Associate Proposal Manager

Aery Aviation; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Aery Aviation in Newport News, Virginia is seeking an entry‑level Associate Proposal Manager to support BD and bid activities across the full lifecycle. You will help research opportunities, qualify leads, and assist in RFI/RFP development under guidance from the Proposal Manager.

Ideal candidates have 1–4 years in proposal development within government contracting, strong writing skills, and the ability to work with cross‑functional teams to produce compelling, compliant responses.

Qualifications

• Strong written communication skills with the ability to transform technical concepts into clear proposal language
• Detail‑oriented mindset with the ability to track requirements and maintain compliance
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work in a fast‑paced environment
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills
• Ability to collaborate across departments and work effectively with SMEs and executive management
• US Citizen with the ability to obtain and hold a Secret clearance required

Responsibilities

• Research new opportunities and support qualification efforts for BD and proposal development
• Coordinate proposal development, updates in BD and proposal systems, and maintain proposal assets
• Assist in planning, development, and submission of compliant, compelling responses to RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to gather information and produce proposal content
• Develop RFI responses and maintain compliance matrices and traceability
• Support proposal schedules, meetings, and reviews and help produce graphics and supporting materials

Skills

Written communication

Proposal writing

Organization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business/communications/marketing/English

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)

Teams

SharePoint

Job description

This role is an entry level position to supports the f ull business development lifecycle, including but not limited to 1) Bid opportunity research; 2) Analysis and documentation of new opportunities in support of bid qualification and pipeline development; 3) Developing RFI responses; 4) Proposal / volume management and bid support; and 5) developing and managing best-of-kind proposal material.

Who We Are Looking For

As Aery expands its business development (BD) and new bid activities, the company is seeking a highly motivated Associate Proposal Manager to support new business opportunity research, Request for Information (RFI) responses, and Request for Proposal (RFP) development which contribute to Aery’s long-term growth. The ideal candidate will have worked in a business development capacity for a Government defense contractor, have 1-4 years’ experience in the proposal writing process, understand the demanding environment of proposal support, be a quick learner, and demonstrate the aptitude and initiative necessary to progress into a Senior Proposal Manager position as organizational needs grow.

What You Will Be Doing

The Associate Proposal Manager supports Aery Aviation's business development and capture activities by researching new opportunities, supporting qualification efforts, coordinating proposal development, updating Aery BD and proposal systems, and maintaining proposal assets. Working under the guidance of the Proposal Manager, this position assists in the planning, development, and submission of compliant, compelling responses to RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs. The Associate Proposal Manager collaborates with cross-functional teams including executive leadership, sales professionals, solution architects, project managers, and subject‑matter experts to gather information and help produce compelling, on‑brand proposal content. The role provides exposure to the full business development lifecycle and serves as a developmental position for future advancement into Senior Proposal Manager roles.

Bid Opportunity Research

• Using online tools and databases, research new business opportunities that align with Aery’s core offerings, including:
• Aviation services and flight operations
• ISR / EW platforms and training
• Aircraft engineering, modification and integration
• Maintenance, sustainment, and lifecycle support
• Air Medical Services
• Monitor SAM.gov, GovWin, agency forecasts, and industry sources for new opportunities
• Track recompete opportunities and incumbent contractor information for key opportunities and competitors
• Update Aery Wolverine BD system as well as Teams and GovWin portals to retain all research.

