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Senior Proposals & Contracts Manager
Saildrone
Washington, DC, USA
USD 119,200-170k / year + Equity
Posted on Jun 17, 2025
About Us
Saildrone is a defense company delivering maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance products to military, homeland security, and commercial customers. Saildrone unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) are extreme-endurance platforms equipped with advanced sensors and proprietary AI to provide persistent insights above and below the sea surface. Insights that support border security, law enforcement, undersea infrastructure protection, hydrography, and naval power applications. With more than 2,000,000 nautical miles sailed and 50,000 days at sea, Saildrone USVs are trusted by governments across the planet and set the standard for cost-efficient maritime intelligence in the world's harshest environments.
We are based in Alameda, CA, with offices in Washington DC and St. Petersburg, FL, and operate missions worldwide. This is an exciting opportunity with a fast-growing team at the cutting-edge intersection of big data services, autonomy, and AI. You will be part of a high-performing, multidisciplinary team delivering data, intelligence, and firepower for strategic superiority.
The Role
Reporting to the Vice President of Business Development, this high-impact position on the Commercial Capture Team plays a pivotal role in Saildrone’s growth and mission success.
50% Manager, Proposals - Lead Saildrone’s proposal development process from end to end, synthesizing stakeholder input to deliver compelling, compliant, and on-time responses that drive revenue and mission outcomes.
- Manage multiple complex proposals simultaneously — analyze requirements, write and refine original content, and coordinate cross-functional inputs with precision and clarity. Create and maintain reusable templates, boilerplate content, and dynamic response libraries that reflect Saildrone’s rapidly evolving technical capabilities.
- Partner closely with Business Development and Account teams to align customer needs, pricing, and technical solutions into high-impact, win-ready proposals.
- For the right candidate, this role offers a path to assume Capture Manager responsibilities and lead full-capture strategies.
50% Manager, Contracts - Oversee Saildrone’s contracting relationships with U.S. and international customers, ensuring excellence in execution and compliance.
- Navigate complex contractual matters through critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and proactive collaboration across teams.
- Influence internal and external stakeholders with credibility and command of policy, best practices, and mission context.
- Provide business insights and operational continuity in coordination with Saildrone’s President and VP of Business Development, including support for quarterly Board-level updates and reporting.
Required skills and experience
- 9+ years in contract or proposal management roles, preferably in defense, homeland security, or international government markets
- Proven success with multi-million-dollar government contracts (FAR/DFAR, OTA, sole source, competitive)
- Strong understanding of government procurement, contracting, and proposal cycles across DoD, DHS, and civilian agencies
- Self-starter mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and follow-through
- Adept at navigating matrixed teams in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and proposal support tools
- U.S. Citizenship
Desired skills and experience
We’re seeking a high-performing leader with the ability to own Saildrone’s proposal strategy and influence our broader commercial efforts in the future. An ideal candidate will also include:
- 10+ years of proposal/contract experience
- Familiarity with U.S. Navy and Homeland Security acquisition priorities
- Exposure to technical domains such as hydrography, ISR, or maritime domain awareness
- Experience supporting or performing Capture Manager duties
- Proficiency with Salesforce and SAM.gov
- Track record supporting sales to U.S. and international government customers
- Experience working directly with account executives
- High curiosity and drive to optimize systems and processes
- Background in a fast-paced or startup-like environment
- Active security clearance preferred
Physical requirements
● Work is primarily computer-based. Domestic and international travel may be required infrequently.
Location:
● This role will be onsite daily at Saildrone’s Washington, D.C. office, centrally located at Metro Center - just minutes from the White House and Capitol Hill.
Benefits:
- Paid time off, including vacation, bereavement, jury duty, sick time and parental leave
- Comprehensive and competitive medical, dental and vision plans, and HSA with employer matching.
- Company sponsored life insurance
- Stock Options
- Annual stipend for continued learning and development
- Quarterly company BBQs at our Alameda HQ (bring your friends and family!)
- Free Bay Area Public Transportation via AlamedaTMA with the BayPass Clipper Card
- Plenty of snacks in our 3 office locations
- Dog-friendly work environment
A reasonable estimate of the current range is $119,200-$170,000 annually.
Catch up on the latest news about us:
The British Engineer Behind the US Navy’s High-tech Ocean Drones – The Times of London
Denmark to Field Unmanned Vessels for Monitoring Busy Shipping Routes – Defense News
Counter-drug Sea Drones Utilized by Navy as Trump Ramps Up Military Resources at the Border
Saildrone, Palantir Partner to Use AI to Streamline USV Manufacturing, Operations – Breaking Defense
An Underwater Mountain was Newly Discovered off California Coast – San Francisco Chronicle
USVs Could Deter IUU Fishing – USNI Proceedings
TIME 100 Most Influential Companies 2024: Saildrone
Saildrone Featured Videos Playlist
Individual compensation packages are based on geographic location, scope of the role, relevant experience, and the ability to deal with complexity and problem solve within our organization, among other factors.
All employees are required to provide proof of authorization to work in the U.S. within their first 3 days of work. Please note that the Company does not sponsor employees for work visas or permanent resident cards to work in the U.S. If you need sponsorship for a work visa or green card, you will not be qualified for employment with Saildrone.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Any unsolicited resumes/candidate profiles submitted through our website or to personal email accounts of employees of Saildrone are considered property of Saildrone and are not subject to payment of agency fees.
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