Proposal Manager

Overview Darkhive is a company of U.S. Special Operations veterans, engineers, robotics perception experts, DevSecOps professionals, defense technology executives, and superb support staff—above all, we are a mission-first team. Established in 2021, we build hardware and software solutions designed to seamlessly integrate into the military defense system, offering tactical uncrewed systems, human‑machine interfaces, and software continuous delivery platforms. Proposal Manager Focus: Project management, writing, compliance, and document production. Goal: Managing the proposal "machine" to ensure every submission is 100% compliant, persuasive, and on time. This is a full‑time position. It is remote with the requirement to be located in the Washington D.C. area. Up to 25% travel is expected. Key Responsibilities Proposal Lifecycle Lead: Manage the full lifecycle of RFIs, RFPs, RFQs, and White Papers from solicitation release through final submission. Project Management: Establish and enforce proposal schedules, compliance matrices, and the "Color Team" review cadence (Pink, Red, Gold). Writing & Editing: Write executive summaries and management volumes; edit technical inputs from engineers into a cohesive, one‑voice narrative. Compliance Expert: Ensure all responses strictly adhere to FAR/DFARS requirements and specific solicitation instructions (Section L & M). Content Library: Build and maintain a repository of reusable assets, including past performance, resumes, and corporate capability boilerplate. Cross‑Functional Coordination: Act as the "hub" between technical, pricing, contracts, and executive contributors to gather necessary inputs. Required Qualifications 5–7+ years of proposal management experience specifically within the defense/federal sector. Expertise in Shipley or similar proposal development methodologies. Exceptional technical writing and editing skills with a high attention to detail for compliance. Proficiency in proposal tools (SharePoint, Adobe, or specialized proposal software). Bonus Qualifications Experience with SOCOM, Army, Navy, Air Force, OSD, or IC programs. Familiarity with cost/price volume development and coordination with finance. Experience building or scaling a proposals function at a startup or growth‑stage company. Existing relationships with DoD program offices or contracting communities. Active security clearance or clearance eligibility (Secret or above). Direct experience in the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) or robotics industry. Physical and/or Mental Requirements Ability to sit and/or stand for periods of time. Ability to use a keyboard, mouse, and other equipment with or without accommodations. Ability to maintain awareness during business hours. Ability to lift up to 15 pounds. Excellent written and verbal communication and good command of the English language. Learns and memorizes routine tasks. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to any person with a disability to perform the essential job functions of this position. Darkhive retains the right to change or assign other duties as required for this position. Selection Process Hiring team reviews applications. 15-minute pre‑screen with Darkhive recruiter. 30-minute phone screen with the hiring manager. Take‑home project. In‑person or video interview with hiring team. Benefits Comprehensive medical plans. 100% employer‑paid dental and vision insurance premiums. Automatic 401(k) employer contribution with vesting. Paid vacation and personal time off. 11 paid holidays. 5 days of sick leave. Stock options. Welcoming and friendly work environment. Respect of work‑life balance. Darkhive is an equal‑opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment against any employee or applicant because of race, color, gender (including pregnancy), age, gender identity, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Darkhive