Legal Counsel, Employment

We are looking for an Employment Counsel to join our Legal & Compliance Team. As part of a hardworking and efficient team of diverse specialists, you will work with teams building advanced space technology.

About the role

This role is part of Blue Origin corporate functions, providing centralized legal support across business units, locations, and teams. You will directly impact the history of space exploration through your commitment to safe, repeatable spaceflight while helping to lower the cost of access to space.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice to in-house clients on employment compliance issues, including workplace conduct, hiring, leaves, accommodations, investigations, disciplinary actions, separations, and employee relations.
• Balance business needs and risk mitigation while developing subject-matter expertise to support company locations in multiple states.
• Collaborate with other employment counsel and outside counsel on litigation strategy, EEOC responses, and communications with government agencies.
• Support regulatory and compliance matters such as EEOC, OFCCP, AAPs, and EEO-1 reporting.
• Draft legal documents and participate in developing scalable processes with Legal and Human Resources Teams.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience providing employment and labor law advice, handling employment litigation, and defending agency actions (law firm or in-house).
• JD and membership in good standing in at least one state bar; must obtain admission to the Washington, Florida, or Alabama State bar after hire.
• Experience and familiarity with employment laws; ability to develop subject-matter expertise on various employment law topics.
• Excellent research and analysis skills; ability to distill complex legal issues and provide clear, strategic advice.
• Ability to build trust, maintain positive professional relationships, and serve as a trusted advisor to the business.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Position will be based in Renton, WA, Cape Canaveral, FL, or Huntsville, AL.

Desired Experience

• Experience in a startup or fast-paced environment.
• Experience with employee benefits and ERISA law.

Pay

Base pay range for WA applicants: $164,652.00 – $230,512.80. Other site ranges may differ.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Basic and supplemental life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Short- and long-term disability.
• 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%.
• Education Support Program.
• Stock options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week).
• Paid Time Off: Up to four weeks per year based on scheduled hours, plus 14 company-paid holidays.
• Eligibility for additional benefits and bonuses based on role, job level, and individual contributions (at the company’s discretion).

Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change.

Background Check

• Standard background check required for all positions.
• Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check required for roles on military installations.
• Additional requirements for drivers operating commercial motor vehicles (e.g., Driver Qualification Files, medical certification, drug/alcohol testing, CDL if applicable).
• Merchant Mariner Credential may be required for certain roles, including pre-employment and random drug testing, and DOT physical.