Karman Space & Defense · 10 hours ago
Business Development Manager
South El Monte, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$150K/yr - $170K/yr
8+ years expKarman Space & Defense is seeking a dynamic, experienced Business Development Manager to lead all aspects of proposal/quote management and execution for Karman LA. This role is responsible for overseeing the full lifecycle of proposal activity and ensuring consistency, compliance, competitiveness, and timeliness of all proposal deliverables.
Defense & Space
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Collaborate closely with the leadership team to define the proposal strategy, team staffing, and execution approach for strategic and competitive opportunities
Provide pre-proposal planning support, including RFP shaping, capture strategy development, win theme articulation, and preliminary solution design
Define proposal deliverables and ensure full compliance with all solicitation instructions, evaluation criteria, and contractual terms
Develop and manage proposal development plans, budgets, schedules, and risk mitigation strategies
Facilitate all proposal milestone events, including kickoff meetings, daily standups, strategy sessions, color team reviews, and recovery activities
Review proposal content for accuracy, clarity, consistency, and compliance with government and customer requirements
Maintain physical and virtual proposal workspaces, ensure configuration control of all proposal artifacts, and manage the secure distribution of sensitive materials
Ensure that we submit compliant, compelling proposal packages on or before all required deadlines
Facilitate the Gates process for all Level 1 proposals
Maintain standard processes for RFI, ROM, and RFP responses, including stakeholder Roles, Responsibilities, Accountability, and Authority (RRAA)
Develop and implement strategies to enhance operational efficiency, proposal quality, and win probability (Pwin)
Drive continuous improvement through lessons learned, process evaluations, and cross-functional collaboration with Program Management, Pricing, Contracts, Engineering, and Legal
Serve as a liaison to customers, partners, and internal stakeholders throughout the proposal lifecycle
Ensure alignment between proposal strategies and broader business development goals, pricing strategies, and execution feasibility
Operate with subject matter fluency across Karman’s product and capability portfolio to ensure proposals reflect technically sound, competitive solutions
CRM management
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in business, Engineering, Communications, or a related field
Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive experience in government or commercial proposal management, preferably in the aerospace and defense industry
Demonstrated success managing and submitting compliant proposals under FAR/DFARS guidelines
Strong understanding of capture management principles, proposal writing, and bid lifecycle management
Proven ability to lead and develop teams, manage complex projects, and collaborate effectively with executive leadership
Excellent written and verbal communication, project management, and organizational skills
Proficiency with proposal tools and collaboration platforms (e.g., SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Adobe, Microsoft Office, scheduling software)
Constant standing/walking/sitting for at least 8 hours
Occasional pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, lifting or carrying up to 50 lbs, minimum 15 lbs
Sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment
Prolonged periods of repetitive movement are required
Constant holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with the hand(s)
Occasional ascending and descending stairs/ramps/ladders
Occasional extending of arms to reach overhead, at shoulder level and below shoulder level
To conform to U.S. Government export 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
Benefits
Medical, Dental, Vision
Company Paid Life Insurance
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Paid Holidays
Tuition Reimbursement
Company
Karman Space & Defense
Karman Space & Defense is a concept-to-production solutions provider for the most complex missions in the space and defense industry.
Founded in 2021Huntington Beach, California, US
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Tony Koblinski
Chief Executive Officer
Stephanie Sawhill
Chief Business Development Officer
Company data provided by crunchbase