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Commander Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Loyola Marymount University

Watch Commander

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $24.75/hr

The Watch Commander also assists with patrolling the campus grounds and campus buildings to ensure a safe environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors. As an employee of the Department of ...

SAIC

LVC Warfare Commander Facilitator

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Develop advanced war game scenarios to support training of Navy carrier strike group commanders and subordinate warfare commanders. * Facilitate war game execution by serving as a senior white cell ...

SAIC

LVC Warfare Commander Facilitator

San Diego, CA

$120K - $160K/yr

Develop advanced war game scenarios to support training of Navy carrier strike group commanders and subordinate warfare commanders. * Facilitate war game execution by serving as a senior white cell ...

SAIC

LVC Warfare Commander Facilitator

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Develop advanced war game scenarios to support training of Navy carrier strike group commanders and subordinate warfare commanders. * Facilitate war game execution by serving as a senior white cell ...

SAIC

MH-60R Warfare Commander Facilitator

San Diego, CA

$120K - $160K/yr

Post-department head tour experience on a Fleet, CSG, or Warfare Commander staff or equivalent. * Experience in planning, implementation and execution of advanced, high-level maritime warfare tactics ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCommander JobsCommander Jobs in California

Commander information

See California salary details

$73K

$159.4K

$252.2K

How much do commander jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for commander in California is $159,362.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,400.00 and $187,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a commander?

To thrive as a Commander, you need extensive leadership experience, strategic planning abilities, and a solid background in military operations, usually supported by advanced military education and officer commissioning. Familiarity with command and control systems, military communication tools, and operational planning software is essential. Exceptional decision-making, situational awareness, and the ability to inspire and manage personnel are key soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for effective mission execution, maintaining unit cohesion, and ensuring operational success under pressure.

What is the difference between Commander vs Pilot?

AspectCommanderPilot
Required CredentialsMilitary or specialized training, certifications depending on contextCommercial or private pilot license, FAA certifications
Work EnvironmentMilitary operations, ships, or aircraft command settingsAircraft operation, airlines, private flights
Industry UsageMilitary, maritime, aviationAviation, transportation

The main difference is that a Commander typically refers to a leadership role overseeing operations in military, maritime, or aviation contexts, requiring specialized training and certifications. A Pilot, on the other hand, is primarily responsible for flying aircraft and holds specific licenses. While both roles are involved in aviation or maritime industries, Commanders focus on leadership and strategic oversight, whereas Pilots focus on aircraft operation.

What is a commander?

Commanders are high-ranking officers in military, naval, or law enforcement organizations who are responsible for leading and managing units, missions, or operations. They oversee personnel, develop strategies, make critical decisions, and ensure the effective execution of orders and objectives. Commanders are expected to demonstrate strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, often working under significant pressure. Their specific duties can vary depending on the branch of service and the size of the unit they command.

What are some common challenges faced by a commander in coordinating large teams or units?

Commanders often manage diverse teams with varying skill levels, backgrounds, and responsibilities. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication across all levels, especially in high-pressure or rapidly changing situations. Additionally, balancing strategic decision-making with the welfare and morale of personnel requires strong leadership and adaptability. Commanders must also stay updated on operational protocols while fostering teamwork and collaboration among units to achieve mission objectives effectively.

What cities in California are hiring for Commander jobs?

Cities in California with the most Commander job openings:

Commander jobs near you
Infographic showing various Commander job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $159,362 per year, or $76.6 per hour.

LVC Warfare Commander Facilitator

Science Applications International Corporation

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 224 rated it services

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION:

SAIC seeking an experienced, senior Naval Officer to provide Subject Matter Expertise in integrated Live-Virtual-Constructive training for carrier strike groups and other naval forces. Place of performance is San Diego, CA, with occasional travel to Fleet Concentration Areas and other locations for exercise planning.

JOB DUTIES:

  • Provide subject matter expertise in the latest Navy LVC methods, processes, techniques, and procedures, to include C2 organization, unit employment, capabilities/limitations, integration, and threat capabilities.
  • Develop advanced war game scenarios to support training of Navy carrier strike group commanders and subordinate warfare commanders.
  • Facilitate war game execution by serving as a senior white cell representative for the war game director and staff.
  • Manage accomplishment of training objectives by adjusting war game scenario aspects, and role-playing strike group or threat components as required.
  • Liaise with Navy and Joint centers of excellence, and provide SME support in the latest USN doctrine, tactics, techniques, and procedures for LVC training.
SAIC is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND CLEARANCE:

  • Bachelor's Degree and 15 years demonstrated expertise in planning, implementation and execution of advanced, high-level maritime warfare tactics, direction and employment of units, and coordination requirements between strike group command and staff components, warfare commanders, subordinate units, and higher headquarters.
  • Post-department head tour experience on a Fleet, CSG or Warfare Commander staff or equivalent.
  • Thorough knowledge of unit capabilities and limitations, such as systems capabilities, weapons capabilities, unit capabilities, threat capabilities, etc.
  • Experience translating Naval warfare training objectives into a comprehensive war game exercise.
  • Candidate must be a US Citizen.
  • Candidate must currently hold an active Secret clearance. Candidate must be able to attain TS/SCI.

DESIRED EXPERIENCE:

  • Experience with Live-Virtual-Constructive training initiatives. Experience at TTGP and CSG-15.
  • Experience with Fleet Synthetic Training.
  • Air Defense expertise (CG, DDG, FA-18, E-2, or F-35)
  • Designation as WTI or SFTI.

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