Proposal Specialist

Ottawa, ON
$85,000-105,000 per year
Permanent
Full-time

5 days ago

Description :Building on more than five decades of trusted Canadian defense delivery and prime contractor execution from MDA Space, 49North offers engineering discipline, operational reliability and mission assurance to large, mission critical programs, including integrated advanced sensing technologies, autonomous systems, secure digital mission systems, defense qualified electronics and long term sustainment and in service support for platforms across land, air, maritime and joint domains.The PositionWe are seeking a highly capable Proposal Specialist to serve as a bridge between engineering, product management, and business development. This role is outward-facing by design, with a primary focus on proposal development, product positioning, and capture support, complemented by the creation of high-quality technical documentation.The ideal candidate is comfortable operating at the intersection of complex defense technologies, customer requirements, and commercial strategy. This role is critical to translating technical capability into compelling, credible, and competitive external-facing material for government and allied defense customers.Key Responsibilities1. Proposal Development & Capture Support (Primary Focus)

Lead and support the development of technical content for:

RFP responses, RFIs, and white papers
Concept of Operations (CONOPS)
Technical volumes and solution architectures
Compliance matrices and requirement traceability
Translate complex technical solutions into clear, persuasive, and customer-aligned narratives
Work closely with engineering, systems architects, and solution leads to:

Shape solution descriptions
Articulate integration approaches
Define technical differentiators
Ensure proposal content is coherent, structured, and aligned with win themes, value propositions, and evaluation criteria
Support bid strategy, storyboarding, and solution framing

2. Product Management Enablement

Partner with Product Management to:

Develop outward-facing product descriptions, datasheets, capability briefs, and solution one-pagers
Support articulation of roadmaps, value propositions, and use cases
Translate technical features into operational outcomes and customer benefits
Help shape product messaging for:

Defense enterprise solutions
ISR, C2, digital backbone, integration platforms
Support development of product narratives that align to government priorities (e.g., sovereignty, interoperability, security, lifecycle cost)

3. Business Development & Customer-Facing Material

Develop and maintain outward-facing technical collateral including:

Capability decks
Solution briefs
Customer-facing architecture diagrams
Executive summaries and leave-behind material
Support BD teams with:

Customer briefings
Industry day presentations
Partner engagement material
Tailor messaging for different audiences:

Technical authorities
Procurement and contracting
Senior defence leadership
International partners

4. Technical Documentation (Secondary Focus)

Produce and maintain high-quality technical documentation including:

System descriptions
Interface control documents (ICDs)
Architecture overviews
Technical concept documents
Ensure documentation is:

Clear, accurate, and structured
Aligned with product strategy and proposal narratives
Create reusable technical content that can be leveraged across proposals, product materials, and customer communications

Required Qualifications

5+ years of experience in technical writing, solution engineering support, or proposal development in defense, aerospace, or complex technology domains
Demonstrated experience writing:

RFP responses / proposals
Technical solution narratives
Customer-facing technical content
Strong ability to understand and synthesize complex systems including:

Systems integration
C2 / ISR
Training and simulation
Digital platforms / enterprise systems
Enterprise infrastructure
Experience working cross-functionally with:

Engineering and Operations
Program and Product management
Business development / capture teams
Exceptional written communication skills with the ability to:

Write clearly for technical and executive audiences
Structure complex narratives
Distill technical complexity into customer value
Ability to work with classified or sensitive material (or eligibility for security clearance)

What Success Looks Like in This Role

Proposals are clearer, more compelling, and more competitive
Product messaging is consistent, credible, and aligned to customer needs
Technical teams see their work accurately reflected in external-facing material
BD teams rely on this role as a core partner in shaping win strategies
Leadership trusts this role to “translate” between engineering depth and executive decision-making

Comments/Special Considerations:Successful candidates must obtain and hold security clearance at the SECRET status level, and pass security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP).We’re a dream team of purpose-driven, collaborative and passionate people, and we are constantly looking for others to join #TeamMDASPACE to ignite new and innovative approaches to problem-solving that push us forward to improve life on and above Earth. If you’re excited to expand our place in space and driven to inspire the next generation, we’ll take you there.We have entered a new era of exploration and development, and MDA welcomes all who yearn to suit up and be part of it. An equal opportunity employer prizing diversity, integrity and collaboration, we are committed to growing MDA Space and Canada’s leadership in this next golden age.MDA Space provides competitive compensation and benefits packages for its employees at all locations. As a team member of MDA Space, you and your qualified dependents are eligible to participate in a benefit plan that ensures a comprehensive level of protection through competitive health care including; extended healthcare and flexible drug plans, dental and vision benefits, disability income protection, life insurance, group retirement savings plans; and an employee and family assistance program.MDA Space is proud to provide accommodation(s) during the recruitment process. Should you require any accommodations, please indicate this on your application/cover letter and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.The compensation range for this position is $85,000 - $105,000 annually. The specific compensation offered will be based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.#IND#LI-GD1

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