About Shield AI     Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its flagship autonomy software, Hivemind, powers aircraft, drones, and other platforms, enabling complex missions with high reliability in contested environments. With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., and internationally, Shield AI’s products actively support U.S. and allied operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn,Twitter, and Instagram.   
Join the cutting edge of defense technology and AI! As a Proposal Manager, you'll take the lead in driving high-stakes international government and commercial proposals, with opportunities to contribute to U.S. proposals as well. Your expertise in managing proposals will be crucial in securing key partnerships and expanding our global footprint.
But that’s not all—your technical writing skills will be a game-changer. You’ll distill complex, next-generation AI and defense technologies into clear, compelling narratives that win contracts and shape the future of defense innovation. From managing cost proposals to crafting persuasive responses to RFIs, you'll be at the forefront of our mission to revolutionize defense through AI-driven solutions.
If you thrive in a fast-paced, high-impact environment where your work directly influences national and global security, this is the opportunity for you!

Who you are:

• The ideal candidate would have a few years’ experience working in business management/operations from a traditional defense contractor. We would be looking for someone who understands traditional defense methodology and could bring that tribal knowledge to a defense tech startup with the mindset and eagerness to:
• Work in a nontraditional defense contractor environment.
• Wear multiple hats including proposal management and technical content generation.
• Affect meaningful change through process development.
• Thrive in a dynamic environment.
• Think analytically about how things are being done and suggest improvements that will benefit our processes.
• Eagerness to work in a nontraditional defense contractor environment.

What you'll do:

• Lead and direct proposal efforts for International and, as needed, U.S. government opportunities.
• Manage multiple competing priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment including proposal management, technical content generation, and process improvement.
• Develop proposal strategies that result in high quality, compliant and compelling proposals that will score high and have optimal win probability.
• Serve as the primary cross-functional owner of each proposal at all levels of the organization.
• Manage Project lifecycle from start to finish including kickoff, collaboration with stakeholders, leadership reviews.
• Maintain strict configuration management of all documentation.
• Develop compliance matrices to document solicitation requirements and ensure compliant proposals are submitted to a customer.
• Manage and author technical content for requests for information, abstracts, and quad charts.
• Support Account Executives to close deals and grow revenue by managing and driving critical business development operations.
• Work closely with BD, marketing, engineering, program, and product management teams to ensure proposal compliance for the technical, management, pricing, and past performance sections are completed.
• Eagerness to work in a nontraditional defense contractor environment.
• Provide additional support to BD team leadership such as miscellaneous projects including presentation materials, competitive intelligence gathering and/or other market information that may be gathered with the sales and marketing teams.
• Business operations support, top of funnel management, and proposal development.

Required qualifications:

• 2-5+ years of U.S. Federal or International proposal manager experience or in lieu of direct Federal proposal experience have 5+ years of proposal manager experience plus experience working with U.S. Federal or International government requirements.
• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, engineering or equivalent industry experience.
• Exposure to proposal methodologies (e.g. Shipley).
• Outstanding record of academic achievement.
• Demonstrated aptitude for analytics.
• Proven record of leadership in a work setting and/or through extracurricular activities.
• Exceptional analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to author technical content for requests for information, abstracts, and quad charts.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to work effectively with people at all levels in an organization.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively – both verbally and in writing.
• You have a demonstrated record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself and others to high standards, and being kind to others.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience managing Foreign Military Sale and Direct Commercial Sale proposals.
• Strong technical background especially with Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs).
• You have demonstrated thorough understanding and knowledge of the military operations and the acquisition process that allows you to maintain strong customer relations.
• Demonstrated understanding of specific DoD operational scenarios and systems.
• Active DoD security clearance.

Total package details for U.S. based positions: - Regular employee positions: Salary within range listed above + Bonus + Benefits + Equity - Temporary employee positions: Hourly within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment) - Interns/Military Fellows/Part-time not eligible for bonus, benefits or equity
Total package details for International positions which are roles based outside of the United States (where applicable): - International premium, hardship differential, cost of living differential, living quarters allowance, foreign service transfer allowance, equity, international benefits, visa assistance, and relocation assistance.
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check.
Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.