Proposal Manager

Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced systems, from sensors to spacecraft, that empower customers worldwide with unmatched access to critical information from space. Our mission is simple and ambitious: redefine space—for people, systems, and missions in every domain. Umbra’s ecosystem operates through three business units:
Remote Sensing (the data), Space Systems (the components), and Mission Solutions (the platforms). Together, our teams develop capabilities that deliver persistent access, resilient performance, and mission-ready solutions, advancing U.S. space leadership while keeping the world safe and informed.

As a Proposal Manager at Umbra, you will play a critical role in supporting the company's growth by coordinating and managing proposal development efforts across commercial and government opportunities, in both domestic and international markets. Working closely with business development, capture, engineering, legal, and pricing teams, you will help ensure that proposals are compliant, compelling, and delivered on schedule. The ideal candidate navigates ambiguity and novel situations with curiosity, builds trust across teams, and communicates with confidence and professionalism.

This position is based on-site in either our Arlington, VA office or Reston, VA office (coming soon).

• Coordinate the development, production, and submission of proposals in response to government and commercial solicitations.
• Manage proposal schedules, compliance matrices, content collection, reviews, and final deliverables to ensure on-time submission.
• Collaborate with business development, capture, contracts, legal, finance, and technical teams to gather and organize proposal content.
• Review solicitation requirements and ensure proposal responses comply with customer instructions and company standards.
• Support proposal and capture efforts by identifying contractual requirements, risks, and compliance considerations.
• Maintain proposal repositories, templates, past performance records, and other business development resources.
• Track proposal status, milestones, and submission metrics to support continuous process improvement.
• Assist with post-submission activities, including customer communications, debriefings, and lessons learned.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of proposal processes, tools, and best practices that scale with company growth.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Communications, Legal Studies, English, or equivalent work experience.
• 5+ years of professional experience in proposal management, coordination or a related role.
• Demonstrated experience preparing federal government and commercial RFx responses.
• Familiarity with federal acquisition processes, FAR/DFARS requirements, and OTAs.
• Exceptional organizational, project management, and document management skills.
• Experience with proposal or document collaboration tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to build rapport and trust.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. Applicants must be U.S. citizens to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

• 10+ years of professional experience in proposal management, coordination or a related role.
• A genuine enthusiasm for rolling up your sleeves and delivering results in a dynamic, high-growth setting.
• Prior experience as a Contract Administrator, Contracts Specialist, or Legal Assistant.
• Experience in fast-growing companies or start-up environments.
• APMP certification or other formal proposal management training/certification.

• Flexible Time Off, Sick, Family & Medical Leave
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, STD (employer funded)
• Vol Life, Critical Illness, Accidental, Hospital Indemnity, Pet Insurance (employee funded)
• 401k with 3% non-elective company contribution
• Stock Options
• Free parking in office building or Transit is reimbursed
• Free lunch daily in office

Umbra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not…