Capture Manager

Capture Manager

Karman Space & Defense is seeking a dynamic, experienced Capture Manager to lead all aspects of proposal/quote management and execution for Karman product lines. This role is responsible for overseeing the full lifecycle of proposal activity—from pre-solicitation shaping through final submission—for Requests for Information (RFIs), Requests for Quotation (RFQs), Requests for Proposal (RFPs), Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimates, and other bid responses. The Capture Manager will serve as the team leader ensuring consistency, compliance, competitiveness, and timeliness of all proposal deliverables. The Capture Manager will also support CRM data management and the finance team.

The Capture Manager will report to the Business Development Director or Operations General Manager.

Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry's most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility. Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.

Compensation & Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement *

What You Will Do

• Strategic Capture & Proposal Development
• Collaborate closely with the leadership team to define the proposal strategy, team staffing, and execution approach for strategic and competitive opportunities.
• Develop and manage proposal development plans, budgets, schedules, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Lead and/or prepare proposal documents including but not limited to written volumes, pricing, checklists, and matrices, by working collaboratively with Program Management, Pricing, Contracts, Engineering, and/or Legal.
• Manage Proposal/Quoting Teams
• Oversee proposal team that may include proposal managers, estimators, proposal engineers and other team members.
• Responsible for adhering to proposal processes including internal proposal reviews and approvals.
• Define proposal deliverable requirements and ensure full compliance with all solicitation instructions, evaluation criteria, and contractual terms.
• Responsible for proposal on-time delivery and managing proposal team workload.
• Process & Performance Optimization:
• Maintain standard processes for RFI, ROM, and RFP responses, including stakeholder Responsibilities, Accountability, and Authority definition.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance operational efficiency, proposal quality, and win probability (Pwin).
• Produce and/or manage CRM data to track sales process from lead to deal and ensure high conversion rate.
• Drive continuous improvement through lessons learned, process evaluations, and cross-functional collaboration with Program Management, Pricing, Contracts, Engineering, and Legal.
• Define, manage, and analyze key performance indicator data for leadership reporting and monitoring of team health.

What We Are Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Communications, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive experience in government or commercial proposal management, preferably in the aerospace and defense industry.
• Demonstrated success managing and submitting compliant proposals under FAR/DFARS guidelines.
• Strong understanding of capture management principles, proposal writing, and bid lifecycle management.
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams, manage complex projects, and collaborate effectively with executive leadership.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, project management, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with proposal tools and collaboration platforms (e.g., SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Adobe, Microsoft Office, scheduling software)

ITAR Requirements

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

Karman is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis ("protected class") including, but not limited to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability; citizenship status; uniform servicemember status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.