Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Secure Spaces Architect 

at AECOM

🏢 About AECOM

AECOM stands out as a global leader in sustainable infrastructure and environmental solutions, with a strong focus on creating lasting positive impacts through innovative projects. Their work with Federal clients on secure facilities aligns with their mission of building sustainable legacies, offering professionals the chance to contribute to critical national security infrastructure while advancing environmental and community goals.

About This Role

As a Senior Secure Spaces Architect at AECOM, you'll lead the design of classified environments like SCIFs and SAPFs, ensuring compliance with ICD-705 and DoD standards while serving as the primary expert for Federal clients. This role is impactful because you'll directly shape secure facilities that protect sensitive information and support national security operations, while also mentoring junior staff and contributing to business development in the Federal sector.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves collaborating with Federal clients to refine secure space requirements, leading design reviews for SCIF compliance with ICD-705 standards, and mentoring junior architects on secure facility best practices. You might also contribute to proposal development for new Federal projects while ensuring designs integrate physical security, access control, and sustainable building practices.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For

  • Has 5+ years of hands-on experience designing SCIFs, SAPFs, or similar classified environments with demonstrated knowledge of ICD-705 and TEMPEST requirements
  • Possesses strong Federal client relationship skills with experience serving as primary point of contact on secure facility projects
  • Understands the integration of physical security, access control, and secure networks within architectural design for classified spaces
  • Has experience mentoring junior architects and contributing to Federal business development through proposals and presentations

📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM

1

Quantify your SCIF/SAPF design experience - specify how many projects, square footage, and compliance standards you've worked with

2

Highlight specific Federal agencies you've worked with and your role in client relationship management

3

Demonstrate your understanding of how ICD-705 and TEMPEST requirements translate into architectural design decisions

4

Showcase any experience with AECOM's sustainability initiatives or how you've incorporated sustainable practices into secure facility design

5

Include examples of mentoring junior staff and contributing to business development in the Federal sector

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with ICD-705 compliance and SCIF/SAPF design, including project examples and outcomes', 'Demonstrated ability to build and maintain Federal client relationships as a primary point of contact', 'Experience mentoring junior architects and contributing to team development in secure space design', "How your approach aligns with AECOM's focus on sustainable infrastructure and innovative solutions"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → AECOM's Federal services portfolio and recent secure facility projects for government clients
  • → The company's 'Sustainable Legacies' strategy and how it applies to infrastructure projects
  • → AECOM's work with specific agencies mentioned in similar job postings (DoD, intelligence community, etc.)
  • → Recent AECOM innovations in secure facility design or sustainable infrastructure

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through your process for ensuring ICD-705 compliance in a recent SCIF design project
2 How have you handled conflicting requirements between different Federal agency standards?
3 Describe your experience integrating physical security systems with architectural design for classified spaces
4 How would you mentor a junior architect who is new to secure space design requirements?
5 What experience do you have contributing to Federal business development proposals for secure facility projects?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Vague descriptions of secure space experience without specific references to ICD-705, SCIFs, or SAPFs
  • Focusing only on technical skills without demonstrating Federal client relationship experience
  • Failing to show how your experience aligns with AECOM's sustainability and innovation focus

📅 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!

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