Defense Contractor Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

This role is part of our Space and Launch business, which has contributed to the nation’s space programs for decades by delivering complete solutions from concept to flight. We enable successful space operations with mission-critical technology supporting every step from first launch to final landing, including launch vehicle subsystems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic and interstage systems, and payload protection and deployment. Our high-performance solutions are engineered to operate in the most extreme environments and meet precise mission requirements.

As the Capture Manager, you will lead the end-to-end proposal and quoting lifecycle for your segment, translating business development strategy into compliant, compelling, and on-time submissions. You will coordinate cross-functional inputs, manage segment proposal resources, and apply the appropriate level of rigor to each pursuit — ensuring efficient responses for quick‑turn quotes and full process execution for competitive proposals. Your work turns pipeline opportunities into awarded contracts and strengthens Karman’s ability to win across the Space and Launch market segment.

Responsibilities

• Leads the full proposal and quote lifecycle for the segment, ensuring compliant, complete, and on-time submissions.
• Develops and manages proposal plans, schedules, and review milestones to guide teams from kickoff through final delivery.
• Triages incoming requests and applies the right level of process based on opportunity complexity and strategic value.
• Coordinates cross-functional proposal resources provided by the segment General Manager, ensuring early visibility into staffing needs.
• Collaborates with centralized Proposal Operations to secure supplemental writers, compliance reviewers, and desktop publishing support when required.
• Writes or coordinates the development of proposal volumes across technical, management, past performance, and price/cost sections.
• Executes Karman’s capture process framework, including gate reviews, bid/no-bid documentation, and competitive assessments.
• Maintains accurate, current pipeline data in the customer relationship management (CRM) system for all segment pursuits.
• Leads the segment proposal team, ensuring clear roles, accountability, and a tiered response process matched to opportunity types.
• Coordinates pricing and cost volume development with segment Finance, Program Management, and Contracts, aligning pricing strategy with proposal content.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, communications, or a related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in proposal management or capture support in aerospace and defense or federal contracting, including experience with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) requirements.
• Demonstrated experience owning compliant, on-time proposal submissions across multiple concurrent pursuits.
• Strong working knowledge of proposal compliance, including Section L/M structure, evaluation criteria alignment, and compliance matrix development.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional proposal teams over multi-week or multi-month development cycles.
• Proficiency with collaboration tools such as SharePoint, Microsoft Office, and document management systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) Foundation, Practitioner, or Professional certification.
• Experience working within a structured capture governance process, including gate reviews and formal bid/no-bid decisions.
• Familiarity with defense-oriented CRM platforms such as Salesforce GovCon or Deltek, with experience maintaining accurate pipeline data.
• Prior experience in a multi-segment or multi-business-unit defense organization with shared proposal resources.
• Experience building or maintaining a proposal content library supporting efficient, repeatable proposal development.
• Background supporting tactical missiles, strategic missile defense, or hypersonics customer environments.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company‑paid life and AD &D insurance
• Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.