Senior Technical Writer – Proposal & Contracts Development

Mettle Ops•Madison Heights, MI

About The Position

Mettle Ops is seeking an experienced Senior Technical Writer to support proposal development, contracts, and business development activities within the defense industry. This role will be responsible for developing, editing, and coordinating technical and contractual documentation in support of government and defense-related proposals and contracts. The ideal candidate will have significant experience supporting defense contractor proposals and contract documentation, with a strong understanding of government procurement requirements, FAR/DFARS regulations, proposal compliance, and technical writing. This position requires someone who can work independently, collaborate with technical and business teams, and manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

Strong technical writing, editing, and proofreading skills
Direct experience developing proposals and/or contract documentation within the defense or government contracting industry
Working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and government contracting terminology
Experience interpreting solicitation requirements and evaluation criteria
Experience developing compliance matrices and reviewing SOWs, PWSs, and CDRLs
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, including styles, cross-referencing, tables, tables of contents, and document formatting
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Experience working with large, multi-author documents and complex technical content
Strong research and requirements-analysis skills
Excellent attention to detail and commitment to document accuracy
Ability to manage multiple projects and meet strict deadlines
Strong communication and collaboration skills when working with technical and non-technical subject matter experts
Ability to work independently while effectively coordinating with cross-functional teams
Bachelor's degree in Technical Writing, English, Communications, Business, or a related field
7+ years of technical writing experience, including at least 5 years supporting defense or government contract proposals and/or contract documentation
Demonstrated experience supporting government procurement and proposal development
Experience contributing to successful proposal submissions and contract awards
Experience with proposal production, document design, and desktop publishing
Experience using document management or collaboration platforms such as SharePoint or similar systems
Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects from initial requirements through final submission
Strong understanding of proposal development processes and government contracting documentation

Nice To Haves

Previous experience as a Proposal Manager, Proposal Coordinator, Contracts Specialist, or similar role within a defense contractor
Experience supporting DoD programs or government customers
Familiarity with the defense, aerospace, automotive, ground vehicle, or naval industries
Experience supporting Basis of Estimate (BOE) or cost volume development
Experience developing technical graphics, diagrams, and proposal visuals
Experience participating in formal color team reviews
Experience leading proposal production or coordinating technical writing teams
Active or ability to obtain a security clearance

Responsibilities

Lead the development, writing, editing, and production of proposals in response to RFPs, RFIs, RFQs, Sources Sought, and other solicitations
Develop and review technical and contractual documentation, including SOWs, PWSs, CDRLs, and related contract deliverables
Analyze solicitation requirements and ensure proposal content is complete, accurate, and compliant
Develop and maintain proposal compliance matrices and requirements cross-references
Support proposal planning, storyboarding, outlines, and color team reviews
Draft and refine technical, management, past performance, and other proposal volumes
Collaborate with engineers, subject matter experts, program managers, contracts, pricing, and business development teams to develop proposal content
Translate complex technical and program information into clear, concise, and persuasive written content
Support contract modifications, post-award documentation, and other contract-related activities as needed
Review and edit documents for accuracy, consistency, grammar, formatting, and compliance
Manage document version control and coordinate content across multiple contributors
Format and produce professional, submission-ready proposal and contract documents
Develop and maintain tables, graphics, diagrams, and other visual content supporting technical documentation and proposals
Ensure proposal and contract materials align with applicable solicitation instructions, evaluation criteria, and customer requirements
Support capture and proposal teams with research, requirements analysis, and development of win themes and discriminators
Maintain organized proposal files, templates, and supporting documentation