Federal Capture Lead - Build the Win Engine

Cognition; Washington; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognition is an applied AI lab building end-to-end software agents, currently expanding its federal business. We’re hiring a Capture Lead to own the engine from identifying pursuits to stand-up of repeatable systems. This builder role creates the capture function from scratch and partners with Federal leadership and GTM teams.

You’ll implement capture strategy, manage proposals, and define metrics for success. Based in Washington, DC, or willing to relocate, security clearance preferred.

Qualifications

• 4+ years in federal business operations, capture, or revenue strategy in defense tech or federal services.
• Deep fluency with FAR/DFARS, contract vehicles, capture lifecycle, and federal sales rhythms.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to model, analyze, and tell the story.
• Experience building capture programs from scratch in fast-moving environments.
• Willingness to operate without a playbook and execute hands-on when needed.
• Based in Washington, DC, or open to relocation; security clearance preferred or obtainable.

Responsibilities

• Lead capture strategy and planning with federal leadership, and build the end-to-end capture engine.
• Coordinate deal structuring, pricing strategy, and negotiation across contract vehicles.
• Identify and track relevant solicitations from RFI to final RFP and manage proposal operations.
• Create and maintain collateral, past performance, and pricing libraries for pursuits.
• Define metrics for federal GTM and build dashboards; manage bid/no-bid processes.
• Run red-team and AAR reviews; institutionalize lessons learned into repeatable practices.

Skills

Federal procurement

Capture management

Data analysis

Strategic storytelling

Job description

Cognition is an applied AI lab building end-to-end software agents, currently expanding its federal business. We’re hiring a Capture Lead to own the engine from identifying pursuits to stand-up of repeatable systems. This builder role creates the capture function from scratch and partners with Federal leadership and GTM teams.

You’ll implement capture strategy, manage proposals, and define metrics for success. Based in Washington, DC, or willing to relocate, security clearance preferred.