Director of Regulatory Affairs

Application close date:

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

As part of a small, passionate and accomplished team of experts in Washington DC, you will lead Blue Origin's Regulatory Affairs function, engaging strategically with government stakeholders at the highest levels - including Members of Congress, Administration officials, White House staff, and executive agency leadership. This role provides executive-level leadership for Blue Origin's regulatory affairs strategy, shaping regulatory and legislative policy through deep relationships with congressional committees, the FAA, and other executive branch agencies.

This role requires comprehensive understanding of Blue Origin's regulatory interests through direct engagement with technical teams across every business unit, including the technical and legal interpretation of statute and resulting regulations. As a recognized internal and external subject matter expert, you will own and execute a holistic regulatory strategy encompassing legislative action, federal rulemaking leadership, advisory committee representation, and industry coalition building to advance Blue Origin's long-term business interests.

Government Relations leadership includes directing senior-level relationships with lawmakers and executive agency staff, guiding advocacy strategy on Capitol Hill, overseeing policy-related projects, managing federal and state agency interactions, and providing strategic direction to external consultants and Blue Origin partners.

Responsibilities:

• Own and execute a comprehensive advocacy strategy centered on regulatory frameworks that support safety, technological innovation, and open competition in the marketplace
• Serve as Blue Origin's primary subject matter expert and authoritative representative in commercial space regulatory policy, both internally and across the industry
• Develop and maintain deep expertise in existing and emerging policy matters impacting commercial space launch, in-space, and lunar activities, including technical and legal interpretation of relevant statute and regulations
• Proactively monitor Business Unit compliance efforts (e.g., launch licensing) to ensure regulatory roadblocks are identified early and well understood by policymakers
• Build and maintain senior-level relationships with multiple congressional committees (CST, SST, T&I, E&C) to advance awareness of Blue Origin's programs and regulatory priorities
• Influence authorization and appropriations legislation, including the budget process, in alignment with long-term advocacy strategy
• Build and maintain relationships with Administration and agency personnel with commercial space policy oversight, serving as a trusted resource for agency policy teams on industry perspectives
• Lead company participation in rulemaking activities (e.g., federal register actions, advisory committee efforts), coordinating inputs from government sales, legal, communications, and/or program teams
• Represent Blue Origin in industry-wide committees and rulemaking bodies (e.g., FAA Space Aviation Rulemaking Committees), leading deliberations to shape recommendations in alignment with Blue Origin's priorities
• Build coalitions between Blue Origin and peer companies for overlapping policy priorities during agency rulemaking or legislative efforts
• Serve in leadership roles within key industry associations to track and advance Blue Origin's holistic policy priorities
• Leverage expertise and industry relationships to provide authoritative guidance to business unit teams facing regulatory challenges
• Maintain awareness of and provide strategic support for international, civil, and national security portfolios as appropriate
• Provide strategic counsel to executive leadership on regulatory matters with significant long-term business impact

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelors degree
• 7+ years of congressional experience or experience with technical regulatory frameworks
• Hands-on experience interpreting relevant statute and regulations
• Strong working knowledge of the U.S. federal policy and rulemaking process, including authorization, appropriations, and budget development
• Track record of building and engaging senior-level relationships with federal elected officials, Administration officials, White House staff, executive agencies, and industry stakeholders
• Ability to independently develop and drive regulatory and legislative strategy from concept through execution
• Established reputation as a go-to resource for commercial space regulatory policy, both within an organization and across the industry
• Comfortable leading responses to fast-moving or novel issues where organizational positions haven't yet been defined
• Clear and compelling communicator - both written and verbal - in technically complex environments
• Strong attention to detail

Desired:

• Experience working with suppliers, trade associations, and/or industry coalitions at a leadership level, as well as on cross-functional business teams
• Experience with 14 CFR Part 400 regulations and/or 47 CFR Part 25/26 regulations
• Experience leading or participating in Rulemaking Committees or similar federal advisory bodies

Culture Statement

Don't meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S.as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

• Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check

• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation

• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.

• Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

• Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.

• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)

• Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

• Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on "Know Your Rights," please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us View email address on click.appcast.io. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.