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Proposal Lead

X Engineering & Consulting, Inc.
Santa Ana, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 3/27/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/26/2026

Proposal Lead

Company Overview:

X Engineering & Consulting, Inc. (XEC) is a boutique civil engineering firm focused on land development and public infrastructure projects throughout California. Our practice values collaboration, professionalism, accountability, quality, experience and integrity. We define our success by the growth of our employees, the value we provide to our clients and the endurance of our projects. X represents the intersection of civil engineering, development, client experience and professional advancement which together contribute to the success of our projects, our people and the clients we serve.

Job Summary:

X Engineering & Consulting is seeking a detail oriented and deadline driven Proposal Lead to support the firm’s pursuit efforts through proposal management, content development, and submission coordination. This role will lead the preparation of proposals and qualifications packages, primarily for public works opportunities, while also providing support for private sector pursuits as needed. The Proposal Lead will coordinate with technical staff, leadership, and subconsultants to produce clear, compliant, and polished deliverables that align with client requirements, firm strategy, and brand standards. AEC industry experience is strongly preferred.

Core Responsibilities:

  • Manage all stages of proposal and SOQ development, from kickoff to final delivery
  • Interpret RFP, RFQ, and SOQ requirements and ensure compliance, accuracy, and alignment with firm strategy
  • Develop proposal schedules, outlines, compliance checklists, and assignment matrices to keep pursuit teams on track
  • Coordinate with technical teams and subconsultants to gather content, technical approaches, and project experience
  • Write and edit clear, persuasive proposal narratives, resumes, and project descriptions
  • Oversee layout and production to meet branding and quality standards
  • Support shortlist interviews and presentation preparation
  • Maintain marketing databases, proposal templates, and pursuit tracking systems
  • Research and identify upcoming RFPs, SOQs, and other proposal opportunities
  • Coordinate final quality control reviews and manage digital and hard copy submissions
  • Assist with ongoing improvements to proposal processes, content libraries, and submission readiness
  • Provide additional support on business development and marketing related initiatives as needed

Required Skills/Abilities:

  • Strong experience managing proposals, qualifications packages, and pursuit materials in a deadline driven environment
  • Ability to interpret RFQ, RFP, and SOQ requirements and translate them into clear action plans and compliant deliverables
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write, edit, and tailor persuasive proposal content
  • Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent deadlines and contributors
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality control, formatting consistency, and submission accuracy
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with technical professionals and gather information from multiple stakeholders
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, PowerPoint, MS Project, and Excel
  • Experience with InDesign and Adobe Creative Suite is preferred
  • Familiarity with proposal tracking systems, marketing databases, and document management tools is preferred

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, English, Business, or a related field is preferred
  • 4-8 years of proposal coordination, proposal management, marketing, or related experience in a professional services environment
  • AEC industry experience is strongly preferred
  • Public works proposal experience is strongly preferred

Job Type: Full-time in our SoCal Location

Pay: $80 - $110k DOE

Benefits:

  • Medical / Dental / Vision
  • 75% employer health coverage for employee
  • 50% employer health coverage for spouse/children
  • PTO and 12 paid holidays
  • Work from home on Mondays
  • Company-sponsored lunch on Thursdays
  • 401k with employer match up to 10%
  • Company Sponsored Financial Advisor
  • Company Sponsored Wellness coach
  • Referral bonus program

Pay: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $80,000 - $110,000

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