Our client is hiring a Proposal Manager to support the growth of its manufacturing, prototyping, and engineering design business. This role will lead proposal efforts focused on build-to-print manufacturing, custom fabrication, prototype development, and engineered product solutions—primarily supporting DoD and federal customers.
The selected candidate must have a strong technical background and be able to understand engineering drawings, manufacturing processes, material requirements, and technical data packages. This position requires working closely with engineers, manufacturing leaders, and program teams to produce compliant, technically accurate, and competitive responses.
The Proposal Manager will lead major proposal efforts throughout the entire development lifecycle, including:
Proposal planning and schedule development
Reviewing RFP/RFQ/RFI documents and creating compliance matrices
Coordinating technical volumes with engineering and manufacturing subject matter experts (SMEs)
Coordinating cost volumes with estimating and production teams
Developing manufacturing approaches, staffing plans, and execution strategies
Managing review teams (Pink, Red, Gold Team reviews)
Editing and conducting compliance reviews in preparation for final submission
The role requires collaboration with engineering, quality, supply chain, and operations personnel to clearly describe manufacturing processes, prototype development plans, quality controls (AS9100), and strategies for scaling production.
Daily responsibilities include:
Organizing and leading proposal kickoff meetings and daily status meetings
Sending technical data requests to engineering and manufacturing teams
Coordinating graphics for process flows, manufacturing layouts, and technical illustrations
Ensuring the technical approach matches the cost estimates
Maintaining proposal templates tailored to manufacturing and engineering work
Serving as the primary point of contact for the assigned proposal efforts
This is a high-visibility role requiring direct interaction with senior leadership, engineers, and program managers.
Clearance: Ability to obtain a Secret Clearance (Secret Clearance preferred)
Education and Years of Experience: Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience leading federal proposal efforts. An engineering degree is strongly preferred (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or Aerospace Engineering)
Experience supporting manufacturing, engineering, prototyping, or production-based contracts
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, SOWs, PWSs, technical data packages, and specifications
Experience with build-to-print and production-based proposals
Understanding of AS9100 quality environments
Strong proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat
Strong technical understanding of manufacturing processes (machining, fabrication, assembly, prototype builds)
Ability to translate engineering concepts into clear proposal narratives
Exceptional organizational and time-management skills
Confidence managing multiple concurrent manufacturing RFQs/RFPs under tight deadlines
Strong attention to detail and compliance
