Proposal Manager
Merlin Labs
Sales & Business Development
Washington, DC, USA
Posted on May 23, 2026
About Merlin:
Merlin is a venture backed aerospace startup building a non-human pilot to enable both reduced crew and uncrewed flight. Backed by some of the world’s leading investors, Merlin is scaling alongside our customers to begin leveraging autonomy today to solve some of aviation’s biggest challenges.
About You:
The ideal candidate should have between 4-8 years experience managing proposal and capture processes. They should also be familiar with US government proposal and contracting processes including the various certifications and portals required to maintain.
The ideal candidate should have between 4-8 years experience managing proposal and capture processes. They should also be familiar with US government proposal and contracting processes including the various certifications and portals required to maintain.
Responsibilities:
- Manage the end-to-end proposal process for responding to solicitations
- Maintain Merlin’s compliance and portal registrations with various government agencies
- Lead the proposal response process for Merlin’s submission to government and commercial solicitations
- Create a workflow and own the accountability for proposals that are well written compelling and meet all of the required deadlines
- Serve as a key member of the government team, and be a bridge to the General Managers
Qualifications:
- Exceptional knowledge of the government proposal system
- 4-8 years of experience managing proposal/capture operations
- Possess a working knowledge fo the various innovation programs including SBIRs, STRATFI/TACFI, DIU and others
- Prior experience working cross-functionally with BD, solutions and product to create small teams to develop proposals for submission
- Exceptional knowledge of the government proposal system
- 4-8 years of experience managing proposal/capture operations
- Possess a working knowledge fo the various innovation programs including SBIRs, STRATFI/TACFI, DIU and others
- Prior experience working cross-functionally with BD, solutions and product to create small teams to develop proposals for submission
Nice to Haves:
Prior government or military experience
Working relationships with US government program offices
This position is based on-site at Merlin HQ in Boston, MA.
Once you’re here, you’ll enjoy a variety of on-site perks designed to make your workday enjoyable and convenient. These include catered lunches featuring a rotating menu of delicious options, an assortment of snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day, and a selection of beverages, including coffee, tea, and other drinks, to keep you refreshed.
Our goal is to create an environment where you can thrive both professionally and personally
Merlin Labs offers an innovative, entrepreneurial, and team-focused startup environment. We also offer a top-notch benefits package (health, dental, life, unlimited vacation, and 401k with match) and work/life integration. Being part of the Merlin team allows you to become part of a small team that supports professional development while working together to achieve our mission.
Merlin Labs is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military service or obligation or disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All job offers are contingent upon the candidate passing background and reference checks.
At this time, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship or consider candidates who require visa transfers. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to: people@merlinlabs.com
Merlin Labs does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates.