Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Secure Spaces Architect 

at AECOM

🏢 About AECOM

AECOM is a global leader in infrastructure consulting, committed to delivering sustainable and innovative solutions that address complex challenges. Working at AECOM means joining a team that values technical excellence, safety, and collaboration, with a strong focus on projects that have lasting societal impact.

About This Role

As a Senior Secure Spaces Architect at AECOM, you will lead the design of highly sensitive facilities like SCIFs and SAPFs, ensuring they meet rigorous security standards. Your work directly supports national security missions, translating threat assessments into functional, compliant layouts that protect critical operations.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing design drawings for a new SCIF to ensure compliance with ICD-705, then meeting with Federal stakeholders to discuss threat-driven layout adjustments. You could also mentor a junior architect on secure adjacencies, and later review a contractor's Construction Surveillance Plan for an ongoing project.

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🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For

  • A licensed architect with 10+ years of experience specializing in secure facility design, including SCIFs and SAPFs.
  • Deep expertise in ICD-705, UFC 4-010-05, and agency-specific accreditation processes, with a proven track record of leading projects through certification.
  • Strong ability to collaborate with senior Federal stakeholders, translating mission needs into risk-driven architectural solutions.
  • Experienced in mentoring junior staff and fostering a culture of technical excellence within a multidisciplinary team.

📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific secure facility projects you led from concept through accreditation, including the standards applied (e.g., ICD-705, UFC).

2

Quantify your impact: mention square footage of secure spaces designed, number of SCIFs accredited, or budget sizes managed.

3

Include a portfolio or examples of your work, focusing on secure adjacencies, construction surveillance plans, and threat-driven layouts.

4

Research AECOM's recent secure facility projects and mention them in your cover letter to show alignment with their mission.

5

Emphasize your experience working with Federal clients like DoD, intelligence agencies, or Department of State, and your familiarity with their unique security requirements.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Highlight your deep technical expertise in ICD-705 and UFC standards, with specific examples of leading secure designs through accreditation.', 'Demonstrate your ability to translate threat profiles into functional, compliant layouts that balance security and mission needs.', 'Showcase your experience mentoring junior architects and your commitment to technical excellence and collaboration.', "Express your passion for contributing to national security and your understanding of AECOM's role in building sustainable, secure infrastructure."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review AECOM's portfolio of secure facility projects, especially for Federal clients, to understand their approach and past successes.
  • → Familiarize yourself with AECOM's sustainability initiatives and how they integrate into secure facility design (e.g., energy-efficient SCIFs).
  • → Read recent news about AECOM's involvement in national security infrastructure to speak knowledgeably about current projects.
  • → Understand AECOM's organizational structure and how the Secure Spaces team collaborates with other divisions like civil engineering or environmental services.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through a recent SCIF or SAPF project you led from concept to accreditation, including challenges and how you ensured compliance.
2 How do you approach risk-driven design when threat profiles are ambiguous or evolving?
3 Describe your experience with Construction Surveillance Plans (CSPs) and how you integrate security measures during construction.
4 How do you mentor junior staff on secure facility standards while ensuring project deadlines are met?
5 What is your experience with agency-specific accreditation processes (e.g., for the DoD or IC)?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to emphasize your direct experience with ICD-705 and accreditation processes, which are critical for this role.
  • Being too generic about secure design without mentioning specific standards, threat models, or project outcomes.
  • Overlooking the mentorship aspect: this role requires leading junior staff, so don't neglect to highlight your leadership and teaching experience.

📅 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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