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 demonstrates their commitment to national security and technical excellence, offering professionals the opportunity to contribute to mission-critical infrastructure with real-world significance.

About This Role

As a Senior Secure Spaces Architect at AECOM, you'll lead the design of classified environments like SCIFs and SAPFs while serving as the primary technical expert for Federal clients. This role directly impacts national security by ensuring compliance with ICD-705 and DoD standards, while also contributing to business development and mentoring junior staff in this specialized field.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves reviewing SCIF design plans for ICD-705 compliance, meeting with Federal clients to discuss secure space requirements, and providing technical guidance to junior architects on classified facility projects. You might also contribute to proposal development for new secure space opportunities and conduct security risk assessments for existing facilities.

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🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For

  • Possesses deep, hands-on experience designing SCIFs, SAPFs, or similar classified facilities with demonstrated expertise in ICD-705 and Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC)
  • Has proven success engaging with Federal clients as a trusted advisor, with strong relationship-building skills and experience in secure space requirements consultation
  • Demonstrates leadership capabilities through mentoring experience and ability to guide teams on complex secure space projects
  • Can conduct security risk assessments and translate Federal standards into practical architectural solutions for classified environments

📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM

1

Quantify your SCIF/SAPF design experience - specify number of projects, square footage, classification levels, and specific standards applied (ICD-705 versions, UFC references)

2

Highlight specific Federal agency experience in your resume - name agencies you've worked with and describe your role in client engagement for secure facilities

3

Include examples of how you've contributed to business development for secure space projects, such as proposal writing, presentations, or marketing materials

4

Demonstrate your mentoring experience with concrete examples of how you've developed junior staff in secure space design

5

Tailor your application to AECOM's sustainability focus by mentioning how you incorporate sustainable practices into secure facility design where possible

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with ICD-705 compliance and designing SCIFs/SAPFs for Federal clients', 'Examples of successful client relationships with Federal agencies and how you served as a trusted advisor', 'Your approach to mentoring and developing junior architects in secure space design', "How your experience aligns with AECOM's mission of building sustainable legacies through innovative infrastructure solutions"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → AECOM's Federal services portfolio and specific secure facility projects they've completed
  • → Recent AECOM sustainability initiatives and how they might apply to secure facility design
  • → AECOM's corporate culture and values, particularly around innovation and collaboration
  • → Current trends in secure facility design and how AECOM is positioned in this market

💬 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 with ICD-705
2 Describe a challenging situation with a Federal client regarding secure space requirements and how you resolved it
3 How would you mentor a junior architect who is new to classified facility design?
4 What experience do you have contributing to proposals or business development for secure space projects?
5 How do you stay current with evolving DoD standards and incorporate them into your designs?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Vague descriptions of secure space experience without specific references to ICD-705, UFC, or actual project details
  • Focusing only on technical skills without demonstrating client engagement or mentoring capabilities
  • Failing to show understanding of AECOM's broader mission beyond just secure facility design

📅 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!

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Good luck with your application to AECOM!

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