Firestorm
Overview
Firestorm is on a mission to revolutionize how defense solutions are designed and delivered. Our goal is to empower U.S. ally nations to deter aggressorsregardless of their defense budgetthrough innovative, cost-efficient technologies. We call this vision democratized deterrence. As a VC-backed company at the intersection of defense and Silicon Valley, were pioneering mission-adaptable aerial vehicles and prioritizing operator effectiveness to deliver world-class capabilities at a fraction of the usual cost. About the Role: Firestorm Labs is seeking a Proposal & Capture Manager to lead the strategic development, capture, and proposal execution of high-priority defense opportunities. This role owns the full business development lifecycle from early opportunity shaping and customer engagement through proposal development and contract submission. What Youll Do Lead the full capture lifecycle, guiding the capture process from identification through contract award and positioning Firestorm for success. Serve as lead author and strategist on major business development effortscrafting written narratives, technical documents, and customer-facing materials. Own the full opportunity lifecycle from early identification and shaping through proposal development, submission, and contract award. Develop and execute integrated capture strategies, collaborating with BD, engineering, finance, and executives to align solutions with customer needs and Firestorms vision. Engage directly with customers, stakeholders, and acquisition offices to understand mission priorities and influence procurement strategies. Manage end-to-end proposal development, including kickoff planning, content schedules, outlines, compliance, writing assignments, and internal reviews to ensure timely, compliant submissions. Write and manage responses to government and customer requests for proposals, white papers, technical inquiries, quotes, and capability briefs, tailoring content to opportunity specifics. Collaborate with internal experts to shape and articulate solutions across document typesfrom competitive proposals to market research responses and executive briefings. Lead the coordination of technical, operational, and cost elements into a cohesive proposal that reflects the win strategy and aligns with solicitation requirements. Develop competitive assessments, price-to-win strategies, and customer positioning plans to support solution development and pricing decisions. Identify and negotiate teaming arrangements with strategic partners to create compelling, cost-effective solutions. Drive win themes, discriminators, and value propositions, ensuring they are reflected throughout capture and proposals. Support pricing strategy development and narratives in coordination with finance and capture leadership. Manage multiple concurrent RFPs, RFIs, and proposals, balancing near-term priorities with long-term growth. Build and continuously refine proposal processes, templates, and content libraries for scalability and efficiency. Deliver final submissions that are accurate, polished, and aligned with evaluation criteria, customer expectations, and branding. Identify opportunities for continuous improvement across the capture and proposal lifecycle.
Qualifications
7+ years of experience in proposal management, capture management, or business development in defense, aerospace, or government services. At least 5 years of direct experience with U.S. Department of Defense programs or customers. Proven track record managing the full capture and proposal lifecycle for competitive acquisitions. Strong understanding of federal acquisition processes (FAR, DFARS), including RFPs, RFIs, BAAs, OTAs, and FMS. Experience leading and contributing to technical and non-technical writing for complex, multi-volume proposals. Experience with solution development, win themes, price-to-win analysis, and competitive positioning. Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence diverse stakeholders. Excellent project management and organizational skills in a fast-paced environment. U.S. Citizenship is required, with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance. Willingness to travel up to 25% (CONUS and OCONUS) as needed for engagement.
Preferred Qualifications
Familiarity with defense technologies (autonomous systems, UAVs, AI/ML, sensors). Knowledge of Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and international defense procurement. Experience managing capture for contracts valued at $20M+ Strong competitive intelligence, market analysis, and opportunity identification in defense. Experience building scalable capture and proposal processes in startup or high-growth environments. Experience negotiating and managing teaming agreements and strategic partnerships. Knowledge of Shipley or other standard capture/proposal methodologies.
Work Environment
Remote-designated position; based in San Diego or eligible to relocate to our headquarters. Relocation assistance may be included in the offer package where appropriate.