Analysis and Documentation of New Opportunities in Support of Bid Qualifications and Pipepline Development

• Collect key information and write a synopsis of the opportunity’s salient characteristics
• Conduct preliminary research on customers, competitors, contract vehicles, and acquisition strategies
• Support research and assessments of competing companies
• Support bid/no-bid decision packages and opportunity reviews
• Participate in organizing and maintaining an internal repository of new opportunity data

Developing RFI Responses

• Develop a draft RFI response template that provides the framework for writers to insert the technical data required by the RFI
• Work with BD team members to assemble the required information necessary for RFI responses
• Edit and format RFI responses, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and responsiveness to RFI requirements
• Assist in Analyzing Solicitation Documents (RFPs, RFIs, RFQs) to Identify Requirements, Deadlines, Evaluation Criteria, and Risks.
• Contribute to building proposal outlines, writing assignments, preparing proposal schedules, and production plans
• Develop and maintain compliance matrices and requirement traceability throughout proposal development
• Assist in maintaining opportunity pipelines and Customer Resource Management (CRM) databases

Proposal / Volume Management and Bid Support

• Work with internal SME’s and teams to gather technical, financial, and operational information necessary for proposal creation
• Manage proposal kickoff’s, coordination and communications
• Draft, edit, and format proposal sections, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and alignment with company voice and standards
• Verify proposal responsiveness to solicitation requirements
• Coordinate collection of subcontractor and teaming partner inputs
• Maintain version control and ensure all documents follow internal quality and brand guidelines
• Support proposal schedules, meetings, and review cycles (color team reviews, kickoff meetings, etc.)
• Assist in developing graphics, tables, and supporting materials to visually enhance proposal content
• Manage and track tasks in collaboration tools such as SharePoint, Teams, or proposal management software

Developing and Managing Best-of-kind Proposal Material

• Maintain proposal templates, boilerplate libraries, resumes, past performance summaries, and other reusable content
• Support post-submission activities, including archiving files, updating pipelines, and participating in debriefs

Training Requirements (Subject to Change)

• New hire training on all Aery systems, software and polices/procedures
• Proposal writing training
• Proposal Management training
• Program management processes, techniques, and tools
• GovWin training
• Wolverine and Badger systems training

You Must Have

• 1–4 years of experience supporting business development, capture management, proposal development, marketing, or related functions within government contracting, aerospace, defense, aviation, or professional services organizations
• Strong written communication skills with the ability to transform technical concepts into clear, concise proposal language
• Detail‑oriented mindset with the ability to track requirements and maintain compliance
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work in a fast‑paced environment
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills
• Ability to collaborate across departments and work effectively with subject‑matter experts and executive management
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and collaboration tools (Teams, SharePoint)
• US Citizen with the ability to obtain and hold a Secret clearance required

Nice to Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, marketing, English, or related discipline
• Prior experience supporting proposal writing, proposal coordination, or business development
• Demonstrated ability to write and edit professional business documents, proposals, white papers, or customer-facing communications
• Familiarity with government contracting, procurement processes, or commercial proposal development
• Familiarity with aviation services
• Basic understanding of proposal processes (Shipley or similar methodologies)
• Experience with proposal management software and AI tools
• Some knowledge of the federal acquisition lifecycle (FAR/DFARS)
• Prior military service or civilian government experience
• Experience in small-to-mid-size aerospace companies
  

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check, consistent with applicable laws and company policies. Some positions may require drug testing.

Aery Aviation job descriptions are meant as summarizations only.
They do not necessarily reflect all duties and responsibilities of a position.

If this opportunity excites you, come join our team!

Our Benefits
We offer the right candidate the chance to join a forward-thinking organization, supported by a competitive compensation and benefits package. Learn more about Aery Aviation, LLC at www.aeryaviation.com .
Aery Aviation, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Aery Aviation, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

About Aery Aviation LLC

Our Purpose: Aviation Professionals Improving Lives Through Innovation

Aery Aviation, LLC is an aerospace engineering, aircraft modification, certification, manufacturing, and flight operations company headquartered in Newport News, Virginia. Aery provides integrated aviation solutions supporting defense, government, commercial, and special mission operators worldwide. The company holds FAA Part 135 and Part 145 certificates, AS9100D and ISO 9001 certifications, and provides engineering, aircraft integration, manufacturing, certification, maintenance, and flight operations supporting advanced aerospace programs.

The pay range for this role is:

60,000 - 75,000 USD per year (Aery Aviation LLC - PHF / Corporate Office)