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Network Watch Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WI · On-site

Monitors ongoing operations and application of multiple network systems and data management ... Experience as a Joint Operations Center Watch Officer, Operations Specialist, ISR Tactical ...

New

Tier 2 Threat Watch Officer function and operational leadership * Security event validation, impact assessment, and escalation decisions * IDS/IPS/SIEM anomaly correlation and network configuration ...

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Network Watch Officer information

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$25.5K

$50.2K

$79.5K

How much do network watch officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for network watch officer in the United States is $50,155.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $55,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a network watch officer?

Network Watch Officers are professionals responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and managing computer networks to ensure their security and operational integrity. They work in security operations centers or similar environments, continuously overseeing network activity to detect and respond to potential threats or incidents. Their duties often include real-time monitoring, incident response, and coordination with other IT or security teams to maintain a secure network environment. Network Watch Officers play a crucial role in protecting organizational data and systems from cyberattacks and outages.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a network watch officer?

To thrive as a Network Watch Officer, you need a strong background in network administration, cybersecurity principles, and incident response, typically supported by a degree in information technology or a related field. Familiarity with network monitoring tools such as Splunk, Wireshark, and SIEM systems, as well as certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP, is highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate clearly under pressure set exceptional candidates apart. These skills are crucial for ensuring network security, rapidly detecting threats, and maintaining operational continuity.

What are some common challenges faced by network watch officers, and how can they effectively manage them?

Network Watch Officers often encounter challenges such as rapidly evolving cyber threats, high-pressure incident response situations, and the need to maintain 24/7 network surveillance. Effectively managing these challenges requires strong analytical skills, the ability to prioritize tasks during network incidents, and clear communication with both technical teams and leadership. Staying current with emerging cybersecurity trends and participating in regular training can also help Network Watch Officers remain prepared for new threats and maintain the resilience of network operations.

What is the difference between Network Watch Officer vs Network Security Analyst?

AspectNetwork Watch OfficerNetwork Security Analyst
CredentialsTypically requires certifications like CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNAOften requires certifications such as CISSP, CEH, or CompTIA Security+
Work EnvironmentMonitoring network activity, ensuring network availability, and incident responseAnalyzing security threats, implementing security measures, and incident investigation
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in telecom, government, and large enterprise networksCommon in cybersecurity firms, IT departments, and organizations with sensitive data

The Network Watch Officer primarily focuses on monitoring network performance and responding to network issues, while the Network Security Analyst specializes in identifying and mitigating security threats. Both roles require technical certifications and work in network-centric environments, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What cities are hiring for Network Watch Officer jobs?

Cities with the most Network Watch Officer job openings:

What states have the most Network Watch Officer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Network Watch Officer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Network Watch Officer jobs?

For Network Watch Officer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Network Watch Officer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,155 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Communications Watch Officer (SWING SHIFT)

Herndon, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Description:

  **Active Top Secret Clearance with SCI eligibility Required**  


Description

At The One 23 Group, our mission is to set the benchmark for excellence in government services. We empower our clients in the Department of War, Intelligence Community, and Federal Civilian sectors to excel with our advanced capabilities. Our dedication lies in fostering a people-first culture, underpinned by steadfast ethical principles. Embracing innovative technologies and process improvements, we are steadfast in our journey toward a future that is both bright and transformative. 


Our expertise spans Enterprise IT, Mission IT and Cyber. With our global footprint, we place a strong emphasis on nurturing our people and culture, which forms the core of our successful strategies in leadership and financial management. We pride ourselves on our extensive experience and effective approach, ensuring that we lead with both innovation and integrity.


Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced NMCC Communications Watch Officer (CWO) to support the National Military Command Center (NMCC) within the Pentagon. In this highly visible role, you will help ensure uninterrupted communications and network operations that support senior national leadership, combatant commands, and critical Department of Defense missions.


This position is ideal for IT professionals who thrive in high-pressure operational environments and enjoy solving complex technical challenges that directly contribute to national security. You will serve as a key member of a 24/7 operations team responsible for monitoring, coordinating, troubleshooting, and restoring critical communications and network systems

Requirements:

  Key Responsibilities

  • Monitor and manage mission-critical communications systems and network operations.
  • Coordinate with network operators, communications nodes, and technical teams to rapidly restore service interruptions.
  • Track, prioritize, and escalate incidents while ensuring timely resolution and system availability.
  • Oversee scheduled maintenance, upgrades, cutovers, and network changes with minimal operational impact.
  • Validate connectivity between senior government leadership, combatant commands, and  national security partners.
  • Support secure communications systems including AMHS, Secure Video systems, and  Defense Red Switch Network capabilities.
  • Monitor warning systems, situational awareness tools, and command-and-control  communications infrastructure.
  • Troubleshoot  complex LAN, MAN, and WAN network issues and recommend technical  solutions.
  • Provide operational status updates and brief stakeholders during outages,  maintenance events, or mission-impacting incidents.
  • Support  contingency operations, exercises, continuity planning, and emergency  response activities

Required Qualifications

  • Active  Top Secret Clearance with eligibility for SCI indoctrination.
  • High School Diploma or equivalent 
  • CompTIA  Security+ CE or equivalent DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification
  • 5+ years of experience supporting military or Department of Defense IT systems.
  • Experience with systems engineering, network operations, incident management, and  troubleshooting complex communications environments.
  • Strong analytical and decision-making skills in mission-critical environments
  • Led and managed project planning, resourcing, supply, progress reporting, troubleshooting, and NMCC team management to achieve desired / customer results. 
  • Experience supporting the NMCC in the Pentagon (Preferred)

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

  • Full-time position working at least 40 hours per week to meet the needs of the  contract hours requirement. 
  • This position requires shift work coverage 24/7, 365 days per year, including  holidays.
  • The current shift structure is Sunday to Thursday (1:30pm - 9:30pm ET)

Physical / Mental Demands 

This is primarily a sedentary role; however, some mobility and filing may be required. This would require the ability to move from one location to another, lift files, open filing cabinets, and bending or standing on a stool as necessary. This position requires the ability to make read, analyze and interpret data for long periods and make decisions in a high-pressure environment.  While working in a remote office, the position requires a safe and ergonomically sound work environment and to hold ICS harmless for injury to others at the remote location. 


Work Environment

This job operates in a professional, secure office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines. Government or ICS-owned equipment and materials will be maintained in a safe and secure location. If work is performed in a remote or off-site office, the position requires a safe and ergonomically sound work environment and to hold ICS harmless for injury to others at the remote location.

This role requires approximately 2-6 weeks to work a day shift for training and access.


Travel

Limited travel is expected for this position, less than 10% throughout the year. Travel or deployment to alternate sites for training, exercises, or real-world events. The duration of each exercise is typically a day trip of up to 12 hours. On occasion, contingencies and exercises require contractors to stay overnight in the COOP facility under lock-down conditions, working 12-hour shifts.


Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.


Work Authorization/Security Clearance

Minimum active Top-Secret Clearance with the ability to be SCI indoctrinated


Equal opportunity employer, including disability/vets.