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Proposal Writer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Obvio Inc.

Proposal & Content Writer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

Proposal & Content Writer At Obvio, we believe traffic deaths are preventable when a community-oriented approach merges with purpose-built technology. But technology alone doesn't win contracts.

Space Kinetic

Proposal and Capture Specialist

El Segundo, CA · On-site +1

$90K - $125K/yr

As a Proposal Writer at Space Kinetic, you will play a critical role in securing the partnerships, contracts, and funding that power our mission. You will lead the development of high‑quality ...

EEC Environmental

Proposal Administrator

Orange, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Lead the endtoend proposal process, including research, writing, editing, and submission related to environmental and engineering consulting projects, applications and contract proposals. * Organize ...

TEKsystems

Grant Writer

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$35 - $38/hr

Urgently Hiring | Grant Writer & Grants Administrator | Hybrid | Los Angeles, CA . Looking for a ... proposals, letters of inquiry, concept papers, sponsorship requests, and renewal applications • ...

RAVE Aerospace LLC

Proposal Project Manager

Brea, CA · On-site

$65K - $74K/yr

Improve proposal writing results by evaluating, recommending, and re-designing processes, approach, coordination, and templates from time to time * Review RFPs and ensure the Proposal team is ...

RAVE Aerospace LLC

Proposal Project Manager

Brea, CA · On-site

$65K - $74K/yr

Improve proposal writing results by evaluating, recommending, and re-designing processes, approach, coordination, and templates from time to time * Review RFPs and ensure the Proposal team is ...

RAVE Aerospace LLC

Proposal Project Manager

Brea, CA · Remote

$65K - $74K/yr

Improve proposal writing results by evaluating, recommending, and re-designing processes, approach, coordination, and templates from time to time * Review RFPs and ensure the Proposal team is ...

Arc Boat Company

Proposal Specialist

Torrance, CA · On-site

$115K/yr

... proposals that win Arc's commercial business from first draft through final submission ... That means writing and coordinating commercial volumes, keeping pursuits organized and on schedule ...

Arc Boat Company

Proposal Specialist

Torrance, CA · On-site

$115K/yr

... proposals that win Arc's commercial business from first draft through final submission ... That means writing and coordinating commercial volumes, keeping pursuits organized and on schedule ...

K2 Space Corporation

Technical Writer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

K2 Space Corporation is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, and they are seeking a Technical Writer to support their business development and proposal efforts. The role ...

K2 Space

Technical Writer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Lead proposal writing and coordination: interpret solicitations (RFPs, RFIs, BAAs), build compliant outlines and compliance matrices, draft and edit technical and management volumes, and drive ...

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Proposal Writer information

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$35.5K

$80.2K

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How much do proposal writer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for proposal writer in California is $80,184.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,700.00 and $89,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a proposal writer?

Proposal writers compose documents to gain support for a project, enter into a business agreement, or convince clients to buy products and services. To complete the proposal, they usually work with a team to research a specific issue, conduct interviews, collect information, and organize the data before submitting the application or sending the contract to a client. Proposal writers may work for non-profit organizations or private companies, or they may be freelancers who work for many different businesses. Some proposal writers specialize in a specific industry, such as grant writing for non-profit organizations.

What does a proposal writer do?

A Proposal Writer is responsible for creating documents that outline a company's products, services, or solutions in response to requests from clients or potential customers. Their main goal is to craft persuasive and clear proposals that showcase the value and benefits of their organization’s offerings, usually to secure new business or funding. Proposal Writers work closely with sales, marketing, and subject matter experts to gather information and tailor proposals to specific client needs. They must ensure proposals are compliant with client requirements and deadlines, and often manage multiple projects at once.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a proposal writer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Proposal Writer, you need excellent writing, research, and organizational skills, often supported by a degree in English, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with proposal management tools (such as RFPIO or Loopio), content management systems, and sometimes APMP certification is valuable. Strong attention to detail, collaboration, and the ability to work under deadlines are critical soft skills. These skills ensure persuasive, compliant proposals that meet client requirements and increase win rates in competitive bidding environments.

How does a proposal writer typically collaborate with subject matter experts and other team members during the proposal development process?

