Proposal and Opportunity Manager at Opto-Knowledge… · Location…

About OKSI:

Opto-Knowledge Systems, Inc. (OKSI) develops cutting-edge electro-optical and infrared sensor systems, autonomous platforms, and modeling and simulation technologies that support national defense missions. We're looking for people who want to help shape the future of these technologies alongside a close-knit, mission-driven team.

Job Summary:

The Proposal and Opportunity Manager runs OKSI's opportunity screening and proposal operation from initial opportunity review through qualification, bid/no-bid, proposal development, and final submission. This person works alongside OKSI's Business Development Managers, who own customer relationships, shaping, and capture strategy, and turns qualified pursuits into complete, compliant proposals delivered on time.

What You'll Do:

• Monitor SAM.gov, DSIP, Tradewinds, OTA consortia, and agency BAAs and forecasts, and screen opportunities against OKSI capabilities, eligibility, deadlines, and available resources
• Prepare concise opportunity summaries with requirements, risks, and recommendations to support bid/no-bid decisions
• Own day-to-day Odoo CRM data quality, keeping stage, value, probability, owner, next action, and solicitation and submission dates accurate, and clearly separating early leads, qualified pursuits, submitted proposals, and awarded work
• Build proposal schedules, outlines, and compliance matrices that map each requirement to a response location, owner, and review status, and track amendments and Q&A through submission
• Run kickoffs, status meetings, and color team reviews, and track reviewer comments through resolution
• Coordinate technical, management, and past performance inputs, maintain approved reusable content, and coordinate pricing and cost volumes with Finance and Contracts
• Route eligibility, security, and export control reviews for approval before submission, and escalate missing inputs and schedule or resource conflicts early enough for leadership to act
• Confirm submission access and the exact deadline and time zone, submit or support the authorized submitter, retain the final package and confirmation, and hand awarded work to Program Management and Contracts

• 4+ years managing federal proposals, including direct responsibility for coordinating submissions
• Working knowledge of FAR/DFARS and of interpreting solicitation instructions, evaluation criteria, and amendments
• Experience with SBIR/STTR, OTA, BAA, or CSO submissions
• Hands-on experience managing CRM records, pipeline reporting, and data quality
• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to turn engineering input into clear, compliant prose
• Ability to manage competing deadlines and coordinate contributors without direct supervisory authority
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and shared document tools
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
• Willingness and ability to travel (up to 25%), including to OKSI headquarters, customer meetings, industry events, and proposal working sessions

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct Odoo CRM experience
• Shipley training or APMP certification
• Familiarity with EO/IR sensors, autonomy, counter-UAS, or munitions and weapon systems
• Experience supporting engineering teams in a small or growing defense business

Pay and Benefits

• $100,000–$135,000 annual salary
• Medical, dental, and vision employee coverage fully paid by the employer
• Three weeks of vacation to start
• Company contribution to 401K, 5% of earned wages, no matching required
• Educational assistance and professional development opportunities

Additional Requirements

You must have, or be eligible to obtain and maintain, a U.S. Department of Defense Secret security clearance. Obtaining and maintaining the required clearance is a condition of employment in this position; anyone unable to do so is ineligible for the role. The clearance process includes U.S. Government background investigation and vetting to determine eligibility for access to classified information.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export control regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

We are an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in the application and hiring process.

This employer participates in E-Verify.