E01-C07 Proposal Manager

Start Date: Immediate

JHNA, CTSi, and EXPANSIA have come together to form a Defense Technology platform named Aether Aerospace focused on delivering high-impact technologies, technology-enabled services and advanced manufacturing solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense and related national security customers. Backed by Falfurrias Management Partners, the platform brings together deep domain expertise across Army, Navy, and Air Force and Space Force programs, digital engineering, systems integration, and specialized manufacturing capabilities.

The combined organization operates as a multi-entity aerospace and defense technology and tech-enabled services and manufacturing enterprise positioned for scalable growth, operational excellence, and long-term value creation.

OVERVIEW

Full-time/Permanent Employee

Location: Hollywood, MD

Our client is hiring a Proposal Manager to support the growth of our 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 possess a strong technical foundation and be capable of understanding engineering drawings, manufacturing processes, material requirements, and technical data packages. This position requires the ability to work closely with engineers, manufacturing leads, and program teams to develop compliant, technically accurate, and competitive responses.

The proposed salary range for this position is $80,000-$138,000. There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, geographic location, education, and certifications.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
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The Proposal Manager will lead major proposal efforts through the full lifecycle of development, including:

Proposal planning and schedule development

RFP/RFQ/RFI analysis and compliance matrices

Technical volume coordination with engineering and manufacturing SMEs

Cost volume coordination with estimating and production teams

Development of manufacturing approaches, staffing plans, and execution strategies

Review team management (Pink, Red, Gold Team reviews)

Editing, compliance review in support of final submission

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The role requires collaboration with engineering, quality, supply chain, and operations personnel to clearly articulate manufacturing processes, prototype development plans, quality controls (AS9100), and production scalability strategies.

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Day-to-day responsibilities include:

Organizing and leading proposal kickoff and daily status meetings

Issuing technical data calls to engineering and manufacturing teams

Coordinating graphics for process flows, manufacturing layouts, and technical illustrations

Ensuring alignment between technical approach and cost estimates

Maintaining proposal templates tailored to manufacturing and engineering pursuits

Acting as primary point of contact for assigned proposal efforts

This is a high-visibility role requiring direct interaction with senior leadership, engineers, and program managers.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS:
Clearance: Ability to obtain Secret Clearance (Secret Clearance preferred)
Education and Years of Experience: Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience leading federal proposal efforts. Engineering degree strongly preferred (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or Aerospace Engineering)

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Experience supporting manufacturing, engineering, prototyping, or production-based contracts

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Ability to interpret engineering drawings, SOWs, PWSs, technical data packages, and specifications

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Experience with build-to-print and production-based proposals

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Understanding of AS9100 quality environments

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Strong proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat

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Strong technical comprehension of manufacturing processes (machining, fabrication, assembly, prototype builds).

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Ability to translate engineering concepts into clear proposal narratives.

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Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.

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Confidence managing multiple concurrent manufacturing RFQs/RFPs under tight deadlines.

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High attention to detail and compliance.

Aether Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.