Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Secure Spaces Architect
at AECOM
🏢 About AECOM
AECOM is a global leader in infrastructure consulting, delivering sustainable solutions that shape communities and protect national security. With a focus on innovation and technical excellence, AECOM offers a collaborative environment where you can work on mission-critical projects for federal clients.
About This Role
As a Senior Secure Spaces Architect, you will lead the design of high-security facilities like SCIFs and SAPFs, ensuring compliance with strict government standards. Your work directly supports national security by creating safe, functional spaces for sensitive operations.
💡 A Day in the Life
Your day might start with a design review meeting for a new SAPF, collaborating with security engineers and federal clients to refine adjacencies. Afternoon could involve mentoring a junior architect on ICD-705 requirements, followed by updating accreditation documentation for an ongoing project.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For
- Licensed architect with 10+ years of experience in secure facility design, including SCIFs, SAPFs, and classified environments.
- Expert in ICD-705, UFC 4-010-05, and accreditation processes, with a proven track record of leading projects through CSPs and secure design reviews.
- Skilled at translating mission needs and threat profiles into compliant, functional layouts and secure adjacencies.
- Strong communicator who can mentor junior staff and collaborate with senior federal stakeholders.
📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM
Highlight specific projects where you led secure facility design from concept through accreditation, including any CSP involvement.
Quantify your experience with ICD-705 and UFC standards, e.g., number of SCIFs designed or square footage of classified space.
Emphasize your ability to work with federal clients and navigate government approval processes.
Include a portfolio or case studies of secure facilities you've designed, focusing on risk-driven design solutions.
Tailor your resume to include keywords like 'TEMPEST,' 'emnanation security,' and 'construction surveillance plan.'
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your deep expertise in ICD-705 and UFC 4-010-05, with specific examples of compliant designs.', 'Experience leading secure design reviews and collaborating with federal agencies like DoD or IC.', 'Your commitment to mentoring and fostering a culture of technical excellence.', "How your work aligns with AECOM's mission to build sustainable and secure legacies."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review AECOM's recent secure facility projects, especially for federal clients like the DoD or intelligence agencies.
- → Understand AECOM's approach to sustainable design and how it integrates with security requirements.
- → Familiarize yourself with AECOM's company culture and values, particularly around technical excellence and collaboration.
- → Check AECOM's newsroom for any recent awards or thought leadership in secure infrastructure.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to demonstrate specific knowledge of ICD-705 or UFC standards in your application.
- Overlooking the importance of risk-driven design and focusing only on compliance checklists.
- Not providing concrete examples of leading complex projects with federal stakeholders.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!