Senior Proposal Manager

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary The Senior Proposal Manager's core function is to ensure the company's proposals are fully executed from start to finish. In this role, one is responsible for all aspects of the proposal development from planning through delivery, including evaluation, kick off, compliance tracking, progress status, and reviews. The Senior Proposal Manager will gather, research, organize, and analyze information and coordinate information requirements from many sources to generate cohesive and compelling proposals and presentations. Position Responsibilities Responsible for assembling required resources, skills and matrixed support functions to develop proposal content and conformance to solicitation requirements. Coordinate efforts across several projects simultaneously, requiring self-organization and time management. Manage all aspects of proposal development from assignment and receipt of RFP, through delivery and receipt by the customer. Analyze solicitations (RFP, RFQ, RFI, etc.) in conjunction with other customer requirements and communications and determine final document structure. Prepare detailed proposal plans, schedule outline and compliance matrix for assigned pursuits. Coordinate and lead major project meeting events, such as Kick-off meetings, Strategy meetings, Pink, Red, and Gold Color Team reviews, etc. Develop and manage a proposal schedule, compliance matrix, and configuration control of documents. Provide detailed guidance to proposal writers/contributors and subcontractors. Support and ensure proposal processes are followed, standard style guide is used, and documents are submitted in accordance with established guidelines. Manage the collection and editing of proposal materials to ensure compliance. Ensure proposals are compliant with section L&M or similar instructions/requirements. Works on assignments that are semi-routine in nature but able to tailor processes to ensure efficient proposal development balancing the specific needs of internal and external stakeholders with each opportunity's resources. Other duties as assigned. Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience) Bachelor's Degree in relevant discipline is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Minimum of 7 years' experience in Federal Government proposal development utilizing Shipley process with varying classification levels. Basic knowledge of FAR/DFAR compliance with regard to US Government solicitations. Proficient with MS Office business applications. Exceptional people skills to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment. Knowledge of the business development life cycle in the aerospace, defense, or intelligence industry. Demonstrated proposal experience with comprehensive knowledge of solicitation analysis, developing compliance matrices, and generating annotated outlines. Ability to travel up to 15% of the time. Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies Current active Secret security clearance or ability to obtain one. Has a full understanding of this area of specialization and resolves a wide range of issues in creative and effective ways. Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties. Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives. Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company. Has effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills. Physical Demands Ability to work in an office environment Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard Special Requirements U.S. Citizenship required. Clearance Level No Clearance The salary range for this role is: $93,000 - $141,750 AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. ITAR Requirement: This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements. Benefits : AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: . We also encourage you to review our company website at to learn more about us. Principals only need apply. NO agencies please. About AV: AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next. If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV. We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status. ITAR U.S. Citizenship required