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, focusing on building lasting legacies through innovative projects. Working here means contributing to critical national security infrastructure while being part of a company that values sustainability and forward-thinking design. Their Federal projects division offers unique opportunities to work on high-impact, classified environments that serve vital government functions.

About This Role

As Senior Secure Spaces Architect, you'll lead the design of classified environments like SCIFs and SAPFs for Federal clients, ensuring compliance with strict ICD-705 and DoD standards. This role combines technical architecture with client relationship management and business development, making you the go-to expert for secure space solutions. Your work directly supports national security infrastructure while mentoring the next generation of secure space architects.

💡 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 mentoring junior architects on security protocols. You might spend afternoons contributing to proposal development for new secure facility projects while coordinating with engineering teams to integrate sustainable design elements into classified environments.

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🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For

  • Possesses deep, hands-on experience designing SCIFs, SAPFs, or similar classified environments with proven expertise in ICD-705 and Unified Facilities Criteria implementation
  • Demonstrates successful Federal client engagement experience, including serving as primary point of contact and building lasting relationships with government agencies
  • Has experience contributing to Federal business development through proposals, presentations, and marketing materials specifically for secure space projects
  • Shows leadership capability through mentoring junior architects and fostering collaborative, innovative team environments in secure design contexts

📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM

1

Quantify your SCIF/SAPF design experience - specify number of projects, square footage, security levels, and specific ICD-705 standards you've implemented

2

Highlight any previous work with AECOM's Federal clients or similar large-scale infrastructure projects to show understanding of their project scale and complexity

3

Include specific examples of how you've contributed to business development in Federal contracting, such as proposal writing, client presentations, or marketing materials

4

Demonstrate your mentorship experience with concrete examples of junior staff you've developed in secure space design or Federal projects

5

Tailor your resume to emphasize both technical compliance expertise (ICD-705, UFC) AND relationship-building skills with Federal clients

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your specific experience with ICD-705 implementation and secure space design challenges you've overcome", "Examples of successful Federal client relationships you've built and maintained in previous secure space projects", "How your approach aligns with AECOM's sustainability focus while meeting strict security requirements", 'Your experience mentoring teams and contributing to business development in the Federal contracting space']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → AECOM's recent Federal projects and their sustainability initiatives in infrastructure design
  • → The company's specific Federal division structure and recent secure space project announcements
  • → AECOM's approach to innovation in secure environments and their published thought leadership on infrastructure design
  • → How AECOM integrates environmental solutions with national security projects in their portfolio

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through your process for ensuring ICD-705 compliance in a recent SCIF or SAPF design project
2 Describe a challenging Federal client relationship you managed and how you maintained trust while addressing technical requirements
3 How would you approach mentoring junior architects on the nuances of secure space design versus conventional architecture?
4 What experience do you have contributing to Federal proposals or business development efforts for secure facility projects?
5 How do you balance sustainability considerations with the stringent security requirements of classified environments?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Vague descriptions of secure space experience without specific standards (ICD-705, UFC) or project details
  • Focusing only on technical skills without demonstrating Federal client relationship management experience
  • Failing to show understanding of both the architectural AND business development aspects of this senior role

📅 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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