The Watch Operator provides 24x7x365 operational and technical support for enterprise communications and network services supporting approximately 160 Navy ships and units worldwide. This position monitors, maintains, and troubleshoots legacy and current network, messaging, email, voice, satellite, and communications systems while ensuring the quality, security, and timely processing of naval message traffic.

The Watch Operator serves as a primary point of contact for fleet users, responds to trouble calls and service requests, monitors system performance, and coordinates the resolution of network and communications issues. The position also provides technical oversight and supervision of lower-level personnel performing configuration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and operational support activities.

Watch Operator

Location: Pensacola, FL
Position Type: Full-Time
Clearance: Secret
Certification: IAT Level II / Security+ or equivalent

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide continuous 24x7x365 watch support for Navy fleet communications and network services supporting approximately 160 ships worldwide.
• Monitor and maintain the flow of naval message traffic, email, and other communications through legacy and enterprise systems.
• Perform quality control of incoming and outgoing naval messages and ensure communications are processed accurately and efficiently.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain Defense Messaging System (DMDS), C2OIX, and related messaging systems.
• Supervise system configuration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and operational support activities.
• Perform database maintenance, configuration-file certification, and troubleshooting for legacy Lotus Notes R5 environments.
• Monitor exchange-server queues and identify conditions that may affect email delivery or system performance.
• Monitor NIPRNET and SIPRNET operations and assist with troubleshooting network connectivity and service issues.
• Respond to and resolve fleet trouble calls involving Outlook, email, web browsing, network connectivity, account access, and related services.
• Provide technical assistance through telephone, email, and remote administration tools.
• Troubleshoot Active Directory account issues, including password lockouts, resets, and access problems.
• Support Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) and other directory and network services.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation and closure of work orders and trouble calls using Remedy.
• Monitor network performance and availability using SolarWinds and other network-management tools.
• Analyze network outages and performance issues and provide technical information regarding their potential impact on fleet operations.
• Supervise and support Next Generation Wideband (NGW) satellite transport services providing internet, email, and voice services to approximately 100 ships and units.
• Troubleshoot shipboard voice and communications problems and assist with diagnosing system faults, outages, and equipment malfunctions.
• Monitor and troubleshoot Secure Terminal Equipment (STE) and cryptographic communications equipment.
• Perform loading, data transfer, handling, and destruction of cryptographic equipment and associated materials in accordance with applicable procedures and security requirements.
• Escalate system malfunctions, outages, security concerns, and operational issues to the appropriate supervisor or MNOC manager.
• Provide technical guidance and oversight to junior personnel and ensure assigned work is completed in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintain accurate operational records, logs, trouble tickets, and shift documentation.
• Follow applicable Navy, Department of Defense, information assurance, cybersecurity, and company policies and procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of mission requirements.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Security+ or equivalent DoD-approved certification.
• IAT Level II certification in accordance with applicable DoD requirements.
• Active Secret security clearance.
• Demonstrated experience supporting enterprise computer networks, communications systems, or IT service environments.
• Experience troubleshooting network, email, user-access, and communications-related issues.
• Experience providing technical support to end users through telephone, email, and remote administration.
• Experience working in a 24x7 operational environment, including shift work, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to document, track, and resolve technical issues using a ticketing or work-order management system.
• Ability to supervise or provide technical direction to junior-level personnel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting U.S. Navy or Department of Defense communications and network operations.
• Experience with NIPRNET, SIPRNET, DMDS, C2OIX, NGW, SolarWinds, Remedy, Active Directory, LDAP, and Microsoft Exchange.
• Experience supporting shipboard or geographically dispersed users.
• Prior experience in a Network Operations Center (NOC), Mission Network Operations Center (MNOC), help desk, service desk, or watch-floor environment.
• Experience with secure communications, cryptographic equipment, or COMSEC operations.
• Prior military communications, information technology, network operations, or signal experience is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to identify, prioritize, and respond to multiple technical issues in a time-sensitive operational environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to communications and data accuracy.
• Ability to communicate effectively with government customers, fleet personnel, supervisors, and technical teams.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining effective coordination with a shift team and management.
• Ability to follow established technical, security, and operational procedures.
• Strong documentation and organizational skills.
• Ability to remain effective during system outages, service disruptions, and other mission-critical events.
• Ability to provide technical direction and supervision to junior personnel.

The anticipated salary range for this role is $67,000 to $71,000 annually. The anticipated salary range for this position is provided in accordance with applicable pay transparency laws. The final starting salary will be determined based on a variety of job-related factors, including the selected candidate's qualifications, skills, relevant experience, education, certifications, and work location (where applicable), as well as internal equity and market considerations.

We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.