Senior Manager, Federal Capture and Contracting, UAS

Description:

About Airspace Link

Airspace Link is a fast-growing Series B startup shaping the future of drone operations. We provide innovative software solutions that enable safe, scalable, and integrated drone flights in communities nationwide. As an FAA-approved provider of LAANC airspace checks and B4UFLY safety checks, we serve as the air traffic control system for drones, supporting cities, states, and federal agencies while enabling private industry to thrive in the emerging drone economy.

The Opportunity

Airspace Link is seeking a Sr. Manager, Federal Capture & Contracting to build on the foundation of our federal business—starting with securing the right IDIQ vehicles, Partnerships, BPAs, and federal contract pathwaysneeded to scale. This is a pivotal, first-of-its-kind hire responsible for developing Airspace Link’s federal business, owning capture efforts, and positioning the company to compete for long-term federal opportunities across agencies including DHS, DOW, DOT, and others advancing airspace safety, UAS integration, and national security missions.

You will lead our entry into federal markets by identifying the right acquisition pathways, shaping our early proposals, building relationships with contracting officers and program teams, and establishing the infrastructure required to pursue and win federal work at scale.

This role is ideal for someone who combines federal capture expertise, contracting strategy, and hands-on proposal experience—a builder who wants to help a fast-moving startup shape the future of UAS, airspace management, and federal aviation technology.

Responsibilities

Federal Contracting & IDIQ Strategy

· Develop and execute Airspace Link’s federal contracting strategy with an emphasis on accessing or establishing IDIQs, GWACs, BPAs, OTAs, and other contract vehicles aligned to our offerings.

· Build and maintain a prioritized pipeline of near-term and long-term federal contract vehicle opportunities.

· Lead pre-RFP shaping, capture planning, teaming strategies, and readiness activities.

Capture Management

· Serve as the strategic owner of federal capture efforts—engaging decision-makers, understanding agency mission priorities, and influencing acquisition strategies before solicitations are released.

· Build relationships with contracting officers, program managers, and technical leads across relevant agencies.

· Develop and refine Airspace Link’s federal value proposition, capability statements, and agency-specific positioning.

Proposal Leadership

· Working with an internal Proposal Team, lead the preparation of compliant and compelling White Papers, RFIs, IDIQ submissions, and RFP responses.

· Coordinate cross-functionally with Product, Engineering, Partnerships, Customer Success, and Leadership to craft proposals, pricing, and technical volumes.

· Build an internal library of federal proposal assets to support repeatable, scalable submissions.

Partnerships & Teaming

· Identify and establish teaming agreements with primes, integrators, and federal contractors to strengthen proposals and expand access to vehicles.

· Partner with industry associations, innovation hubs, and federal initiatives relevant to UAS, airspace, defense, and infrastructure.

Travel Required: Up to 30%

Position Type: Full-Time, 40 hours a week

Location: Hybrid or Remote

Why Join Us?

• Impact: Work with pioneering drone technology and be part of the next era of digital infrastructure.
• Growth: Be part of a rapidly growing company with ample opportunities to grow professionally.
• Benefits & Equity: Competitive salary, commission structure, and benefits package, including stock options, health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Requirements:

· 7+ years of experience in federal capture, contracting, program management, or business development within defense, homeland security, aviation, transportation, or GovTech.

· Undestanding of UAS, aviation, airspace management, or related technologies (experience in an adjacent field such as GIS, mobility, or defense technology is a plus).

· Direct experience winning IDIQs, GWACs, BPAs, or OTA opportunities—ideally for a SaaS or technology company.

· Deep understanding of federal acquisition processes and available federal funding (FAR, procurement cycles, timelines, compliance requirements).

· Existing networks or working familiarity with agencies such as DHS, FAA, DoD (AFWERX, DIU, etc.), DOT, DOJ, or technology infrastructure/security programs.

· Ability to translate complex technology into mission-aligned value for federal stakeholders.

· A builder mentality—comfortable creating processes from scratch, operating independently, and working cross-functionally in a startup environment.

· Proven track record influencing acquisition pathways and driving federal pursuit from concept to submission.