Compensation
US Salary Range: $140,000 - $195,000 USD The posted salary range reflects an estimate based on experience, education, certifications, skills, location, and business needs. Actual compensation may vary. Benefits & Perks
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans 401(k) with company match Unlimited PTO Generous holiday calendar and parental leave FSA and HSA options Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness, and Life/AD&D insurance (100% company-paid and optional extras) Mental health resources and other work-life services
Export Control & Equal Opportunity
Export control: This position requires eligibility to obtain government authorizations (ITAR/EAR). Firestorm is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic. Reasonable accommodations are available during the application process at careers@launchfirestorm.com. PI279091187 #J-18808-Ljbffr
Firestorm is on a mission to revolutionize how defense solutions are designed and delivered. Our goal is to empower U.S. ally nations to deter aggressorsregardless of their defense budgetthrough innovative, cost-efficient technologies. We call this vision democratized deterrence. As a VC-backed company at the intersection of defense and Silicon Valley, were pioneering mission-adaptable aerial vehicles and prioritizing operator effectiveness to deliver world-class capabilities at a fraction of the usual cost. About the Role: Firestorm Labs is seeking a Proposal & Capture Manager to lead the strategic development, capture, and proposal execution of high-priority defense opportunities. This role owns the full business development lifecycle from early opportunity shaping and customer engagement through proposal development and contract submission. What Youll Do Lead the full capture lifecycle, guiding the capture process from identification through contract award and positioning Firestorm for success. Serve as lead author and strategist on major business development effortscrafting written narratives, technical documents, and customer-facing materials. Own the full opportunity lifecycle from early identification and shaping through proposal development, submission, and contract award. Develop and execute integrated capture strategies, collaborating with BD, engineering, finance, and executives to align solutions with customer needs and Firestorms vision. Engage directly with customers, stakeholders, and acquisition offices to understand mission priorities and influence procurement strategies. Manage end-to-end proposal development, including kickoff planning, content schedules, outlines, compliance, writing assignments, and internal reviews to ensure timely, compliant submissions. Write and manage responses to government and customer requests for proposals, white papers, technical inquiries, quotes, and capability briefs, tailoring content to opportunity specifics. Collaborate with internal experts to shape and articulate solutions across document typesfrom competitive proposals to market research responses and executive briefings. Lead the coordination of technical, operational, and cost elements into a cohesive proposal that reflects the win strategy and aligns with solicitation requirements. Develop competitive assessments, price-to-win strategies, and customer positioning plans to support solution development and pricing decisions. Identify and negotiate teaming arrangements with strategic partners to create compelling, cost-effective solutions. Drive win themes, discriminators, and value propositions, ensuring they are reflected throughout capture and proposals. Support pricing strategy development and narratives in coordination with finance and capture leadership. Manage multiple concurrent RFPs, RFIs, and proposals, balancing near-term priorities with long-term growth. Build and continuously refine proposal processes, templates, and content libraries for scalability and efficiency. Deliver final submissions that are accurate, polished, and aligned with evaluation criteria, customer expectations, and branding. Identify opportunities for continuous improvement across the capture and proposal lifecycle.
Qualifications
7+ years of experience in proposal management, capture management, or business development in defense, aerospace, or government services. At least 5 years of direct experience with U.S. Department of Defense programs or customers. Proven track record managing the full capture and proposal lifecycle for competitive acquisitions. Strong understanding of federal acquisition processes (FAR, DFARS), including RFPs, RFIs, BAAs, OTAs, and FMS. Experience leading and contributing to technical and non-technical writing for complex, multi-volume proposals. Experience with solution development, win themes, price-to-win analysis, and competitive positioning. Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence diverse stakeholders. Excellent project management and organizational skills in a fast-paced environment. U.S. Citizenship is required, with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance. Willingness to travel up to 25% (CONUS and OCONUS) as needed for engagement.
Preferred Qualifications
Familiarity with defense technologies (autonomous systems, UAVs, AI/ML, sensors). Knowledge of Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and international defense procurement. Experience managing capture for contracts valued at $20M+ Strong competitive intelligence, market analysis, and opportunity identification in defense. Experience building scalable capture and proposal processes in startup or high-growth environments. Experience negotiating and managing teaming agreements and strategic partnerships. Knowledge of Shipley or other standard capture/proposal methodologies.
Work Environment
Remote-designated position; based in San Diego or eligible to relocate to our headquarters. Relocation assistance may be included in the offer package where appropriate.
Compensation
US Salary Range: $140,000 - $195,000 USD The posted salary range reflects an estimate based on experience, education, certifications, skills, location, and business needs. Actual compensation may vary. Benefits & Perks
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans 401(k) with company match Unlimited PTO Generous holiday calendar and parental leave FSA and HSA options Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness, and Life/AD&D insurance (100% company-paid and optional extras) Mental health resources and other work-life services
Export Control & Equal Opportunity
Export control: This position requires eligibility to obtain government authorizations (ITAR/EAR). Firestorm is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic. Reasonable accommodations are available during the application process at careers@launchfirestorm.com. PI279091187 #J-18808-Ljbffr