Proposal and Pursuits Manager

Zone 5 Technologies; California (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefit package

401k with company-match

4 weeks of paid time off

12 annual company holidays

Job summary

A leading technology firm in California is seeking a Proposal & Pursuit Manager to oversee the lifecycle of proposals for U.S. and allied government contracts. The role requires 5+ years of experience in federal proposal management and a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Successful candidates will manage proposal timelines, collaborate across departments, and ensure compliance with government standards. The company offers a competitive salary range of $90,000 to $155,000 along with a comprehensive benefits package including paid time off and a 401k plan.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in federal or defense proposal management.
• Demonstrated experience leading proposals for U.S. Government acquisitions.
• Strong understanding of FAR/DFARS and proposal compliance.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of proposals from opportunity identification to submission.
• Coordinate technical and pricing inputs with various teams.
• Draft and edit proposal sections to ensure compliance.

Skills

Proposal management

Project management

Excellent writing

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Aerospace, Engineering, Communications, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Adobe Acrobat

CRM/ERP tools

Job description

At Zone 5 Technologies, we’re redefining what’s possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting‑edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter.

We’re building the future of UAS capabilities, and we’re looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you’re driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next‑generation flight systems, you belong here.

We are recruiting a Proposal & Pursuit Manager to play a critical role in the growth of the company’s U.S. and international defense business by managing the full lifecycle of proposals—from opportunity identification through submission. This position ensures timely , compliant, and compelling responses to Requests for Information (RFIs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs), and other solicitations from U.S. and allied government customers.

Working closely with the VP of Business Development, Director of International BD, Contracts, Engineering, and Finance teams, this individual will establish and maintain a disciplined, repeatable process for managing pursuits, coordinating technical and pricing inputs, and ensuring consistent messaging across all proposal materials.

Key Responsibilities

• Opportunity Management
• Continuouslymonitoropportunity channels (e.g., SAM.gov, Grants.gov, DoD portals, and international equivalents) toidentifyrelevant solicitations inUAS, Launched Effects, and counter‑UAS domains.
• Track RFIs, RFPs, Sources Sought, and upcoming solicitations in a structured pipeline management tool(CRM)
• Support early capture activities by summarizing solicitations,identifyingkey requirements, and coordinating with capture leads.
• Manage Go/No-Go Reviews with data to support strategic vision on opportunities as they are aligned withthe Company mission.
• Proposal Development
• Manage end-to-end proposal timelines, compliance matrices, and submission schedules to ensure all deliverables meet customer requirements and deadlines.
• Organize andfacilitateproposal kick‑off meetings, color team reviews (Pink, Red, Gold), and debrief sessions.
• Draft, edit, and integrate inputs from technical, financial, and management teams into compliant,persuasiveproposal sections.
• Develop standardized templates, style guides, and reusable content libraries (resumes, pastperformance, management plans, technical sections, graphics).
• Ensure brand consistency and professional formatting across all submissions
• Compliance & Quality Control
• Review solicitations and amendments toidentifymandatory clauses, submission instructions, and compliance requirements.
• Work with Contracts, Legal, and Export Compliance teams to ensure ITAR/EAR and data‑handling compliance in all proposal materials.
• Maintain version control and document security for all sensitive proposal data.
• Coordinate withBusiness Developmentand Program Managers to integrate technical and pricing volumes.
• Liaise with Finance for cost/pricing data and with Engineering for technical solutions andperformance metrics.
• Provide weekly pursuit status reports to the VP of BD, including progress toward submission goals, pipeline health, and upcoming deadlines.
• Track post‑submission results, customer feedback, and lessons learned to improve future win rates.
• Support customer engagement throughout the lifecycle of a deal to include assisting with Customer Engagement scheduling in conference calls, events, site visits,and industry events.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration,Aerospace, Engineering,Communications, orrelated field.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in federal or defense proposal management (DoD, DHS, or aerospace/defense OEM preferred).
• Demonstrated experience leading proposals for FMS, DCS, or U.S. Government acquisitions (BAA, OTA, IDIQ, SBIR, or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of FAR/DFARS structure, proposal compliance, and bid evaluation criteria.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat, and CRM/ERP tools.
• Excellent writing, editing, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple proposals simultaneously under tight deadlines.
• U.S. citizenshiprequireddue to access to export‑controlled information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Project or Program Management Experience
• Prior experience in UAS, missile systems, or defense technology sectors.
• Familiarity with ITAR/EAR, DD254, and government data handling practices.
• Working knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, color‑team reviews, and cost-volume development.
• Graphic or layout experience (Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, or PowerPoint advanced formatting).

Pay range for this role: $90,000 USD - $155,000 USD

What’s in it for you

• Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
• 401k with company‑match
• 4 weeks of paid time off each year
• 12 annual company holidays

Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?

• Innovative Environment: Work on cutting‑edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.
• Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be a part of a dynamic and growing company, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join the Zone 5 Technologies team!

Note about our Texas roles: we are in the process of opening a location on the mid‑west side of the DFW metro region. Roles in Texas will initially work remotely and then be expected to be onsite when that location opens in 2026.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E-Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify: https://www.e-verify.gov.