What are the responsibilities and job description for the Proposal and Contracts Manager position at DornerWorks?
Proposal and Contracts Manager
DornerWorks is seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Proposal and Contracts Manager to lead and manage the complete proposal lifecycle for our embedded systems and software engineering solutions. This role is crucial in supporting our growth in both the defense and aerospace markets, as well as commercial markets.
The ideal candidate will work closely with the Business Development (BD) and Engineering teams to develop compelling content, ensure compliance with RFP requirements, deliver high-quality proposals and review/advise on NDA’s, MSA’s, Government Procurement and Contract forms.
The candidate must have exceptional organizational, communication, and technical writing skills, and possess a strong understanding of federal procurement processes, particularly in the embedded systems and software engineering sectors.
What DornerWorks has for you:
- Diverse, engaging, collaborative and challenging work.
- Work hybrid from home or in-person, while doing what you love.
- Competitive compensation and benefits.
- Flex Fridays – you want an extra 26 days off? Compressed work week, with the opportunity to take every other Friday off and flexible hours.
- Healthy work/life balance. At DornerWorks’ that is not just an empty slogan; it is one of our core values.
- A collaborative team where you can work with other outstanding technical minds.
- Supportive team – not a cut throat environment but supportive and encouraging.
- Organized social events, both onsite and virtual. We promise you’ll have fun!
What you would be doing:
- Lead the Proposal Effort for embedded systems, hardware, and IP-driven solutions, including RFI/RFP responses ensuring all content aligns with client needs
- Understand RFP requirements in the context of DornerWorks’ solutions, and develop proposal templates, outlines, compliance matrices, and pricing.
- Ensure all proposals are fully compliant with federal procurement regulations (FAR/DFARS), within defense & aerospace markets, and manage the RFP lifecycle from solicitation analysis through final submission.
- Collaborate with internal teams, including Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), engineering teams, and project managers, to craft proposals that effectively showcase DornerWorks' custom software and embedded solutions, highlighting our technical expertise and innovative approach.
- Develop and curate reusable content, including technical solutions, graphics, and templates, to optimize future proposals. Build out and leverage AI toolsets to drive efficiency.
- Develop and maintain a detailed proposal schedule and regularly report progress to leadership and stakeholders.
- Ensure timely, accurate, and compliant proposal submissions, adhering to editorial specifications and brand guidelines.
- Capture lessons learned from each proposal process to refine and improve future proposal strategies and operations.
- Manage the contract lifecycle from award through execution, including negotiating terms, clarifying deliverables, and ensuring all commitments are aligned with the proposal.
- Serve as a contract reviewer to ensure that contracts accurately reflect the terms, pricing, and scope defined in the proposal and that they comply with both DornerWorks’ internal policies and government regulations.
What we need from you:
- A minimum of 3 years of experience authoring embedded systems/hardware engineering proposals in the aerospace & defense market.
- A Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or a related technical field is preferred.
- Strong understanding of federal proposal compliance, contracts, procurement processes, and best practices in the context of embedded systems and software.
- Unrestricted right to work in the US without requiring sponsorship.
Key skills we are looking for:
- Proposal lifecycle management for technology-driven solutions, specifically in embedded systems and software.
- Federal RFP and RFI responses in the context of embedded systems, and defense contracts.
- Strong knowledge of federal procurement regulations (FAR/DFARS), especially as they relate to technology contracts.
- Technical writing and editing, with the ability to clearly convey complex technical concepts in proposals.
- Collaboration with engineering SMEs and program managers to develop technically accurate proposals.
- Excellent time management, organizational, and prioritization skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment with strong interpersonal skills.
DornerWorks believes a diverse workplace yields better ideas and outcomes and we are committed to promoting diversity of experience, perspectives, and capabilities. Each individual makes a unique contribution to our company. We recognize that diversity is critical to our success. DornerWorks proudly supports a culture of inclusion that encourages a work environment that honors diverse opinions. Employees can thrive here, and know their individual skills, abilities and viewpoints are honored.
DornerWorks is an equal opportunity employer and participates in the E-Verify program. EEO/M/F/Disabled/Veteran
This facility operates under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and therefore, any person hired must demonstrate with verifiable documentation that they are either: (i) a U.S. Citizen; (ii) an active Green Card Holder; or (iii) a “Protected Person” as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324 (b)(a)(3).
