Application Guide
How to Apply for Digital Solutions Software Developer
at AECOM
🏢 About AECOM
AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm that stands out for its commitment to building sustainable legacies through innovative solutions in water resources, flood mitigation, and environmental projects. Working at AECOM means contributing to meaningful infrastructure that addresses real-world challenges like climate resilience and water management, particularly relevant in the South African context.
About This Role
This Digital Solutions Software Developer role focuses on creating and maintaining geospatial software applications that support water resources engineering and flood mitigation projects. You'll translate engineering requirements into production-ready desktop applications while improving legacy spatial systems, directly impacting how AECOM delivers critical infrastructure solutions to clients across South Africa.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day involves collaborating with water resources engineers to understand requirements, developing or enhancing geospatial desktop applications using spatial libraries, debugging legacy code, and participating in code reviews. You'll balance supporting existing flood modeling software with designing new features that help engineers analyze infrastructure projects more effectively.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For
- Has hands-on experience with spatial software development (GIS platforms, geospatial libraries) and database systems relevant to engineering applications
- Demonstrates ability to quickly learn water resources engineering concepts and apply them to software solutions
- Shows experience with both new development initiatives and maintaining/improving legacy codebases
- Can provide specific examples of delivering complete software solutions from design through deployment within budget constraints
📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM
Highlight specific experience with geospatial software development (mention specific tools like ArcGIS, QGIS, PostGIS, or spatial libraries)
Include examples where you've learned domain-specific knowledge (like engineering concepts) to build better software solutions
Demonstrate both new development AND legacy system maintenance experience in your resume
Research AECOM's water resources projects in South Africa and reference how your skills could contribute
Quantify your impact on previous projects (e.g., 'improved system performance by X%' or 'delivered project Y% under budget')
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your experience with spatial software development and how it applies to engineering/water resources domains', 'Specific examples of translating technical requirements into production-ready applications', 'Your approach to balancing new development with legacy system maintenance', "Why you're interested in AECOM's sustainable infrastructure mission in South Africa specifically"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → AECOM's water resources and flood mitigation projects in South Africa (check their project portfolio)
- → The specific geospatial technologies mentioned in AECOM's other job postings or project descriptions
- → South Africa's water management challenges and infrastructure needs
- → AECOM's sustainability initiatives and how they integrate technology solutions
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Only showing experience with web/mobile development without desktop application or geospatial experience
- Failing to demonstrate ability to learn domain-specific knowledge outside pure software development
- Presenting yourself as only interested in greenfield projects without willingness to maintain legacy systems
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!