Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Secure Spaces Architect 

at AECOM

🏢 About AECOM

AECOM is a global infrastructure firm that builds sustainable legacies through innovative design and environmental stewardship. Working here means contributing to projects that enhance national security while advancing sustainable practices, with a culture that values technical excellence and collaboration.

About This Role

This role leads the architectural design of highly secure facilities like SCIFs and SAPFs, ensuring compliance with stringent government standards. You'll directly support national security missions by translating threat profiles into functional, compliant layouts, while mentoring junior staff to foster technical growth.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a design review meeting for a new SCIF, ensuring layouts meet ICD-705 requirements while optimizing workflow. You could then mentor a junior architect on secure adjacencies, followed by a call with a Federal client to discuss accreditation milestones. Afternoon might involve updating a Construction Surveillance Plan or reviewing threat assessments for an upcoming project.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for AECOM

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For

  • A licensed architect with deep hands-on experience designing SCIFs, SAPFs, or similar classified environments in compliance with ICD-705 and UFC 4-010-05.
  • Proven ability to lead complex projects with senior Federal stakeholders, managing risk-driven design and accreditation processes.
  • Expert in secure facility workflows, including developing Construction Surveillance Plans (CSPs) and conducting secure design reviews.
  • A collaborative mentor who thrives in a culture of technical excellence and can guide junior architects in secure design principles.

📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific ICD-705 and UFC 4-010-05 projects, including your role in accreditation and CSP development.

2

Quantify your experience with secure facility design, e.g., 'Led design for 5+ SCIFs totaling 50,000 sq ft, all accredited without findings.'

3

Include a portfolio or project examples that demonstrate your understanding of secure adjacencies and threat-based design.

4

Research AECOM's recent secure facility projects (e.g., for DoD or intelligence agencies) and mention them in your cover letter.

5

Emphasize your ability to work with senior Federal stakeholders and your familiarity with agency-specific standards beyond the basics.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your direct experience with ICD-705, UFC 4-010-05, and accreditation processes on Federal projects.', "How you've translated mission needs and threat profiles into compliant, functional layouts.", 'Your leadership in mentoring junior staff and fostering a culture of technical excellence.', "Your alignment with AECOM's mission of building sustainable legacies, even in secure environments."]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review AECOM's recent press releases and case studies on secure infrastructure projects, especially those for DoD or intelligence agencies.
  • → Understand AECOM's sustainability initiatives and how they integrate into secure facility design (e.g., energy efficiency in SCIFs).
  • → Familiarize yourself with AECOM's corporate structure and key leaders in the Federal/security practice.
  • → Look into AECOM's career development programs for architects, especially mentorship and technical excellence initiatives.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a complex secure facility project you led—how did you ensure compliance with ICD-705 and manage stakeholder expectations?
2 How do you approach risk-driven design when threat profiles are ambiguous or evolving?
3 Can you walk us through your experience with Construction Surveillance Plans and accreditation documentation?
4 How have you mentored junior architects in secure design principles? Provide a specific example.
5 What strategies do you use to balance security requirements with functional, sustainable design in Federal projects?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to demonstrate specific, hands-on experience with ICD-705 and accreditation—generic 'secure design' claims won't suffice.
  • Overlooking the importance of mentoring and collaboration; this role expects you to contribute to team growth.
  • Not showing familiarity with the full secure facility workflow, from threat analysis to final accreditation.
  • Underestimating the need for Federal stakeholder management experience; highlight your ability to navigate government clients.

📅 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!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →