Proposal Writer & Editor II / Senior Proposal Writer & Editor

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.  

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

PROPOSAL WRITER & EDITOR II / SENIOR PROPOSAL WRITER & EDITOR

The ideal proposal writer will have a proven track record of writing and winning proposals for both federal government agencies and commercial customers in the space industry. Government proposal writing experience in the aerospace & defense industry will also be considered. This position  will be on-site at either our corporate headquarters in Long Beach, California or at our site in Littleton, Colorado. 

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Creates the customer response templates according to a company style guide and RFP requirements.
• Manages proposal development from draft solicitation stage through final proposal revisions.
• Writes compliant, compelling, and client-centric narrative aligned to the proposed solution.
• Rewrites technical text as necessary for clarity, readability, and tone.
• Format, proofread, and edit for accuracy, clarity, and readability and RFP compliance.
• Coordinates with technical team to gather and draft technical proposal volumes.
• Takes on writing responsibility increasingly challenging technical proposal sections.
• Enforces internal proposal deadlines and oversees the review and approval processes.
• Creates and maintains compliance matrices for each major effort.
• Incorporates feedback based on reviews to ensure the final narrative is compliant & compelling.
• Identifies, resolves, mitigates, and escalates gaps and risks to management and technical leads when necessary.
• Creates proposal tools and resources to improve the proposal development process.
• Manages a variety of proposals to include launch service, space system, and satellite submittals.

"This position can be filled as a Proposal Writer & Editor II / Senior Proposal Writer & Editor"

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS FOR A PROPOSAL WRITER & EDITOR II:

• Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Journalism, Business, or relevant technical subject and 2+ years of proposal experience
• 2+ years of professional writing and/or editing experience
• Intermediate skills with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Project) on a PC platform.
• Demonstrated attention to detail through completion of a format, proofread, edit, clarity, readability, and compliance assignment.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS FOR A SENIOR PROPOSAL WRITER & EDITOR:

• Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Journalism, Business, or relevant technical subject and 5+ years of proposal experience
• 5+ years of professional writing and/or editing experience
• Advanced skills with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Project) on a PC platform.
• Demonstrated attention to detail through completion of a format, proofread, edit, clarity, readability, and compliance assignment.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Superior project and time management skills.
• Ability to effectively coordinate various levels of SMEs effectively to deliver complicated responses on time.
• Ability to work successfully under time-sensitive deadlines and in fast-paced environments.
• Experience with SharePoint and Salesforce.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple proposals where the process and/or deliverable is nonstandard.
• 3+ years of proposal experience in the aerospace industry.
• An active US government issued Security Clearance.
• Experience supporting Government proposals.
• Education and experience with an industry standard proposal process (i.e. Shipley, Lohfeld).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.   
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.  
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings 
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise. 

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab.  Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, childcare concierge, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)$64,000—$122,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT 

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.   

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Biow at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.  These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. 

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.  For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.