Job Description BAE Systems is hiring a Proposal Lead to support our Maritime Systems division. This role will partner with the Capture Director for the San Diego, Norfolk, and Jacksonville Shipyards to support US Navy ship repair and modernization proposal efforts. If you have experience in proposal development and a passion for supporting the US Military, this role may be a great fit.
This position is located at our BAE San Diego facility in California, where you will work with a diverse cross‑functional team as part of the Business Development group. In this role, you will help manage cost estimating, maintain schedule adherence, identify risks and opportunities, and support future business through proposal development and negotiation. You will collaborate with cross‑functional leadership and customer stakeholders to ensure the timely delivery of compliant proposals supporting our US Military, commercial, and fabrication customers. The role is expected to require up to 25% domestic travel for program meetings, customer engagements, and training events
- Monitor and facilitate the Proposal Process across all departments; Coordinate the development of the maritime solutions proposals for price and non-price compliant submittals
- Specific focus on Military Sea Lift Command but not limited to Navy availabilities (CONUS and OCONUS) Adjacent Commercial, and fabrication markets
- monitor incoming change from our customers RFP
- provide guidance and development of new tools to drive efficiency and schedule adherence Incorporate tools and processes to provide accurate comparatives and Incorporation of Earned Value Management analysis for BAE Systems Maritime Solutions
- Conduct regular reviews of the proposal progress through assessment of metrics to ensure milestones and objectives are met, including safety, quality, cost, and schedule
- Coordinate communication and feedback with customers (PPI’s, amendment, errata, etc.) to resolve technical issues where additional guidance is required
- Adhere to NAVSEA Standard Items (Repair) and commercial standards as required
Required Education, Experience, & Skills - Bachelor's Degree and 6 years work experience or equivalent experience.
- Industry Specialization
- Military Sealift Command (MSC): Deep familiarity with MSC-specific Estimating standards, operational requirements, scheduling constraints, OEM's, vendors and procurement nuances.
- Market Versatility: Experience operating within "Adjacent Commercial" markets and industrial fabrication environments, allowing for the application of commercial best practices to government contracts.
- Advanced Tools & Analytics
- Earned Value Management (EVM):Baseline knowledge to incorporate EVM analysis to provide accurate performance forecasting and cost-schedule integration.
- Comparative Analysis: Ability to develop tools for accurate "comparatives" (benchmarking current bids against historical data or competitor trends).
- Soft Skills
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Ability to coordinate efforts across multiple departments (Supply Chain, Estimating, Operations, PMO, and Finance) to ensure a unified proposal submission.
- Strategic Communication: Ability to translate complex technical issues into actionable guidance for stakeholders during the proposal phase.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills - Maritime Academy Degree: A Bachelor of Science from a recognized Maritime Academy (e.g., USMMA, CAL Maritime, SUNY Maritime, Maine Maritime, etc.). This ensures a foundational understanding of naval architecture, marine engineering, and the unique logistics of shipboard operations.
- Project Management Certification: PMP (Project Management Professional) or DAWIA certification (Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act) is highly desirable.
- Advanced Degree: An MBA or Master’s in Maritime Logistics/Management.
- General Ship Repair Experience: Versatile in all aspects of ship repair to include (operations, PMO, and supervision)
Preferred Industry Knowledge
- A deep understanding of the "informal" rhythms of Navy shipyards, including the nuances of how NAVSEA, MSC, and Commercial markets prioritize repairs and modifications.
- Knowledge of the specific challenges associated with OCONUS vs CONUS availabilities
- "Shop Floor" Literacy: The ability to speak the language of the craftsman; understanding the metalwork, piping, electrical, mechanical and coating applications to ensure proposals are realistic and not just theoretically compliant.
- Existing professional networks within the Military Sealift Command or NAVSEA, facilitating smoother communication and faster resolution of technical ambiguities.
Preferred Experience & Advanced Skills
- Complex Integration: Experience managing "Multi-Trade" proposals where fabrication, engineering, and installation must be synchronized across different geographic locations.
- A track record of identifying "hidden" risks in RFPs—such as unrealistic dry-dock windows or ambiguous specifications—before they impact the bid price
Pay InformationFull-Time Salary Range: $101398 - $172377
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Platforms & Services BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.
Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
