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Watch Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SOC Watch Officer

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$60K - $180K/yr

M9 Solutions is seeking a SOC Watch Officer to work on-site in support of a government contract for a client located in Chandler, AZ . An active Secret clearance is required. Required Skills and ...

As the Network Operations Watch Officer, you will enable Command and Control (C2) of the Department of Defense Information Network (DODIN) by ensuring its overall health through 24/7 monitoring ...

As the Network Operations Watch Officer, you will enable Command and Control (C2) of the Department of Defense Information Network (DODIN) by ensuring its overall health through 24/7 monitoring ...

SOC Watch Officer Jobs

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Overview SOSi is seeking a SOC Watch Officer to support Security Operations Center (SOC) activities in alignment with our customer. This role is responsible for supporting and leading SOC operations ...

The ideal candidate will serve as the Cyber Security Watch Officer (CSWO) - Lead of a small cyber focused team supporting the Command and Control (C2) of DISA operations across the enterprise via a ...

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Watch Officer information

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$19K

$66K

$140K

How much do watch officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for watch officer in the United States is $65,966.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,500.00 and $84,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are Watch Officers?

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 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.

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.
More about Watch Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for Watch Officer jobs? Cities with the most Watch Officer job openings:
What states have the most Watch Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Watch Officer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Watch Officer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,966 per year, or $31.7 per hour.
Specialist, Systems Engineer - Watch Officer

Specialist, Systems Engineer - Watch Officer

L3Harris Technologies

Cabin John, MD

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Specialist, Systems Engineer – Watch Officer (Active TS/SCI w/CI Poly Required)

Job Code: 38605

Job Location: Springfield, VA (100% Onsite)

Job Schedule:  5/8 Monday - Friday

Job Description:

L3Harris Technologies is seeking a Watch Officer to support a critical National Security Program. The successful candidate will join a high-performing team of government and contractor professionals supporting 24/7 operations in a fast-paced environment focused on advancing the customer’s space warfighting mission.

As a Watch Officer, the candidate will facilitate unity of effort, enhance space domain awareness, and provide integrated assessment and tracking of ongoing operations to assist government leadership. This role demands close coordination with internal and external stakeholders, along with routine development of mission-focused analysis and operational communication.

Our team is cohesive, collaborative, and mission focused. We are regularly tasked with developing operational solutions for unique and unprecedented mission objectives. Operators will train on, operate, and refine processes for advanced tools while also supporting requirements development for future capabilities.

We are looking for individuals who proactively identify issues, propose innovative solutions, and help implement continuous improvements. The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic and evolving operational environment, demonstrates exceptional initiative, maintains composure under pressure, and is motivated to grow into leadership or specialized roles within the program. 

This position supports 24x7 operations and requires shift work. Opportunities for advancement include non-shift work positions.

Essential Functions:

  • Draft and disseminate Situation Reports (SITREPs) that provide a concise and accurate summary of current operations, mission progress, and significant events to internal/external stakeholders.
  • Continuously track mission activities and operational developments using advanced monitoring tools. Summarize and relay updates to government customers in real-time, ensuring that decision-makers have access to the most relevant and accurate information to guide mission-critical decisions.
  • Provide support to internal/external exercises and rehearsal of concepts drills.
  • Update to current operations tools to provide most up to date current operations picture.
  • Develop and utilize model and simulation tools to analyze satellite operations and predict system behavior under various scenarios.
  • Provide critical assistance during satellite launch and early orbit operations by contributing technical expertise, operational insights, and real-time support, as required.
  • Actively participate in daily operations stand-up meetings to provide updates on ongoing activities, highlight key operational priorities, and address any challenges or risks impacting mission success.
  • Provide detailed inputs for monthly in-progress reviews (IPRs), summarizing operational achievements, challenges, and areas requiring attention.
  • Support onboarding of new and enhanced tools.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 4 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree or equivalent with 2 years prior related experience.  In lieu of a degree, minimum of 8 years of prior related experience.
  • Active Top Secret/SCI with CI Poly clearance required.
  • At least one year of demonstrated experience in preparing and disseminating SITREP products.
  • At least one year of proven experience delivering daily stand-up operational briefings to senior stakeholders and mission partners.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Experience supporting or working as part of operations teams, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate in dynamic, high-pressure environments to achieve mission objectives.
  • Possess knowledge of, or experience with, space operations, including managing and monitoring satellite systems, performing telemetry analysis, and conducting mission-critical activities such as orbital adjustments, payload operations, and anomaly resolution.
  • Experience working with orbital state data and utilizing associated tools such as Systems Tool Kit (STK), MATLAB, FreeFlyer, or similar software. Proficiency in analyzing and interpreting orbital mechanics, satellite trajectories, and mission planning data to support operational and strategic objectives.
  • Experience with software languages for scripting, modeling, simulations, and data transfers, including Python, PERL, or similar programming tools.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office suite programs, MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.


In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in Virginia - Greater Washington, D.C. Area is $92,500 - $171,500.00. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

LI-ZB1

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.