Bid & Proposal Specialist
Location: Onsite – Norfolk, VA
Clearance: Eligible for U.S. or NATO Secret (preferred)
Employment Type: Full-time
About Ironclad Defense Works (IDW):
Ironclad Defense Works is a Norfolk-based corporation that delivers innovative digital transformation, wargaming, cybersecurity, and advanced analytics solutions to the U.S. and NATO. We specialize in providing responsive, cost-effective, and technically advanced support across program delivery, and strategic communications.
As part of our continued growth, we are seeking a Bid & Proposal Specialist to join our onsite Norfolk team and directly support multi-year NATO proposals, including IFIBs and multi-LCAT framework contracts.
Responsibilities:
Assist with proposal development efforts across the full lifecycle (capture planning, compliance matrixing, drafting, editing, and submission).
Interpret NATO IFIB requirements and translate them into structured proposal outlines, compliance checklists, and storyboards.
Coordinate with capture managers, SMEs, and corporate leadership to gather technical inputs and integrate them into compelling narratives.
Draft and edit sections covering Technical Approach, Management Approach, Resumes/Staffing, Past Performance, and Quality/Risk frameworks.
Maintain proposal templates, graphics requests and corporate branding consistency.
Support Letters of Intent (LOIs), candidate onboarding documentation (DBIDS, NATO attestation), and subcontractor agreements.
Manage version control, file naming conventions, and submission workflows to ensure compliance with U.S. and NATO contracting office standards.
Track proposal schedules, due dates, and ensure timely delivery of compliant, high-quality submissions.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, English, or related field; Master’s preferred.
3+ years of experience in proposal coordination, writing, or management (defense/IC/NATO experience highly valued).
Familiarity with NATO procurement structures, IFIB/RFP processes, and labor category alignment.
Strong writing, editing, and compliance skills with attention to detail.
Ability to work onsite in Norfolk and collaborate in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Eligible for U.S. or NATO Secret clearance; current clearance a strong plus.
What We Offer:
Opportunity to directly shape Ironclad’s growth across different cost sectors.
Small-business culture with direct access to executive leadership and decision-makers.
Professional development in capture/proposal management and NATO procurement strategy.
Competitive benefits package (health, dental, vision, paid leave).
Compensation
Salary Range: $50,000-$75,000 (commensurate with experience and clearance level).
This range is benchmarked against Norfolk defense contractor market rates for Proposal Specialists/Managers, balancing small-business agility with competitive pay.
