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 sustainable development and innovative solutions across environmental, transportation, and building projects. Working here means contributing to large-scale, meaningful projects that shape communities and national security infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on federal contracts and cutting-edge secure facility design.

About This Role

As a Senior Secure Spaces Architect at AECOM, you will lead the design of classified environments like SCIFs and SAPFs, ensuring compliance with ICD-705 and DoD standards while serving as the primary liaison for Federal clients. This role is impactful because it directly supports national security by creating secure spaces for sensitive government operations and intelligence activities.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves collaborating with Federal clients to refine secure space requirements, developing architectural designs that balance functionality with strict security compliance, and reviewing plans against ICD-705 standards. You might also conduct security risk assessments, update project documentation, and contribute to business development materials for upcoming secure facility proposals.

🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For

  • Has hands-on experience designing SCIFs, SAPFs, or similar classified facilities with demonstrated knowledge of ICD-705 and TEMPEST requirements
  • Possesses strong Federal client management skills, with experience serving as a primary point of contact for secure space projects
  • Understands secure networks, access control systems, and security zoning as they apply to physical facility design
  • Can contribute to business development through proposals and presentations for Federal secure space projects

📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM

1

Highlight specific SCIF or SAPF projects you've designed, including the standards applied (ICD-705, UFC) and client agencies involved

2

Demonstrate your understanding of how TEMPEST requirements influence facility layout and construction in your resume bullet points

3

Research AECOM's recent Federal projects and mention how your experience aligns with their work in secure facilities

4

Include any experience with Federal business development or proposal writing for secure space projects

5

Use terminology from the job description like 'secure communications centers' and 'security risk assessments' to show domain expertise

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your direct experience designing SCIFs/SAPFs and applying ICD-705 standards in previous roles', 'Examples of successful Federal client relationships and project management for secure facilities', 'How you stay current with evolving security standards and incorporate them into design solutions', 'Your ability to contribute to business development through proposals and presentations for secure space projects']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • AECOM's Federal Services division and their recent secure facility projects for government agencies
  • The company's sustainability initiatives and how they might apply to secure facility design
  • AECOM's involvement with intelligence community or Department of Defense contracts
  • Recent updates to ICD-705 standards and how AECOM implements them in their projects

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk through your process for designing a SCIF from initial requirements gathering to final compliance verification
2 How do you handle conflicts between client requests and ICD-705 compliance requirements?
3 Describe your experience with security risk assessments for classified facilities
4 What methods do you use to stay current with evolving DoD standards and UFC updates?
5 How would you approach explaining complex secure space requirements to non-technical stakeholders?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Vague descriptions of secure space experience without specific mention of SCIFs, SAPFs, or ICD-705 compliance
  • Focusing only on architectural design without addressing the security compliance and Federal client aspects
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of how TEMPEST requirements influence physical 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!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to AECOM!