Proposal Lead (USA) at DroneShield in Warrenton, VA

About the role

DroneShield is seeking a highly capable Proposal Lead to manage and author key proposal responses—including RFIs, RFPs, RFQs, and other opportunities—across US and international defense security markets. This role is ideal for a strategic doer: someone who is equally comfortable managing a proposal and writing its core narrative.

You will collaborate closely with sales, engineering, legal, finance, and executive stakeholders. You will coordinate inputs across cross-functional teams to develop compelling, high-quality, compliant proposals. This is a hands-on role suited to someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about delivering winning bids.

Responsibilities, Duties and Expectations 

• Own and manage the full lifecycle of proposal responses from initial RFP review to final submission—including compliance, scheduling, content development, and delivery
• Lead the writing effort, developing high-quality narrative content across technical, management, and executive sections
• Coordinate inputs from subject matter experts, commercial, legal, finance, and engineering to deliver complete and compliant submissions
• Establish and manage proposal plans, timelines, response matrices, and internal review cycles
• Run internal reviews and incorporate feedback to improve response quality continually
• Contribute to building and maintaining a library of reusable content, templates, past performance examples, and standard boilerplate
• Support US global sales teams with proposal tools, best practices, and lightweight coaching when needed

Qualifications, Experience and Skills 

• 3–5+ years of hands-on experience in proposal development, preferably in defense, aerospace, or dual-use technology sectors
• Strong familiarity with defense and government procurement
• Exceptional writing, editing, and structuring skills—you’re confident developing core content yourself
• Outstanding organizational and project management skills—you can manage internal and external stakeholders and multiple bids simultaneously under tight deadlines
• Skilled at working cross-functionally with technical and non-technical teams
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and document collaboration tools (e.g., SharePoint, Teams)

Note for recruitment agencies: We do not accept unsolicited candidates from external recruiters unless specifically instructed.