---
title: 'Senior Proposal Writer at Zone 5 Technologies'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-proposal-writer-zone-5-technologies-san-luis-obispo-khf3r0073kx9'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-08'
---

# Senior Proposal Writer at Zone 5 Technologies

- **Company:** Zone 5 Technologies
- **Location:** San Luis Obispo, CA
- **Compensation:** $85k–$150k
- **Posted:** 2026-08-12
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-08
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/zone5technologies/jobs/5387846008

## Job description

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter.

We're building the future of UAS capabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here.

We're seeking a Senior Proposal Writer to develop and maintain highly informed and persuasive proposal content in support of competitive bids for our Unpiloted Aerial Systems (UASs) programs. The ideal candidate has a background in aerospace and/or defense proposal creation, and experience translating technical subject matter into compelling, clear, and concise proposal materials.

You will work closely with Technical Program Managers (TPMs), business development professionals, engineers, contracts, finance, manufacturing, quality, technical writers, and executive leadership to transform technical, management, and operational information into persuasive proposal narratives that align with customer requirements and evaluation criteria.

The Senior Proposal Writer leads the development of proposal sections, contributes to win strategies and messaging, ensures compliance with solicitation requirements, and produces high-quality proposal documents under demanding deadlines. The position requires exceptional writing, editing, interviewing, and organizational skills, along with a strong understanding of the federal acquisition process and defense industry terminology.

## KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

- Plan, write, and maintain customer-focused proposals for aerospace systems and products.
- Analyze Requests for Proposal (RFPs), Requests for Information (RFIs), Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs), Statements of Work (SOWs), and evaluation criteria to determine proposal requirements.
- Collaborate with Capture Managers to understand win themes, discriminators, and customer priorities.
- Collaborate with Technical Program Managers (TPMs), business development professionals, engineers, contracts, finance, manufacturing, quality, technical writers, and executive leadership to transform technical, management, and operational information into persuasive proposal narratives that align with customer requirements and evaluation criteria.
- Interview subject matter experts to gather technical, management, manufacturing, logistics, quality assurance, cybersecurity, and program execution information.
- Write and edit technical, management, executive summary, past performance, staffing, quality, manufacturing, and transition plan sections.
- Ensure proposal content is compliant with solicitation instructions, page limitations, formatting requirements, and evaluation criteria.
- Develop proposal outlines, storyboards, content plans, and annotated templates.
- Produce or acquire illustrations, diagrams, and other visual aids to enhance the understanding of complex aerospace systems and workflows.
- Participate in proposal reviews, including Pink Team, Red Team, Gold Team, and White Glove reviews.
- Incorporate reviewer comments and manage document revisions throughout the proposal lifecycle.
- Maintain proposal libraries, reusable content, resumes, past performance narratives, and corporate capability statements.
- Maintain confidentiality of proprietary, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), export-controlled, and competition-sensitive information.
- Continuously improve proposal creation and management processes to meet evolving team needs, aerospace industry requirements, and customer expectations.

## REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Bachelor’s degree in English, Technical Communication, Journalism, Communications, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
- 5–7 years of experience as a proposal writer with at least some of that experience writing proposals for the aerospace, defense, or manufacturing industry.
- Demonstrated success writing winning competitive proposals.
- Strong understanding of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and competitive proposal processes.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information persuasively to a range of audiences.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat.
- U.S. citizenship.

## PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Experience supporting proposals valued at $10 million or greater.
- Experience with scheduling programs using MS Project or other software platforms.
- Experience supporting major defense acquisition programs.
- Familiarity with Shipley proposal development methodology or similar proposal best practices.
- Experience with proposal collaboration platforms such as SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, or proposal automation tools.
- Knowledge of aerospace manufacturing, systems engineering, avionics, software development, logistics, cybersecurity, or sustainment programs.
- APMP Foundation, Practitioner, or Professional certification.
- Active U.S. security clearance or the ability to obtain one.

Level III: $85,000 - $123,000

Level IV: $123,000 - $150,000 Pay range for this role $85,000—$150,000 USD

What's in it for you:

Benefits:

- Competitive total compensation package
- Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
- 401k with company-match
- 3 weeks of paid time off each year
- 40 hours of sick time
- 12 annual company holidays

Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?

- Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.
- Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
- Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be a part of a dynamic and growing company, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join the Zone 5 Technologies team!

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E-Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify: https://www.e-verify.gov.

