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Watch Officer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for an Operations Watch Officer in our Intel Sector Analysis Solutions Business Area (ASBA) in McLean, VA. Our talented team is at the forefront in Security ...

Watch Officer

Washington, DC · On-site

$18.75 - $23.75/hr

The Architect of the Capitol (AOC), Office of the Chief Security Officer (OCSO) has a requirement for a law enforcement and security subject matter expert (SME) to support OCSO as a United States ...

Operations Watch Officer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$59K - $106K/yr

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for an Operations Watch Officer in our Intel Sector Analysis Solutions Business Area (ASBA) in McLean, VA. Our talented team is at the forefront in Security ...

Watch Officer (52250)

Washington, DC · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

The Architect of the Capitol (AOC), Office of the Chief Security Officer (OCSO) has a requirement for a law enforcement and security subject matter expert (SME) to support OCSO as a United States ...

Watch Officer (52250)

Washington, DC · On-site

$18.75 - $23.75/hr

The Architect of the Capitol (AOC), Office of the Chief Security Officer (OCSO) has a requirement for a law enforcement and security subject matter expert (SME) to support OCSO as a United States ...

Watch Officer (52250)

Washington, DC · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

The Architect of the Capitol (AOC), Office of the Chief Security Officer (OCSO) has a requirement for a law enforcement and security subject matter expert (SME) to support OCSO as a United States ...

Showing results 21-40

Watch Officer information

What is a watch officer?

Watch Officers are professionals responsible for overseeing and managing operations during a specific shift or 'watch' period, often in maritime, military, emergency response, or security settings. Their duties typically include monitoring activities, coordinating communication, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and responding to incidents as needed. Watch Officers play a critical role in maintaining situational awareness and facilitating smooth transitions between shifts. They must be detail-oriented, able to make quick decisions, and possess strong leadership skills. The role may vary depending on the industry, but the core responsibility is to ensure operations run efficiently and safely during their watch.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a watch officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Watch Officer, you need a solid understanding of navigation, maritime safety regulations, and vessel operations, typically supported by a maritime academy degree and Officer of the Watch (OOW) certification. Familiarity with navigation systems, radar, ECDIS, and communication equipment is integral to the role. Strong situational awareness, decision-making, and leadership skills help manage crew and respond effectively to emergencies. These skills ensure safe vessel operations, regulatory compliance, and effective response to dynamic maritime situations.

What are some common challenges faced by watch officers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Watch Officers often encounter challenges such as maintaining situational awareness during long shifts, handling multiple incidents simultaneously, and ensuring clear communication among team members and stakeholders. To manage these effectively, it is crucial to follow established protocols, utilize checklists, and prioritize tasks based on urgency. Regular training, strong teamwork, and effective use of monitoring tools can also help Watch Officers stay organized and responsive during high-pressure situations.

What is the difference between Watch Officer vs Marine Safety Officer?

AspectWatch OfficerMarine Safety Officer
CredentialsSTCW certifications, maritime trainingMaritime safety certifications, regulatory training
Work EnvironmentShip bridge, maritime operationsPorts, maritime safety agencies, regulatory bodies
Employer & IndustryShipping companies, maritime vesselsGovernment agencies, maritime safety organizations
Search & ComparisonOften searched together due to maritime safety rolesRelated but more regulatory-focused

While both roles involve maritime safety, a Watch Officer primarily oversees navigation and vessel operations onboard ships, requiring maritime certifications. A Marine Safety Officer works in safety regulation, inspections, and compliance within maritime agencies or ports. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in the maritime industry.

How do you become a watch officer?

To become a watch officer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by relevant maritime training or certification such as a Merchant Mariner Credential or STCW certification. Prior experience at sea or in related roles is often required, along with strong communication and navigation skills, and the ability to work in shifts on a vessel or maritime environment.

How much do watch officers make?

Watch officers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the industry they work in. They often require certifications such as security or safety training and work in environments like transportation hubs, maritime ports, or security operations.

What job categories do people searching Watch Officer jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Watch Officer jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Watch Officer jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Watch Officer job openings:

Infographic showing various Watch Officer job openings in Reston, VA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Operations Watch Officer

Mclean, VA

Leidos
IT Services • 10K+ employees

$59K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 154 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for an Operations Watch Officer in our Intel Sector Analysis Solutions Business Area (ASBA) in McLean, VA. Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO), Mission Software, Analytical Methods and Modeling, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Cryptographic Key Management. At Leidos, we offer competitive benefits, including Paid Time Off, 11 paid Holidays, 401K with a 6% company match and immediate vesting, Flexible Schedules, Discounted Stock Purchase Plans, Technical Upskilling, Education and Training Support, Parental Paid Leave, and much more. Join us and make a difference in Analysis Solutions Business Area!

The selected candidate will serve as a key member of a team of highly qualified and motivated individuals in an exciting, fast-paced, mission-critical counterterrorism watch center / operations environment. We are seeking candidates with intelligence, military, or law enforcement backgrounds to serve at Watch Operations Officers at our client site.TS/SCI with Polygraph is required. This position requires shift work (2 weeks of days, 2 weeks of nights- Panama rotating schedule). The shifts rotate between 4:30am-4:30pm. OR, 4:30pm-4:30-am).

Responsibilities include:

  • Constant monitoring of multiple channels of classified and open-source media for US-related threats on a worldwide basis.
  • Sorting and prioritizing intelligence and operational message traffic.
  • Providing early warnings and alert to key officials and facilitating the flow of critical information to those who need it on a timely basis.
  • Producing alerts and responses to time-sensitive events to provide policymakers necessary intelligence related to developing and changing situations.
  • Alerting customer leadership to worldwide breaking events.

Requirements:

  • Analytic work in the intelligence community or military.
  • Candidates must have familiarity with a variety of Intelligence Community databases, networks, and environments.
  • Effective use of MS Office applications in a multi-level security setting.
  • Identity Resolution, Watchlisting, or Targeting experience.
  • Experience working jointly with the Intelligence Agencies is desired.
  • Bachelor's degree + 2 years of relevant experience. Additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • Familiarity with a variety of intelligence community databases, networks, and environments is desired.
  • Must be comfortable working within a shift environment (2 weeks of days, 2 weeks of nights, rotating between 4:30am-4:30pm).
  • TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph is required.

At Leidos, the opportunities are boundless. We challenge our staff with interesting assignments that allow them to thrive professionally and personally. For us, helping you grow your career is good business. We look forward to learning more about you - apply today.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:June 9, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $59,150.00 - $106,925.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.


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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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