Proposal Manager

Harmattan AI; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Harmattan AI, based in Austin, TX, is seeking a Proposal Manager to own bids across US federal markets, translating complex autonomous defense systems into clear, persuasive proposals in collaboration with Sales, Product, and Engineering.

This role operates under tight timelines, rigorous compliance standards, and a structured bid governance model, ensuring alignment with DoD requirements and export controls.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in Bid / Proposal Management within US federal or defense environments.
• Strong understanding of FAR/DFARS, security and export-control requirements.
• Ability to translate complex autonomous systems into clear, persuasive proposals.
• Experience coordinating inputs across Sales, Product, R&D, Legal and Finance.
• Comfort operating in high-bar environments with tight timelines.

Responsibilities

• Own the full lifecycle of bids across US federal markets.
• Lead RFP analysis, qualification, proposal strategy, and submission.
• Translate complex autonomous systems into clear, structured proposals.
• Ensure full compliance with US procurement frameworks (FAR/DFARS) and export controls.
• Coordinate inputs across Sales, Product, R&D, Legal, and Finance.
• Operate within a structured bid governance model (Go/No-Go, reviews, gates).
• Interface directly with government stakeholders and prime contractors during bidding phases

Skills

Bid / Proposal Management

RFP analysis

US federal procurement

Communication & influence

Compliance & security

Job description

About Us

Harmattan AI is a next-generation defense prime building autonomous and scalable defense systems. Following the close of a $200M Series B, valuing the company at $1.4 billion, we are expanding our teams and capabilities to deliver mission-critical systems to allied forces.

Our work is guided by clear values: building technologies with real-world impact, pursuing excellence in everything we do, setting ambitious goals, and taking on the hardest technical challenges. We operate in a demanding environment where rigor, ownership, and execution are expected.

About the Role

At Harmattan AI, we build autonomous defense systems deployed in real-world operations. Winning programs is core to how we scale.

We are hiring a Proposal Manager to own how we win across the United States, one of the most competitive and strategically critical defense markets.

You will lead bids end-to-end across DoW, and institutional clients, working directly with Sales, Product, and Engineering to translate complex systems into clear, compelling proposals.

This role requires operating in a high-bar environment: tight timelines, demanding stakeholders, and rigorous compliance standards.

Responsibilities

• Own the full lifecycle of bids across US federal markets

• Lead RFP analysis, qualification, proposal strategy, and submission

• Translate complex autonomous systems into clear, structured, and persuasive proposals

• Ensure full compliance with US procurement frameworks (FAR/DFARS), security, and export control requirements

• Coordinate inputs across Sales, Product, R&D, Legal, and Finance - driving alignment without direct authority

• Operate within a structured bid governance model (Go/No-Go, review cycles, submission gates)

• Interface directly with government stakeholders and prime contractors during bidding phases

• Track performance (win/loss, conversion rates) and continuously refine positioning and strategy.

Candidate Requirements

• Proven Experience: 5+ years in Bid / Proposal Management within US federal or defense environments. Proven experience responding to DoW or federal RFPs.

• Complex Project Management: Strong understanding of US procurement frameworks (FAR/DFARS, compliance, security requirements).

• Adaptability & Mobility: Thrives under pressure in a fast-paced, dynamic environment; embraces a "no-task-is-too-small" mentality.

• Communication & Influence: Excellent written and verbal communication, capable of leading diverse principals - from junior members to senior executives.

• Commitment: 100% dedication to Harmattan AI’s mission, vision, and ambitious growth plans, ready to go the extra mile to ensure operational excellence.

We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.