We are seeking a highly organized and self-driven Federal Programs & Proposal Manager to manage and lead public sector proposal efforts for DKS. This role requires a proven track record of assessing and reviewing proposal tasks, developing compelling win themes, and executing strategies that produce successful responses.
About Us:
Direct Kinetic Solutions, Inc. (DKS) is a growing, innovative company specializing in the development and manufacturing of radioisotopic power sources. Our small but dynamic team is dedicated to advancing energy solutions and being at the forefront of this cutting-edge technology. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment where every team member can thrive and grow professionally. We serve customers in the U.S. Department of Defense, NASA, and allied partners, delivering technology where reliability, longevity, and performance are essential.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a highly organized and self-driven Federal Programs & Proposal Manager to manage and lead public sector proposal efforts for DKS. This role requires a proven track record of assessing and reviewing proposal tasks, developing compelling win themes, and executing strategies that produce successful responses.
The ideal candidate will be equally comfortable leading the entire proposal lifecycle—from organizing and writing to editing, illustrating, and producing the final submission—as well as managing the programmatic side, including personnel coordination, schedule oversight, and post-award activities such as invoicing through the Government System (WAWF). They will also drive best practice adoption and efficiency improvements across the proposal process.
Key Responsibilities:
Proposal Management
- Review solicitations (RFPs, RFIs, BAAs, SBIR grants) and develop comprehensive proposal plans, outlines, and schedules.
- Lead cross-functional proposal teams to ensure all submission requirements are met on time and in compliance with solicitation guidelines.
- Coordinate and facilitate proposal kick-off, status, and review meetings.
- Interface with proposal consultants, advisors, and subcontractors as required.
- Identify content gaps, risks, and competitive win themes; work with SMEs to address them.
- Provide detailed task guidance to team members and ensure adherence to project timelines.
- Monitor and communicate solicitation amendments and modifications to all stakeholders.
- Ensure delivery of a compliant, persuasive, and visually compelling final bid package.
- Lead post-proposal debriefs, lessons learned sessions, and process improvements.
Program & Contract Management
- Support government program execution, including reporting, milestone tracking, and communications with government points of contact.
- Coordinate and schedule program review meetings, deliverable submissions, and status reports.
- Manage select awarded projects to ensure performance, compliance, and contractual obligations are met.
- Support contract and grant management activities, including modifications, funding actions, and compliance documentation.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
- Minimum of 5 years of Federal Contract/Proposal Management experience.
- Familiarity with DoD acquisitions.
- Proven ability to lead large, complex federal proposals in a virtual or hybrid team environment.
- Demonstrated skill in developing and articulating win themes and proposal narratives.
- Strong project management skills; PMP certification preferred.
- Familiarity with DoD acquisitions, contract vehicles, and procurement processes.
- Experience in government contract and grant management.
- Excellent writing, editing, and proof-reading skills.
- Expert-level proficiency with Google Workspace.
- Strong interpersonal, leadership, and motivational abilities.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with Internet of Things (IoT), low Size/Weight/Power (SWaP) devices, and remote sensing systems.
- Background in low-power systems and/or space systems.
- Experience working with NASA, Intelligence, and DoD customers.
- Familiarity with technical solution development for advanced energy or sensing applications.
Who you are:
- You’re motivated by a challenge - we are a small team with a big mission, we are looking for someone who thrives in a dynamic, fast paced environment and doesn’t back down from a challenge.
- You strive for excellence and see setbacks as opportunities - we are constantly improving as we bring our first of a kind product to market, we believe that no solution is too out there and we are always open to looking at things from a different perspective.
- A teamplayer - you will have a key role in supporting our team of technical experts, you will coordinate efforts between manufacturing and engineering, ensuring everyone on the team has the materials, tools, and support to succeed.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses
- Comprehensive health insurance
- 401K plan with company matching
- Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
- Collaborative and inclusive work environment
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
- Minimum of 5 years of Federal Contract/Proposal Management experience
- Familiarity with DoD acquisitions
- Proven ability to lead large, complex federal proposals in a virtual or hybrid team environment
- Demonstrated skill in developing and articulating win themes and proposal narratives
- Strong project management skills; PMP certification preferred
- Familiarity with DoD acquisitions, contract vehicles, and procurement processes
- Experience in government contract and grant management
- Excellent writing, editing, and proof-reading skills
- Expert-level proficiency with Google Workspace
- Strong interpersonal, leadership, and motivational abilities
What We Do
Direct Kinetic Solutions (DKS) is at the forefront of developing, manufacturing, and revolutionizing Radioisotopic Power Sources (RPS). Situated in Oak Ridge, TN, our radiological lab is dedicated to harnessing the high energy density of isotopes for compact power and electronic devices. Our goal is to redefine power solutions by leveraging continuous and steady energy emission from isotopes, enhancing the longevity and usability of devices such as sensors and small satellites. Direct Kinetic Solutions envisions being the power solution for future generations. You are invited to join us at the early stage of our high-growth, high-potential startup. Your role will be pivotal in defining the company, leaving a lasting impact on operations, product development, facility growth, and team dynamics.
Why Work With Us
Direct Kinetic Solutions, Inc. (DKS) is a growing, innovative company specializing in the development and manufacturing of radioisotopic power sources. Our small but dynamic team is dedicated to advancing energy solutions and being at the forefront of this cutting-edge technology. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative work e
