Senior Proposal Writer

Zone 5 Technologies

1d • $85,000 - $150,000

About The Position

Zone 5 Technologies is seeking a Senior Proposal Writer to develop and maintain informed, persuasive proposal content for competitive bids supporting its unpiloted aerial systems (UAS) programs. The role translates technical, management, and operational information into clear proposal narratives that meet customer requirements and evaluation criteria. It works with Technical Program Managers, business development professionals, engineers, contracts, finance, manufacturing, quality, technical writers, and executive leadership.

The Senior Proposal Writer leads proposal section development, contributes to win strategies and messaging, ensures compliance with solicitation requirements, and delivers high-quality proposal documents under demanding deadlines. The position requires strong writing, editing, interviewing, and organizational skills, as well as an understanding of the federal acquisition process and defense industry terminology. The role also handles proprietary, Controlled Unclassified Information, export-controlled, and competition-sensitive information confidentially.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Technical Communication, Journalism, Communications, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• 5–7 years of experience as a proposal writer, including some proposal-writing experience in aerospace, defense, or manufacturing.
• Demonstrated success writing winning competitive proposals.
• Strong understanding of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and competitive proposal processes.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical information persuasively to varied audiences.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat.
• U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting proposals valued at $10 million or greater.
• Experience with scheduling programs using MS Project or other software platforms.
• Experience supporting major defense acquisition programs.
• Familiarity with Shipley proposal development methodology or similar proposal best practices.
• Experience with proposal collaboration platforms such as SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, or proposal automation tools.
• Knowledge of aerospace manufacturing, systems engineering, avionics, software development, logistics, cybersecurity, or sustainment programs.
• APMP Foundation, Practitioner, or Professional certification.
• Active U.S. security clearance or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Plan, write, and maintain customer-focused proposals for aerospace systems and products.
• Analyze RFPs, RFIs, BAAs, SOWs, and evaluation criteria to determine proposal requirements.
• Collaborate with Capture Managers to understand win themes, discriminators, and customer priorities.
• Work with cross-functional teams to turn technical, management, and operational information into persuasive proposal narratives aligned with customer requirements and evaluation criteria.
• Interview subject matter experts to gather technical, management, manufacturing, logistics, quality assurance, cybersecurity, and program execution information.
• Write and edit technical, management, executive summary, past performance, staffing, quality, manufacturing, and transition plan sections.
• Ensure proposal content complies with solicitation instructions, page limitations, formatting requirements, and evaluation criteria.
• Develop proposal outlines, storyboards, content plans, and annotated templates.
• Produce or acquire illustrations, diagrams, and other visual aids to clarify complex aerospace systems and workflows.
• Participate in Pink Team, Red Team, Gold Team, and White Glove proposal reviews.
• Incorporate reviewer comments and manage document revisions throughout the proposal lifecycle.
• Maintain proposal libraries, reusable content, resumes, past performance narratives, and corporate capability statements.
• Protect proprietary, CUI, export-controlled, and competition-sensitive information.
• Continuously improve proposal development and management processes.

Benefits

• Competitive total compensation package.
• Comprehensive benefit package options including medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Three weeks of paid time off each year.
• 40 hours of sick time.
• 12 annual company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior