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Proposal Development information

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$50.5K

$92.3K

$128.5K

How much do proposal development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for proposal development in the United States is $92,290.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $111,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do proposal writers get paid?

Proposal writers typically earn between $50,000 and $85,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Entry-level roles may start around $40,000, while experienced professionals or those in specialized fields can earn over $100,000. Compensation often includes skills in research, writing, and familiarity with proposal management tools.

What is the 3 month rule for jobs?

The 3 month rule in proposal development refers to the guideline that proposals should be developed and submitted within three months of the opportunity's release to ensure relevance and competitiveness. It emphasizes timely planning, review, and submission to meet funding agency deadlines and maximize chances of success.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in Proposal Development?

A typical day in Proposal Development involves coordinating with subject matter experts to gather necessary information, drafting and editing proposal documents, and managing timelines to ensure submissions meet all requirements. You may also participate in strategy meetings, review requests for proposals (RFPs), and ensure that submissions comply with client or grant guidelines. Collaboration with sales, finance, and technical teams is common, as is juggling multiple projects simultaneously. This dynamic environment offers the opportunity to develop strong communication and organizational skills while directly contributing to business growth.

What is a proposal developer?

A proposal developer is a professional responsible for preparing and writing proposals to secure funding or contracts for organizations. They analyze requirements, gather necessary information, and create compelling documents often using tools like Microsoft Word or proposal management software. Strong writing, research, and project management skills are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Proposal Development position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Proposal Development, you need strong written communication, project management abilities, and an understanding of procurement or grant processes, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in business, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and proposal management platforms like Salesforce or RFPIO is often expected. Key soft skills include attention to detail, collaboration, and the ability to manage tight deadlines under pressure. These skills ensure that proposals are accurate, compelling, and submitted on time, directly impacting an organization's chances of securing new business or funding.

What is a Proposal Development job?

A Proposal Development job involves managing and coordinating the creation of proposals for business opportunities, grants, or contracts. Professionals in this role gather information, write content, and ensure the proposal meets client or funding requirements. They collaborate with subject matter experts, designers, and leadership to develop compelling and competitive proposals. Strong project management, writing, and communication skills are essential for success in this field.

More about Proposal Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Proposal Development jobs? Cities with the most Proposal Development job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Proposal Development jobs? The most popular types of Proposal Development jobs are:
What states have the most Proposal Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Proposal Development jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Proposal Development jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Proposal Development jobs are:
Proposal Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Proposal Development job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,290 per year, or $44.4 per hour.
Proposal Development Engineer

Proposal Development Engineer

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company

Simsbury, CT • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

At Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company (EBAD), we believe that our strengths are built on our most important resource - our people. Join EBAD and you'll be a part of a team who creates cutting edge technology that will blast us into the future. No other company can match the innovative energetic solutions that we provide. At EBAD you will actively contribute to successful missions putting men, women and satellites into space, and protecting our armed service men and women around the world. If this is the culture and work environment you are seeking, then EBAD is the place for you!

Job Description

Position Summary

EBAD is seeking a Proposal Development Engineer to support the development of high-quality, compliant, and competitive proposals across our aerospace and defense business. This role partners closely with Program Management, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Contracts, Finance, and business leaders to develop cost estimates, proposal schedules, Basis of Estimate files, pricing inputs, proposal letters, and supporting documentation for customer opportunities.

The Proposal Development Engineer plays a critical role in helping EBAD win and grow by ensuring proposal work is accurate, timely, well-coordinated, and aligned with customer requirements and business objectives. This position provides broad exposure across EBAD's market segments, products, sites, and senior leadership team.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead proposal development efforts for simple, moderate, and complex opportunities across assigned market segments.
  • Develop and manage proposal schedules, ensuring cross-functional contributors understand requirements, deadlines, and deliverables.
  • Partner with Program Managers and business leaders to prepare proposals for leadership approval
  • Lead effective cross-functional proposal meetings, drive action closure, and escalate risks or gaps when needed.
  • Gather cost inputs from Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Contracts, Finance, and other functional leaders.
  • Build and maintain accurate cost estimates using ERP data, Excel-based Basis of Estimate files, and other proposal tools.
  • Support proposal pricing, standard margin analysis, cost roll-ups, and business case review.
  • Ensure proposal assumptions, clarifications, exceptions, and value messaging are clearly communicated in proposal letters and supporting volumes.
  • Support certified cost/pricing data efforts, including TINA-related proposals, as required. .
  • Participate in EBOS continuous improvement activities, including Kaizen, JDI, or structured problem-solving events.
  • Build strong working relationships across Engineering, Operations, Contracts, Supply Chain, Finance, and Program Management.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Engineering, Business, Operations, or a related analytical field required.
  • 3+ years of relevant experience in cost estimating, proposal development, pricing, program finance, project management, engineering, operations, or a related role.
  • Experience in aerospace and defense, government contracting, or another regulated industry preferred.
  • Familiarity with FAR / DFAR requirements and certified cost or pricing data preferred.

Experience

  • Experience developing cost estimates, proposal inputs, pricing support, or Basis of Estimate files.
  • Experience working with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Contracts, Finance, and Program Management.
  • Experience using ERP data to support business analysis, estimating, pricing, or project decisions.
  • Experience managing short-cycle projects, deadlines, action items, and stakeholder follow-up.
  • Experience supporting proposals or business cases greater than ~$5M preferred.

Skills

  • Advanced Excel skills, including formulas, pivot tables, data analysis, and financial modeling.
  • Strong analytical ability with high attention to detail.
  • Ability to validate cost roll-ups, identify gaps, and assess whether pricing makes sense from a broader business perspective.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to lead meetings, drive accountability, and keep cross-functional teams aligned.
  • Organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities under deadline pressure.

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.

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