Capture & Proposal Lead

Modern Intelligence builds Sovereign, targeting software for unmanned systems. Manufacturers install it on UAVs, USVs, UUVs, and other unmanned vehicles. Sovereign runs on the vehicle’s computer. It detects, classifies, and tracks targets from the onboard cameras, keeps identity when the picture breaks up, and can run terminal guidance into impact. It keeps working when GPS is out and the radio is jammed.
We’ve held Department of War contracts, including work with Air Force Special Operations and SOCOM. 
We’ve raised more than $12 million from Bedrock, Vine, Contrary, Air Street, Caffeinated, Champion Hill, Swell, Myelin, and others.

Details

We have been founder-led on capture and proposals since 2021. You will be our first dedicated Capture & Propose hire.

You own each proposal from bid/no-bid through submission: capture plan, compliance matrix, schedule, color teams, and coordinating cost volume with finance. Engineers will write the technical sections with you. You’ll build and maintain a living library of past performance and boilerplate so we reuse what already works.

We pursue DoW contracts via SBIR/STTR, AFWERX, Army xTech, DIU, SOFWERX, OTAs, CSOs, and BAAs that fit our technology. Wins often land as a sub on a partner’s vehicle or as a software CLIN inside a larger contract. When we bid alongside a manufacturer, you’ll work with Partnerships to help write those bids and win those contracts.

This role is on-site in Austin, or remote from the DC area until we open an office there. Travel as required for customer meetings, industry days, and demos.

Requirements

- 4+ years in capture, proposals, or government business development at a defense, dual-use, hardware, or deep-tech company

- Experience managing government proposals from the decision to bid through submission

- Experience writing RFI and RFP responses, white papers, and proposals for SBIRs, OTAs, CSOs, BAAs, or FAR/DFARS solicitations

- Experience managing deadlines, compliance matrices, and color team reviews

- Understanding of DoW acquisition and how to structure proposals, including past performance and win themes

- Ability to turn technical input from engineers and founders into clear, compliant proposals without overstating the product

- Ability to distill robust technical AI/ML concepts and differentiators through clear, concise, and compelling written and verbal communication.

- Experience tracking pursuits a CRM and reporting progress to the executive team

- Regular use of AI tools for research, first drafts, compliance checks, and editing

- Must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)). This role works with export-controlled technology.

Preferred Qualifications

- Capture or proposal experience with autonomy, robotics, aerospace, or defense software

- Wins as a subcontractor or software provider on a partner vehicle

- Relationships with PEOs, program offices, or innovation units

- Familiarity with FAR/DFARS and Shipley- or APMP-style capture process

- Experience building a capture or proposal function at a startup

Modern Intelligence builds Sovereign: edge targeting software for unmanned systems, already in use on live missions. You’ll be our first dedicated Capture & Propose hire, owning the government pursuits and proposals that put Sovereign on contract, working directly with the founders. If you’re hungry and move with agency, you should apply.

Compensation Specifics
Final offer depends on demonstrated capture and proposal experience
Annual performance bonus tied to proposal delivery and awarded work
Equity is granted on top of base for every full-time role.

Benefits
Full medical for employee and family
Full dental and vision for employee and partial coverage for your dependents. 
Generous and flexible PTO
Paid Holidays: All federal holidays + last two weeks of the calendar year
Paid Parental Leave: 12 weeks