Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Secure Spaces Architect 

at AECOM

🏢 About AECOM

AECOM stands out as a global infrastructure consulting firm that prioritizes building sustainable legacies through innovative solutions, particularly in the public sector and federal space. Their commitment to environmental stewardship and cutting-edge design makes them a leader for architects who want their work to have lasting, positive impact beyond just technical compliance.

About This Role

This Senior Secure Spaces Architect role involves leading the design of highly classified environments like SCIFs and SAPFs for Federal clients, ensuring strict compliance with ICD-705 and DoD standards. It's impactful because you'll directly shape secure facilities critical to national security while mentoring junior staff and contributing to business development at a major federal contractor.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing SCIF design plans for ICD-705 compliance, meeting with Federal clients to discuss secure space requirements, providing technical guidance to junior architects on TEMPEST considerations, and contributing to proposal content for upcoming secure facility projects. You'll balance technical design work with client relationship management and team development.

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🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For

  • Has hands-on experience designing SCIFs, SAPFs, or similar classified spaces with demonstrated knowledge of ICD-705 and TEMPEST requirements
  • Possesses strong Federal client relationship skills and understands how to navigate government contracting environments
  • Can articulate how secure networks, access control, and physical security integrate into architectural planning
  • Has experience mentoring junior architects and contributing to proposals in a consulting or A/E firm context

📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM

1

Quantify your SCIF/SAPF design experience - specify number of projects, square footage, and classification levels handled

2

Highlight any past work with Federal agencies (DoD, IC, etc.) and mention specific standards you've implemented

3

Demonstrate understanding of AECOM's sustainability focus by mentioning how you've incorporated sustainable practices into secure facility design

4

Show business development experience - mention specific proposals you've contributed to or client relationships you've developed

5

Use terminology from the job description like 'ICD-705', 'TEMPEST fundamentals', and 'secure communications centers' throughout your application

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with ICD-705 compliance and TEMPEST requirements in actual projects', "Examples of successful Federal client relationships and how you've served as a trusted advisor", "How you've mentored junior staff in secure space design principles", "Your understanding of AECOM's sustainability mission and how it applies to secure facility design"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → AECOM's recent Federal projects and their sustainability initiatives in government work
  • → The company's structure for Federal services and who their key government clients are
  • → AECOM's approach to innovation in secure facilities (look for case studies or white papers)
  • → Recent changes or updates to ICD-705 and related DoD standards that might affect current projects

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through your process for designing a SCIF from initial client requirements to final compliance certification
2 How have you handled conflicts between architectural design goals and strict ICD-705 requirements?
3 Describe your experience contributing to Federal proposals and business development efforts
4 How would you mentor a junior architect who is new to secure space design?
5 What sustainable design elements can be incorporated into a SAPF without compromising security?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Vague descriptions of secure space experience without specific standards or project details
  • Focusing only on technical skills without demonstrating client relationship or mentoring capabilities
  • Not showing awareness of AECOM's sustainability focus or Federal contracting environment

📅 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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