Desktop Publisher Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Worker Type

Job Description

Summary

We are looking for a candidate to complete desktop publishing as their primary responsibility and to tech edit proposals as a secondary responsibility. This candidate must be proficient in both.

The Desktop Publisher (Proposals) is responsible for the layout, formatting, and production of high-quality proposal documents, presentations, and related materials that support the company's business development and capture efforts. This role ensures that all proposal submissions are visually consistent, compliant with solicitation requirements, and delivered on time. The ideal candidate combines technical proficiency in document design software (MS Word, MS PPT, MS Excel) with a strong eye for detail, organization and brand consistency.

The Technical Editor supports proposal development by reviewing and refining written content to ensure clarity, accuracy, consistency, and compliance. This role works closely with proposal managers, writers, and subject matter experts to produce persuasive, customer-focused, and high-quality proposal materials that align with company and solicitation standards.
Position Responsibilities

Document Production & Formatting

• Design, review, format and finalize proposal documents created by technical writing teams. Create templates, presentations and compliance matrices in MS Word, PPT, Excel, and/or Adobe Acrobat.
• Choose appropriate fonts and styles for text to maintain consistency and readability. Pay attention to font sizes, line spacing and other typographic elements to enhance the overall visual aesthetics while adhering to solicitation requirements.
• Ensure all proposal materials meet corporate branding standards and solicitation requirements.
• Apply consistent styles, headers, footers, tables, and numbering schemes across large, complex documents. Revise layouts and make corrections as necessary.
• Work with the graphic design team to incorporate images, illustrations and graphics into documents aligning them with the content and solicitation requirements. Adjust image placement and size for optimal visual impact.
• Review, edit and proofread documents to identify and correct errors in spelling, grammar, and formatting. Ensure the final product adheres to the requirements and quality standards (clarity, consistency, and compliance).
• Ensure all materials adhere to solicitation instructions, evaluation criteria, and company style guides.
• Collaborate with proposal teams to improve structure, flow, and readability.
• Verify data accuracy, terminology consistency, and proper document formatting.
• Support color team reviews (Pink, Red, Gold) and integrate feedback into final versions.
• Maintain version control and ensure quality and consistency across all volumes.

Proposal Support

• Collaborate with proposal managers, writers, and subject matter experts to prepare compliant, visually appealing deliverables through each color team (Pink, Red, Gold).
• Manage multiple proposal projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines.
• Prepare both electronic and print-ready versions of proposals for submission.
• Convert and format content from various sources (Word, Excel, PDF, PowerPoint) into submission-ready documents.

Quality Assurance

• Conduct final quality checks for layout consistency, pagination, cross-reference, and overall design integrity.
• Ensure adherence to proposal instructions, compliance matrices and file naming conventions.
• Maintain version control throughout the proposal development lifecycle.

Branding and Template Management

• Maintain and update proposal templates, style guides, and visual assets to align with corporate identity.
• Support the development of reusable design and layout components to streamline future proposals.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with proposal teams to adhere to proposal schedules.
• Communicate proactively about progress, risks, and resource needs.
• Provide creative layout solutions under time constraints while maintaining document quality.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Education: Associate or Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design, Communications, English, Marketing, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience: 8+ years of experience in desktop publishing, editing, proposal development, marketing, or a government contracting environment.
• Must have at least a Secret Security Clearance or ability to obtain one.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Expert proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat (styles, templates, and advanced formatting).
• Strong understating of MS Teams and SharePoint.
• Experience supporting federal, state, or local government proposals (RFP/RFQ responses).
• Understanding of proposal lifestyle and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of Shipley proposal methodologies.
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and time management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Team-oriented, flexible, and dependable
• Experience in Adobe Creative Suite a plus
• Strong editing, grammar and writing abilities
• Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office environment (Constant)
• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)

Special Requirements

• U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) orasylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required.

Clearance Level

The salary range for this role is:

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and/or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment's determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment's business requirements. A "U.S. person" according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

About AV:

AV isn't for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We don't just build defense technology-we redefine what's possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian-but we're not building history, we're building what's next.

If you're ready to build technology that matters-with speed, scale, and purpose-there's no better place to do it than AV.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data,sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR