Senior Watercraft Operator — Military Vessel Operations

UICGS / Bowhead Family of Companies; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Bowhead Family of Companies is seeking an experienced Watercraft Operator to support military maritime operations at Camp Pendleton, California. The role will operate and maintain RHIBs and other watercraft during testing and safety-critical missions.

Candidates should have a current U.S. Coast Guard license or 10+ years of military small-boat operations experience, with strong navigation, communication, and emergency response skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of military small-boat operations and maintenance experience.
• Current U.S. Coast Guard license or equivalent small-boat experience.
• Proficiency in marine navigation, radios, charts, radar, and comms.
• Experience supporting DoD/Navy test & evaluation operations.
• Ability to pass background checks and meet citizenship requirements.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain RHIBs and other watercraft during tests and operations.
• Support military maritime test activities, sea trials, and data collection.
• Coordinate safety procedures, emergency response, and SAR activities.
• Maintain vessel logs and maintenance records; ensure compliance with procedures.

Skills

Military watercraft ops

Navigation & comms

Safety & risk mgmt

Emergency response

Diving support

Education

U.S. Coast Guard license

Tools

Marine radar

GPS/navigation systems

Nautical charts

Electro-optic systems

Job description

Bowhead Family of Companies is seeking an experienced Watercraft Operator to support military maritime operations at Camp Pendleton, California. The role will operate and maintain RHIBs and other watercraft during testing and safety-critical missions.

Candidates should have a current U.S. Coast Guard license or 10+ years of military small-boat operations experience, with strong navigation, communication, and emergency response skills.