A Proposal Writer often works closely with subject matter experts (SMEs), project managers, and business development teams to gather the technical, financial, and strategic information required for compelling proposals. This collaboration usually involves conducting interviews, facilitating content reviews, and coordinating input from various stakeholders to ensure the proposal is accurate and tailored to client needs. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are crucial to managing multiple contributors, meeting tight deadlines, and producing high-quality submissions. This teamwork helps ensure that the proposal aligns with both client expectations and company objectives.

Are proposal writers in demand?

Proposal writers are in demand across various industries such as government, nonprofit, and private sectors, especially for organizations that regularly submit bids and grant applications. Strong writing skills, familiarity with proposal management tools, and the ability to meet strict deadlines are important for success in this role.

How much does a proposal writer make?

Proposal writers typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior proposal writers or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, and some may work freelance or on contract for different rates.
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Proposal Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Proposal Writer job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,184 per year, or $38.5 per hour.

Proposal Writer & Capture Manager - Space & Defense Startup Consulting

Los Angeles, CA • Remote

Approach Venture
See more jobs at Approach Ventureexternal

$110K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 9 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead proposal development from opportunity evaluation through final submission across government and commercial pursuits

  • Write, organize, and refine technical and management volumes that clearly convey capability, value, and compliance

  • Manage proposal schedules, document control, and compliance tracking to ensure full alignment with solicitation requirements

Job description

Proposal Writer & Capture Manager – Help Frontier-Tech Founders Win and Scale!

Remote | United States


Opportunity Summary

Approach Venture is hiring experienced Aerospace & Defense proposal writers who excel at translating complex technology into compelling, compliant, and competitive proposals. In this role, you’ll partner directly with early-stage and venture-backed startups to secure both commercial and government contracts that fuel their growth and technical roadmaps. This is a highly collaborative role for someone who enjoys hands-on writing, coordination, and execution. You’ll work across multiple fast-growing startups advancing space, defense, and dual-use technology initiatives. Day to day, you’ll shape proposals from concept through submission, including technical narrative development, compliance documentation, and pricing justification — all while working closely with engineering, leadership, and BD teams. If you know how to win through clarity, rigor, and storytelling, this role puts you right at the point of impact.


About Us

Approach Venture partners with founders building the next generation of frontier technology. We support early-stage startups through proposal strategy, capture execution, and market positioning across government and commercial sectors. From dual-use autonomy and propulsion to space systems, advanced manufacturing, and communications tech — our mission is to help founders convert innovation into meaningful traction.


Job Duties

  • Lead proposal development from opportunity evaluation through final submission across government and commercial pursuits
  • Write, organize, and refine technical and management volumes that clearly convey capability, value, and compliance
  • Collaborate directly with startup founders, engineers, and BD leaders to translate technical content into compelling language
  • Manage proposal schedules, document control, and compliance tracking to ensure full alignment with solicitation requirements
  • Coordinate materials such as teaming agreements, customer memorandums, CRADAs, and letters of support
  • Support the creation of pricing narratives, milestone plans, and budget justifications with client teams
  • Participate in debriefs and lessons-learned cycles to strengthen capture strategy and proposal execution
  • Contribute to investor and market-facing proposal summaries when needed
  • Maintain templates, guidelines, and archives to drive repeatable quality across client engagements


Qualifications

  • 5+ years of proposal writing or proposal management experience in aerospace, defense, or government technology programs
  • Demonstrated success supporting winning awards (SBIR/STTR, BAAs, CRADAs, OTAs / CSOs, RFIs / RFPs, etc.)
  • Background working with or supporting startup or venture-backed organizations
  • Familiarity with federal acquisition pathways, solicitation structures, and evaluation frameworks
  • Exceptional writing and editing capability with a clear, concise style
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
  • Comfortable working across distributed teams and within dynamic startup environments


Preferred Experience

  • Technical education or experience in engineering, physics, or related fields
  • Proposal exposure in autonomy, propulsion, spacecraft, or advanced manufacturing
  • Understanding of dual-use and defense innovation funding pathways
  • Experience collaborating with small, highly technical founding teams


Why Join Approach Venture

  • 100% remote environment with flexibility and creative ownership
  • Direct collaboration with founders building mission-driven technologies
  • Exposure to cutting-edge aerospace and defense programs
  • Work inside a small, agile team where execution matters
  • Competitive compensation with performance-based upside
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Meaningful opportunity to help startups secure transformational contracts


Compensation & Benefits

$110,000 – $150,000 base salary + bonus & commission