## About Zone 5 Technologies

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Zone 5 Technologies develops advanced unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and next-generation munitions for U.S. Department of Defense customers, with a focus on modular, open-architecture designs and rapid prototyping.
- **Entity Type**: Private (acquired by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace; prior to acquisition was privately held)
- **Headquarters**: San Luis Obispo, California, United States
- **Founded**: 2011
- **Founders**: Not publicly available

## Core Business
- **Primary Industry**: Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing; Defense Technology
- **Target Customers**: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), and allied military forces (B2G)
- **Mission Statement**: "Create the future" – focused on enabling modularity, collaboration, and rapid deployment of unmanned systems and munitions.

## Products & Services
- **Paladin UAS**: A multi-mission, TAK-integrated unmanned aircraft system that serves as an autonomous wingman. Capabilities include counter-UAS interception, precision munitions drop, and rifle takedowns. Listed on the DIU Blue UAS Refresh list, ensuring NDAA compliance and cybersecurity. (Hardware + Software)
- **White Spike Interceptor**: A modular, open-C2 missile and launcher system available in surface‑ and air‑launched configurations. Designed for counter-UAS and precision strike missions. (Hardware + Software)
- **Air Launched Effects (ALE)**: Low‑cost, digitally engineered effects for affordable mass and precision strike from mobility, bomber, and tactical aircraft. (Hardware + Software)
- **Next‑Gen Munitions**: Low‑cost containerized missile systems, including the Extended Range Attack Munition. (Hardware)
- **Engineering Services / R&D**: End‑to‑end system development including CONOPS, vehicle design, avionics, embedded hardware/software, ground control stations, and mission planning software.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed (acquired by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace)
- **Key Metric**: Total headcount of 183 (LinkedIn, 2026‑07), representing +241.1% year‑over‑year growth
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (acquirer); DIU (multiple contract awards); U.S. Air Force
- **Growth Signals**:
  - 241% headcount growth in the last year
  - Selected for multiple DoD/DIU programs: Blue UAS Refresh, Low‑Cost Containerized Missiles, Counter UAS Next, Extended Range Attack Munition, Enterprise Test Vehicle
  - 108 active job postings (260% year‑over‑year increase)
  - 13,284 LinkedIn followers (+62% yearly)

## Competitive Advantages
- **Vertical Integration**: Concept‑to‑production capability – design, manufacturing, testing, and sustainment in‑house.
- **Open Systems / Modularity**: MOSA/WOSA architectures enable rapid adaptation of vehicles, sensors, and weapons.
- **Blue UAS Listing**: Provides an Authority to Operate (ATO) for all DoD operators, a key differentiator for government contracts.
- **Flight‑Proven Hardware**: Paladin and White Spike have undergone extensive flight testing (SIL, HIL, flight tests).
- **Agile Prototyping**: Low‑cost, digitally engineered designs allow for fast iteration and unit‑cost discipline.

## Strategic Focus
- **Expanding DoD & Allied Contracts**: Leveraging recent DIU and Air Force wins to secure production orders for Paladin, White Spike, and missile systems.
- **Scaling Workforce & Capabilities**: Rapid hiring across engineering (GNC, embedded, avionics, flight test) to support increasing program loads.
- **International Expansion**: Acquisition by Kongsberg may open access to NATO and allied markets.
- **Next‑Gen Munitions**: Emphasis on affordable mass – developing low‑cost missiles for high‑volume procurement.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture & Ratings**: Employer rating 4.2/5 on LinkedIn (based on 8 reviews); Work‑Life 4.0, Compensation 3.6, Culture 3.4, Career 3.8.
- **Growth Opportunity**: 108 open positions across software, hardware, flight test, and manufacturing – strong upward mobility in a rapidly expanding company.
- **Technical Environment**: Tech stack includes Python, MATLAB, C++, CUDA, PyTorch, Docker, Kubernetes, PostgreSQL, React, GitLab, Jenkins, and more – modern engineering tools.
- **Mission‑Driven Work**: Directly contribute to defense technology that is fielded today (Blue UAS, interceptor programs).
- **Location**: San Luis Obispo, CA – a vibrant college town near the Central Coast with outdoor lifestyle.
- **Hybrid/Remote**: Not specifically stated; most roles appear on‑site at one of three U.S. offices (San Luis Obispo, Fort Walton Beach FL, Fort Worth TX).

## Sources
1. [LinkedIn – Zone 5 Technologies](https://www.linkedin.com/company/zone-5-technologies)
2. [Company Website – zone5tech.com](https://www.zone5tech.com/)
3. [Greenhouse Careers Page](http://job-boards.greenhouse.io/zone5technologies)
4. [robotics.press – Company Profile](https://robotics.press/news/zone-5-technologies-company-profile/)
5. [YouTube – Zone 5 Technologies](https://www.youtube.com/@Zone5Technologies)

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