Application Guide

How to Apply for Program Manager

at AECOM

🏢 About AECOM

AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm that stands out for its commitment to sustainable development and innovative solutions for complex environmental and infrastructure challenges. Working at AECOM means contributing to projects that shape communities and leave lasting positive impacts, with a particular focus on federal government partnerships that drive national infrastructure improvements.

About This Role

This Program Manager role involves leading construction management teams to deliver nationwide capital construction programs for U.S. Federal Government clients, serving as Owner's Representative to ensure projects meet budget, schedule, and compliance requirements. The position is impactful because it directly influences the successful execution of critical federal infrastructure projects that serve public needs across the country.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves coordinating with federal client representatives to address program priorities, leading team meetings to review progress across multiple construction sites, analyzing risk reports and budget updates, and developing strategic plans to keep the nationwide program on track. You'll spend significant time ensuring compliance with federal requirements while driving performance across the entire construction portfolio.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for AECOM

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For

  • Has 8+ years of program management experience specifically with capital construction programs, not just individual projects
  • Demonstrates proven experience working with U.S. Federal Government clients and deep understanding of federal contracting requirements (FAR/DFARS)
  • Possesses strong leadership skills for managing multidisciplinary teams while effectively partnering with both internal stakeholders and external agencies
  • Shows documented success in risk management, budget oversight exceeding $50M, and complex schedule management for construction programs

📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM

1

Quantify your capital construction program experience with specific metrics (e.g., 'managed $200M program across 15 sites' rather than 'managed large programs')

2

Highlight specific federal government agencies you've worked with (e.g., GSA, DoD, VA) and your understanding of their unique requirements

3

Emphasize your experience as an Owner's Representative and how you've driven performance for client organizations

4

Demonstrate your knowledge of AECOM's federal projects by referencing specific programs or sectors they serve in your application materials

5

Showcase your ability to manage programs from 'conceptual stages through construction closeout' with concrete examples of early planning involvement

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience managing capital construction programs (not just projects) for federal government clients', "Examples of how you've served as an effective Owner's Representative driving performance and managing risk", 'Your ability to lead multidisciplinary teams while coordinating with multiple stakeholders and agencies', "Alignment with AECOM's focus on sustainable infrastructure and innovative solutions in the federal space"]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → AECOM's current federal government projects and contracts, particularly in the Washington, DC area
  • → The company's sustainability initiatives and how they apply to federal infrastructure projects
  • → AECOM's organizational structure for federal programs and key leadership in that division
  • → Recent news about AECOM's federal work and their approach to capital construction program management

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your experience managing a capital construction program from conceptual stage through closeout for a federal client
2 How do you ensure compliance with federal contracting requirements while maintaining program efficiency?
3 Tell us about a time you had to manage significant risk on a federal construction program and the outcome
4 How do you balance the needs of multiple stakeholders (federal agencies, contractors, internal teams) on complex programs?
5 What strategies do you use to keep nationwide construction programs on schedule and within budget?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on project management experience without demonstrating program-level oversight of multiple related projects
  • Failing to show specific federal government experience or understanding of federal contracting requirements
  • Presenting generic construction management experience without highlighting capital program-specific skills and achievements

📅 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:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to AECOM!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →