Senior Legal Counsel II, Labor, Employment/HR Ethics & Compliance

Airbus is committed to providing reasonable accommodations as an Equal Opportunity Employer to applicants with disabilities. If you require assistance or an accommodation to complete your application, please contact us at [[email protected]]

## Job Description

Airbus Commercial Aircraft is looking for a **Senior Legal Counsel II, Labor, Employment/HR and Ethics and Compliance** to join our Human Resources Team based in Herndon, VA; Mobile, AL; or Atlanta, GA.

The Senior Legal Counsel, Labor & Employment / HR E&C stakeholder engages in key strategic decision-making designed to reduce Airbus’ risks of reputational, legal, and financial harm. The stakeholder leads all functions related to labor and employment legal within the extended HR team and in direct coordination with the AAI General Counsel.

Primary objectives include leading investigations concerning People Matter conduct, as well as managing labor relations in alignment with the Positive Employee Relations strategy across the US One Roof.

## Meet the Team

Working in our Human Resources department, it’s our mission to help support Airbus’ greatest assets: our team members. Our team works cross-departmentally as well as with our global counterparts to ensure we are making a positive impact on all aspects of our employee experience.

## Your Working Environment

Located just five miles from Washington Dulles International Airport and 30 miles from the U.S. Capitol, this site serves as our major parts distribution hub in the Americas. The facility is a 24/7 fulfillment center with an Aircraft on Ground (AOG) support desk and Quality Assurance (QA) operations.

To best support our customers, our 250,000-square-foot warehouse features a brand-new technology called AutoStore, aimed at increasing productivity.

## How We Care for You

**Financial Rewards:**
Competitive base salary, incentive compensation (including potential profit-sharing schemes), retirement savings plan, and participation in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

**Work/Life Balance:**
Paid time off including personal time, holidays, and a generous paid parental leave program.

**Health & Welfare:**
Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical (traditional and high-deductible plans), prescription, dental, vision, life, disability, Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), and supplemental benefits.

**Individual Development:**
Upskilling and development opportunities through our global Leadership University, including access to 10,000+ e-learning courses, certifications, career path development, and opportunities for national and international mobility.

## Your Challenges

**Lead Employment Legal Topics:**
Draft, negotiate, and review employment-related legal agreements. Design, implement, and review HR policies, support deployment, and partner with stakeholders to execute employee relations strategies, leave management, claims handling, and risk mitigation.

**Employee and Labor Relations:**
Manage labor relations issues, campaigns, organizing responses, and petition filings in the U.S. Direct outside legal counsel and internal HR teams. Lead negotiations of collective bargaining agreements and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

**International Labor Law Network:**
Serve as the U.S. stakeholder in the International Labor Law (ILL) Network Community of Practice by facilitating knowledge exchange and expertise development on transnational labor topics.

**HR M&A Activities:**
Work with the AAI General Counsel and Director of Affiliate Governance on mergers and acquisitions from an HR legal perspective. Collaborate with HR leadership on strategic and operational initiatives.

**E&C People Matters:**
Lead investigations of all Ethics & Compliance People Matters across the U.S. Coordinate employee relations matters and assess associated risks.

**Compliance:**
Collaborate with the AAI General Counsel and Director of Affiliate Governance on compliance expectations, gap analysis, mitigation strategies, and audit support.

**Leadership:**
Manage performance and work of the Senior Legal Counsel (Labor), Labor Relations Manager, and HR Compliance Manager. Support and guide the Director of Employee Relations and related stakeholders.

## Your Boarding Pass

* Juris Doctor (JD) from an American Bar Association-accredited law school
* Admission to the bar in Alabama, New York, or Virginia
* Current CLE credits
* 10+ years practicing law with emphasis on labor and employment issues
* Experience with state or federal labor enforcement agencies (preferred)
* Experience with legislative bodies or committees (preferred)
* Experience with professional organizations supporting employment issues (preferred)
* Experience leading teams across countries, cultures, and organizations
* Experience with large, matrixed workforce planning
* Experience with Positive Employee Relations strategies
* Experience in industrial or manufacturing environments

**Travel Required:**
20% (domestic and international)

**Citizenship:**
Authorized to work in the U.S. without visa sponsorship

## Knowledge, Skills, and Demonstrated Capabilities

* Strong stakeholder management skills
* Advanced knowledge of federal, state, and local employment law and HR regulations
* Exceptional analytical and investigative abilities
* Strong attention to detail
* Excellent presentation and negotiation skills
* Experience working with executive leadership
* High level of client service skills
* Experience in geographically dispersed teams (preferred)
* Experience with international organizations (preferred)
* Manufacturing or aerospace experience (preferred)

## Communication Skills

* Fluent in written and spoken English
* Strong written, presentation, interpersonal, and consultative skills
* Effective, results-oriented problem-solving skills
* French, German, or Spanish (preferred)

## Technical Systems Proficiency

* Proficient in standard office productivity tools
* Experience with Google Workspace (preferred)

## Level of Decision Making

* High exposure to compliance-related risks, including government fines and sanctions
* Requires coordination with regional and enterprise stakeholders
* Advanced negotiation and stakeholder management required
* Responsible for an operational budget of $800,000

## Nature of Contacts

Regular involvement in negotiation-based communication with internal and external parties.

## Physical Requirements

**Onsite:** 60%
**Remote:** 40%

* **Vision:** Daily computer and document use
* **Hearing:** Daily communication in person and via phone/teleconference
* **Speaking:** Daily participation in meetings and discussions
* **Equipment Operation:** Daily use of office and electronic equipment
* **Carrying/Lifting:** Up to 30 lbs several times per week
* **Pushing/Pulling:** Office furniture and equipment as needed
* **Sitting:** Extended periods at a computer
* **Squatting/Kneeling:** Occasional
* **Standing:** Daily
* **Travel:** Occasional, sometimes short notice
* **Walking:** Daily across office and production areas

Appropriate hearing and eye protection may be required when visiting the shop floor.

## Apply

Take your career to a new level and apply online now!

## Compliance Statement

This job requires awareness of compliance risks and a commitment to integrity as a foundation for the company’s success, reputation, and sustainable growth.

## Company Information

**Company:** Airbus Americas, Inc.
**Employment Type:** US – Direct Hire
**Experience Level:** Professional
**Remote Type:** Flexible
**Job Family:** Legal

**Job Posting End Date:** 04/17/2026

## Equal Opportunity Statement

Airbus provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Airbus complies with all applicable laws governing nondiscrimination in employment and prohibits workplace harassment of any kind.

Airbus does not sponsor visas for U.S. positions unless specified. Only applicants with current work authorization will be considered. Employment is at will.

By submitting your application, you consent to Airbus using your information for recruitment and monitoring purposes.

Airbus is committed to workforce diversity and inclusion and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.

Airbus will never request monetary exchange during the recruitment process. Any such impersonation should be reported to [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).

## About Us

Airbus is an international pioneer in the aerospace industry and a global leader in designing, manufacturing, and delivering aerospace products, services, and solutions.

With divisions spanning Commercial Aircraft, Space & Defence, and Helicopters, Airbus is the largest aeronautics and space company in Europe and a worldwide leader. The company operates approximately 180 locations, works with 12,000 suppliers globally, and has assembly lines across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Airbus has experienced significant growth, achieving more than a sixfold increase in its order book since 2000.