Rocket Lab

Senior Proposal Manager I

Rocket Lab • $86K — $119K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in technical, management, or business field.
  • 5+ years of proposal management experience.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
  • Experience leading proposals valued over $100 million.
  • Proficient technical writing skills to convey complex information clearly.
  • Project management experience with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute proposal plans by analyzing RFPs and creating outlines.
  • Collaborate with management to strategize and create compelling proposals.
  • Write and manage high-quality proposals that meet RFP requirements.
  • Lead proposal kick-off meetings to ensure deadlines are met.
  • Coordinate with internal teams to gather and refine proposal content.
  • Create and manage proposal templates and visual elements.
  • Conduct quality assurance reviews to ensure proposal polish.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
  • 401(k) retirement plan options.
  • Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
  • Paid parental leave.
  • Employee Stock Purchase Program with discounted shares.
Full Job Description
SENIOR PROPOSAL MANAGER I

Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Littleton, CO, the Senior Proposal Manager plays a key role in creating compliant and compelling business proposals that win new business with US and international customers. This role primarily supports the Space Systems Business Development team, with a specific focus on satellite opportunities.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
  • Develop and execute proposal plans, including analyzing RFPs, creating outlines, and building compliance matrices.
  • Collaborate with the Business Development Manager and/or Director to craft winning proposal strategies and develop compelling messaging.
  • Write and manage compliant, high-quality proposals that clearly address RFP requirements.
  • Take responsibility for specific volumes of proposals, ensuring they are well-written, compliant, and align with the overall strategy.
  • Lead proposal kick-off meetings and facilitate regular check-ins with contributors to ensure timelines are met.
  • Coordinate with internal teams (such as engineering, finance, legal) to gather and refine content for proposals.
  • Create and manage proposal templates, reusable content, and visual elements (charts, tables, and infographics).
  • Conduct quality assurance reviews for grammar, consistency, and formatting to ensure polished submissions.
  • Oversee final production and submission, ensuring proposals are delivered on time and meet customer requirements.
  • Document lessons learned, and recommend process improvements for future proposals.
  • Support travel as needed (~10%).

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in technical, management, or business discipline.
  • 5+ years of experience in proposal management.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
  • Demonstrated success leading proposals with values greater than $100 million.
  • Technical writing expertise, with a proven ability to translate complex technical information into clear, concise, and persuasive language tailored to different audiences.
  • Project management experience, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines while ensuring high-quality deliverables.
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams to achieve proposal objectives.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
  • Active U.S. security clearance.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel.
  • Experience using tools such as Salesforce and SharePoint.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to balance and prioritize multiple tasks.
  • Background in organizational effectiveness and operations, implementing best practices.
  • Experience with proposal frameworks and methodologies.
  • Familiarity with industry-standard proposal processes such as Shipley or APMP.
  • Familiarity with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
  • Aerospace or defense industry experience, with a strong understanding of the competitive landscape, customer base, and technology trends in the aerospace or satellite industry.
  • Ability to effectively present proposal concepts and strategies to internal stakeholders, including team members and leadership.
  • Proven ability to build relationships with internal stakeholders, including engineers, leadership, and cross-functional team members.

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.

Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab's compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

Base Pay Range (CO Only)

$86,000-$119,000 USD

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a private American aerospace manufacturer and small satellite launch service provider. The company was founded in 2006 by New Zealander Peter Beck. Rocket Lab's Electron rocket is designed to launch small payloads of up to 300 kg into low Earth orbit. The company has launched several successful missions and has contracts with NASA and other organizations. Rocket Lab has raised over $200 million in funding and has offices in the United States and New Zealand.
Learn more about Rocket Lab
Size
500 employees
Market Cap
$1.6 billion
Industry
Founded
2006
NASDAQ

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