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Navy Commander Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

LVC Warfare Commander Facilitator

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Provide subject matter expertise in the latest Navy LVC methods, processes, techniques, and ... Develop advanced war game scenarios to support training of Navy carrier strike group commanders and ...

SAIC

LVC Warfare Commander Facilitator

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Provide subject matter expertise in the latest Navy LVC methods, processes, techniques, and ... Develop advanced war game scenarios to support training of Navy carrier strike group commanders and ...

SAIC

LVC Warfare Commander Facilitator

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Provide subject matter expertise in the latest Navy LVC methods, processes, techniques, and ... Develop advanced war game scenarios to support training of Navy carrier strike group commanders and ...

SAIC

MH-60R Warfare Commander Facilitator

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Liaise with Navy and Joint centers of excellence, and provide SME support in the latest USN ... Post-department head tour experience on a Fleet, CSG, or Warfare Commander staff or equivalent.

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Navy Commander information

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$35.5K

$59.1K

$95.7K

How much do navy commander jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for navy commander in California is $59,114.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,400.00 and $66,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Navy commander?

Navy Commanders are senior officers in the naval branch of a country's armed forces, typically holding the rank of Commander, which is above Lieutenant Commander and below Captain. They are responsible for leading and managing a ship, submarine, or a specific department within a larger vessel or shore establishment. Commanders oversee operations, ensure the welfare and discipline of their crew, and make critical decisions during missions. Their role requires strong leadership, operational expertise, and the ability to handle complex situations at sea or onshore.

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

To thrive as a Navy Commander, you need extensive leadership experience, strategic decision-making abilities, and a thorough knowledge of naval operations, typically gained through years of service and completion of advanced military education. Familiarity with naval command systems, operational planning software, and specialized certifications such as Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) are commonly required. Exceptional communication, resilience, and the ability to motivate and manage diverse teams are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial to ensure effective mission execution, personnel welfare, and operational readiness in complex and high-stakes environments.

What are some common challenges Navy commanders face when leading diverse teams aboard ship?

Navy Commanders often manage teams made up of individuals from varied backgrounds and specialties, which can present challenges in communication, maintaining unit cohesion, and ensuring that all voices are heard. Balancing operational demands with crew wellbeing, especially during long deployments, is another key challenge. Effective Commanders invest time in building trust, fostering open communication, and providing clear guidance to align the team's goals and maintain high morale under pressure.

What is the difference between Navy Commander vs Navy Captain?

AspectNavy CommanderNavy Captain
Rank LevelO-5 (equivalent to Lieutenant Colonel)O-6 (equivalent to Colonel)
ResponsibilitiesLeading a squadron or a group of ships/submarinesCommand of a large ship or a significant naval unit
Required CredentialsMilitary commission, leadership experienceMilitary commission, extensive leadership experience
Work EnvironmentNaval ships, maritime operationsNaval ships, maritime operations

The main difference between a Navy Commander and a Navy Captain lies in their rank and scope of responsibility. A Navy Commander typically leads a squadron or a group of ships, while a Navy Captain commands a large ship or a major naval unit. Both roles require military commissions and leadership experience, but the Captain holds a higher rank and broader command responsibilities.

How hard is it to become a Navy Commander?

Becoming a Navy Commander requires progressing through multiple ranks, typically over 10-15 years, and demonstrating leadership, technical expertise, and successful completion of required training and education. Candidates must also meet physical fitness standards and pass various evaluations, including command and staff officer qualifications.

What does a Navy Commander do in the Navy?

A Navy Commander is a senior officer responsible for leading and managing naval units, overseeing operations, personnel, and strategic planning. They coordinate missions, ensure safety and discipline, and often have specialized training in navigation, combat, or engineering. Commanders typically hold leadership roles in ships, submarines, or shore-based facilities and require a strong understanding of military protocols and leadership skills.

What are popular job titles related to Navy Commander jobs in California?

For Navy Commander jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Navy Commander jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Navy Commander jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Navy Commander jobs?

Cities in California with the most Navy Commander job openings:

Navy Commander jobs near you
Infographic showing various Navy Commander job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $59,114 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

LVC Warfare Commander Facilitator

San Diego, CA • On-site

Science Applications International Corporation
IT Services • 10K+ employees

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 226 rated it services

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about Science Applications International Corporationexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

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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