Proposal Manager
About Overland AI Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Overland AI is transforming land operations for modern defense. The company leverages over a decade of advanced research in robotics and machine learning, as well as a field-test forward ethos, to deliver combined capabilities for unit commanders. Our OverDrive autonomy stack enables ground vehicles to navigate and operate off-road in any terrain without GPS or direct operator control. Our intuitive OverWatch C2 interface provides commanders with precise coordination capabilities essential for mission success. Overland AI has secured funding from prominent defense tech investors including 8VC and Point 72, and built trusted partnerships with DARPA, the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command. Backed by eight-figure contracts across the Department of Defense, we are strengthening national security by iterating closely with end users engaged in tactical operations.
About the role
Overland AI is seeking a highly capable Proposal Manager to own and scale how we pursue, shape, and win strategic defense and federal opportunities. This is a senior individual-contributor role for someone with 7–10 years of relevant experience who can operate independently, bring strong proposal and capture instincts, and establish a high-quality, repeatable operating model from the ground up. You will be a foundational owner of the function and a trusted partner to Business Development, Engineering, Product, Program Management, Finance, Legal, and executive leadership. You will lead high-priority proposals from early opportunity qualification through submission and post-submission learning. You will know what “good” looks like: a disciplined capture plan, a compelling win strategy, a compliant proposal, clear technical storytelling, aligned pricing and program inputs, and a team that understands exactly what it owns and when it is due. This role is based in Seattle, Washington. Regular in-person collaboration is important given the cross-functional and highly technical nature of the work.
Responsibilities
- Lead the end-to-end proposal process for priority defense, federal, and strategic commercial pursuits—from proposal kickoff through submission, debrief, and incorporation of lessons learned.
- Drive capture activities for priority opportunities, including customer and market research, bid/no-bid recommendations, win themes, competitive positioning, teaming strategy, and pursuit planning.
- Develop and maintain clear proposal schedules, compliance matrices,