Associate Proposal Manager

Associate Proposal Manager Trident Systems paid time off, short term disability, long term disability, tuition reimbursement, 401(k) United States, Virginia, Fairfax 10201 Fairfax Boulevard (Show on map) May 20, 2026 Position Title Requisition ID Associate Proposal Manager 1779 Position Location Fairfax, VA Position Reports To Director of Proposals Supervises Others No At Trident Systems, we believe that strong engineering principles are fundamental to driving innovation and solving complex problems. We promote a culture characterized by rigorous engineering practices and a commitment to continuous improvement. This is achieved by leveraging our organization's collective expertise through collaborative development processes, which include thorough design and peer reviews. We can deliver innovative, high-performance solutions that meet our customers' evolving requirements by integrating our specialized knowledge in aerospace electronic systems with appropriately scaled development methodologies. We are a mission partner supporting DoD, Intelligence Community, and Civil space customers. We develop complex, radiation effects mitigated, designs that balance competing requirements in modern space programs, delivering cutting-edge solutions that enable our customers to achieve more in space. Position Summary Trident Space Electronics Systems (SES) is seeking a detail-oriented and driven Associate Proposal Manager to spearhead the delivery of high-impact, winning bid packages. Operating within the RF & Digital Systems (RDS) Business Area, this role is the engine behind our submission process, ensuring that our revolutionary space technology solutions are translated into flawless, compliant, and persuasive proposals The Associate Proposal Manager acts as the central hub of the business development lifecycle. You won't just track deadlines; you will own the proposal machine, transforming complex technical concepts into structured, winning narratives. You will bridge the gap between engineering, finance, and executive leadership to ensure every response we send out is positioned to win. Duties and Responsibilities Supports the pursuit of new business opportunities by coordinating proposal input & deliveries, developing strategies to improve responsiveness, and research competitors. Assist senior managers in identifying qualified leads, shaping requirements, and managing the capture lifecycle to increase win rates.

Proposal Lifecycle Management:

Lead the end-to-end proposal process, from initial RFP shredding and kickoff to final production and delivery.

Cross-Functional Orchestration:

Align technical Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), pricing teams, and contracts to ensure a unified voice and a cohesive value proposition.

Compliance & Quality Control:

Rigorously review requirements to ensure 100% compliance with customer instructions while maintaining the highest standards of editorial quality.

Schedule & Resource Governance:

Establish and enforce aggressive internal milestones to ensure all stakeholders contribute high-quality content on time, every time.

Win-Rate Optimization:

Implement best practices in proposal writing and design to increase our competitive edge in the global space electronics market.

Pricing:

Develop Pro-Pricer outputs to support "Quick Turn" Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimates and formal bids.

Other Duties/Responsibilities:

Requirement Parsing:

Ingest, index, and parse incoming RFPs/RFQs into internal proposal systems.

System Management:

Maintain and update CRM, JIRA, and SharePoint environments.

Technical Facilitation:

Facilitate the development of Basis of Estimates (BOEs) and requirement matrixes as needed Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science or Business Management. 5+ years in technical sales, business development, or proposal writing, preferably within the space industry. Must have an active US Security Clearance (or the ability to obtain one). Familiarity with the Shipley-based Capture Lifecycle and federal procurement processes. Proficiency in MS Word, SharePoint, Jira, and CRM systems. Knowledge of commercial and government contracting requirements. Ability to articulate technical visions with strategic rationale. Strong persuasive communication and negotiation skills. Proven track record in developing successful quotes and proposals for complex products Benefits Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits including but not limited to: Health benefits Medical Dental Vision Basic life with AD&D Short term disability Long term disability Ancillary (Voluntary life with AD&D, accident, critical illness, hospital, and pet) Spending accounts (HSA, FSA, and DCFSA) Paid time off Holidays 401(k) (including automatic company contribution) Tuition reimbursement Leaves (Parental, pregnancy, and military) Potential annual bonus Trident Systems reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position. Trident Systems is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact recruiting@tridsys.com.

Pay Transparency:

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)