Certification Program Manager Jobs in California

Data Intelligence, LLC is seeking a Program Manager to support one of our premier clients in the defense industry. This role is located in San Diego, CA, and will focus on leading large-scale naval training and systems programs supporting operational forces. The ideal candidate is a former senior Navy leader with deep experience in surface warfare operations, training, certification, and DoD systems, combined with strong program management and technical oversight capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage large-scale naval training and systems programs supporting surface fleet operations
• Provide strategic oversight of shipboard training, operations, maintenance, and readiness initiatives
• Oversee development and integration of DoD training systems and supporting technologies
• Supervise software development lifecycle activities, including requirements gathering, design, development, testing, and deployment
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across operations, engineering, and training domains
• Develop and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and mission readiness
• Interface with senior Navy leadership, government stakeholders, and program offices
• Support and guide surface ship certification processes at both ship and major command levels
• Develop and deliver high-level briefings to flag officers, coalition partners, and congressional stakeholders
• Ensure alignment with Navy training doctrine, architecture, and readiness frameworks

Required Qualifications

• Master's Degree in a technical field or related discipline
• 20+ years of U.S. Navy surface warfare experience
• Prior experience serving in both:
  • Commander Command Afloat
  • Major Command Afloat
• Extensive shipboard operational experience managing training, operations, maintenance, and repair at a senior leadership level (e.g., Commanding Officer, Squadron/Task Group Commander, CSG/ESG Warfare Commander or Senior Staff)
• 5+ years of experience managing large-scale, complex programs, preferably focused on military training systems
• Experience serving on Major Command or Flag Staff at a senior officer level
• 10+ years of experience in surface ship mission area certification processes at the ship level
• 5+ years of experience supporting certification processes at the major staff level (e.g., TYCOM, Strike Group, ISIC, or Training Command)
• 5+ years of experience with DoD Information Systems
• 5+ years of experience supervising software development processes, including:
  • Requirements gathering
  • System design and analysis
  • Development tools and technologies
  • Testing methodologies
  • Release and deployment management
• Project management experience with the ability to manage multiple efforts in a cross-functional environment
• Demonstrated experience driving operational efficiencies and process improvements
• Experience developing and delivering briefings to senior flag-level and congressional audiences
• Knowledge of Navy systems architecture or DoD training systems architecture
• Expertise in Navy surface ship training processes
• Expert knowledge of the Surface Force Training and Readiness Manual (SFTRM)
• Strong understanding of software development processes

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting Navy training commands or fleet readiness programs
• Familiarity with advanced modeling, simulation, or training systems
• Experience working in joint or coalition environments
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
• PMP or other program management certification