About the Company

Vatn Systems is a group of entrepreneurs, engineers and maritime experts disrupting the autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) market with low cost, modular and expendable devices that allow customers to dramatically upscale underwater and surface operations. Using AI/ML technology to drive next generation navigation combined with advanced manufacturing techniques, Vatn AUVs increase capability, reduce personnel requirements and grow capacity to conduct long range underwater missions. The modular hardware and standardized software allows the user to match power, endurance and payload to the specific mission. Vatn arms users with the ability to bring sufficient mass to make maritime applications relevant at the size and scale the maritime environment demands.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Proposal Manager with a strong background in Department of Defense (DoD) proposals, Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) submissions, and federal government contracting. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record of developing high-quality, compliant, and compelling technical and non-technical proposals, particularly in the defense and emerging technologies sectors.

Responsibilities

• Proposal Writing and Submission:
• Lead the development, writing, and coordination of responses to DoD RFPs, RFIs, RFQs, BAAs, SBIRs, and other government solicitations.
• Translate complex technical concepts into clear, persuasive, and compliant proposal language.
• Collaborate closely with engineers, scientists, SMEs, business development, and capture teams to gather content and align proposal strategy.
• Ensure proposals meet all solicitation requirements, including compliance matrices, formats, and page limits.
• Write and edit proposal sections including executive summaries, technical approaches, management plans, past performance, and staffing plans.
• Develop and maintain proposal content libraries and reusable assets.
• Stay current on government procurement trends, including DoD acquisition regulations and SBIR/STTR programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• 3–7+ years of experience writing government proposals, specifically for DoD and SBIR programs.
• Documented history of success winning government contracts.
• Deep understanding of the federal acquisition lifecycle, FAR/DFARS compliance, and proposal best practices.
• Experience working with DoD components such as DARPA, Air Force, Army, Navy, or SOCOM is required.
• Strong grasp of technical subject matter in areas such as defense tech, AI, robotics, or other R&D disciplines.
• Excellent writing, editing, and organizational skills with acute attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and work collaboratively under pressure.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace and MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiarity with proposal management tools like Adobe Acrobat and Vulcan is a plus.

Travel

Travel is required 2-5 days per quarter

Skills

• Demonstrated success in managing multiple complex proposals
• Excellent writing skills
• Excellent time management skills
• Excellent Teamwork and Collaboration Skills
• Excellent Organization Skills

Preferred Skills

• Security Clearance a plus

Key Attributes for Success

• Goal-Oriented: The Proposal Manager should be driven by results, with a focus on achieving wins to drive revenue generating opportunities.
• Adaptability: The ability to adjust strategies based on market conditions, client requirements, and business objectives.
• Relationship Builder: A strong ability to build and maintain lasting relationships with other members of the Vatn team.
• Analytical: Capable of evaluating geopolitical, fiscal and technology conditions and using it to drive targeted language to support the proposal objective.

Working Conditions

Full-time in-office position with travel required Position requires full-time in person work at company facilities Light travel