoon roles are specialized in military defense, focusing on missile systems and weapons, often requiring defense certifications. Marine Engineers work on ship machinery and systems in commercial or naval settings, requiring engineering credentials. While both work in maritime environments, their responsibilities, certifications, and industries differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Harpoon jobs in California?

For Harpoon jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Harpoon jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Harpoon jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Harpoon job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution.

Mission Planning Tester

DCS CORPORATION

Ridgecrest, CA • On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Salary Range: $70,310 - $75,000
As the Joint Mission Planning Tester/Planner the incumbent willsupport Harpoon, SLAM ER and JSOW mission planning and will provide the supporting COMSEC support required to execute mission planning activities. The incumbent will help validate software updates to ensure weapon capability is functional and ready for Fleet Release.
Essential Job Functions:
Work with the Technical Program Office (TPO) mission planning team for all Weapon Mission Planning tasks relating to integration of Harpoon, SLAM ER and JSOW for United States Navy (USN) and Foreign Military Sale (FMS).
Responsible for testing, certifying and reporting on Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS) Mission Planning Environment (MPE) deliveries for Harpoon, SLAM ER and JSOW weapons changes and regression testing for other Unique Planning Component (UPC) and JMPS updates.
Collect and analyze data to ensure the final product is reliable, of high quality, effective, and suitable for release to the fleet to support strike operations.
Assist in the management of the addition of new weapon planning requirements to enhance capabilities of the JSOW weapon system.
Assist in maintaining availability and management of the required weapon key data in support of mission planning testing and certification configurations.This includes database updates and maintenance; periodic inventories, maintain required files, logs, records and library.
Understand JTIDS Network Libraries (JNLs) relating to NEW and aircraft MIDS terminals in preparation for mission planning. Ideal candidate will be familiar with NEW mission planning.
Participate in reviews, technical interface meetings and working groups to provide recommendations and assessments on weapons mission planning and integration documentation, publications and correspondence.
Participate in weapons Mission Planning Environment and JMPS planning and requirements meetings.
The candidate may be required to support Fleet training events as part of the Network Enabled Weapons Fleet Support Team and is expected to communicate professionally with USN and foreign uniformed and civilian personnel, as well as contractors.
Required Skills:
Due to the sensitivity of customer related requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required.
Must have a high school diploma with 10 years of related experience or an associate's degree with 4 years related experience. Will also consider bachelor's degree with 2 plus years of related experience.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance.
Familiar with JMPS hardware and software and be capable of building JMPS machines from scratch to the appropriate domestic or FMS configurations.
Familiar with Communications Security (COMSEC) processes and policies and be able to manage and track COMSEC to support the mission planning tasks.
Must be able to work independently and collaboratively with a diverse, high performing team in a fast paced and complex environment.
Must communicate effectively in person and in writing, be COMSEC briefed, and possess a SECRET clearance.
Occasional Travel is required.
Desired Skills:
Familiarity with Harpoon, SLAM-ER, and or JSOW weapons desirable but not required.

DCS logo

About DCS

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

DCS Corp is a renowned name in the technology industry, headquartered in Alexandria, VA, US. Found in the late 1970s, DCS Corp provides a broad spectrum of advanced technology, engineering, and analytic solutions for national security clients. The firm specializes in delivering sophisticated systems and technology for land, air, and maritime platforms. They are known for being deeply committed to their mission of enhancing national security.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Alexandria, VA, US

Year founded

1977

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