Proposal writing lead (Defense & Government)

NODA AI•Austin, TX

44d•Hybrid

About The Position

As the Proposal writing lead, you will have a unique opportunity to create processes, frameworks, and infrastructure from scratch, without legacy templates, layered approval chains, or inherited procedures. You will work closely with the founding team to shape how NODA approaches winning opportunities. In this role, you will own end-to-end proposal strategy for OTAs, SBIRs, IDIQs, and competitive awards, translating autonomous systems technology into compelling narratives that evaluators understand and remember. This is not just a process management role, it’s a chance to create the process! You will establish content frameworks, build proposal infrastructure, and directly influence which contracts NODA pursues and wins. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in ambiguity, seeks direct access to decision-makers, and believes that their words can drive millions in contract value.

Requirements

U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain a clearance.
Bachelor's degree preferred OR equivalent experience in technical writing, proposal development, or related field
5 - 7 years of experience writing and leading proposals for DoD or federal government contracts
Led 3+ successful federal proposals as primary writer, including at least one $5M+ contract award in the last 24 months strongly preferred
Exceptional writing, editing, and technical communication skills with portfolio demonstrating proposal quality
Proven ability to operate independently, manage ambiguity, and build processes in startup or small business environments
Strong understanding of federal acquisition processes, FAR/DFARS compliance, and government evaluation methodologies
Comfort with AI-assisted writing tools and proposal automation technologies
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, collaboration tools, and CRM systems

Nice To Haves

Direct experience with unmanned systems, autonomy, robotics, AI/ML, ISR, or mission software proposals
Background working for defense technology startups or rapid prototyping environments
Deep experience with OTA authorities and rapid prototyping procurement vehicles
APMP Practitioner certification or equivalent professional credential
Technical degree (engineering, computer science) or military experience providing defense domain familiarity
Experience writing for non-traditional defense customers (DIU, AFWERX, Army Applications Lab, SOFWERX)

Responsibilities

Turn RFPs into wins: Analyze solicitations, build compliance matrices, develop differentiation strategies, and execute proposals that score
Establish NODA's proposal voice: Create the frameworks, templates, and style guides that scale as we grow
Be the proposal closer: Write executive summaries, technical approaches, and management narratives that persuade government evaluators
Make complex technology simple: Transform autonomous orchestration, multi-agent AI, and distributed systems concepts into clear, evaluator-friendly language
Partner with engineers: Run content sessions with technical SMEs to extract the story behind the code
Leverage AI tools: Use automation and AI-assisted writing to work faster and better
Establish content libraries, past performance databases, and reusable proposal assets
Create repeatable wins: Develop color team processes and quality standards that improve with each proposal
Scale the function: Lay groundwork for future proposal team growth as NODA expands