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Apprentice Computer Forensics Analyst Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

Senior Software Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$139K - $183K/yr

Support security incident investigations and forensic analysis. * Define log retention policies and ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent practical ...

Security Operations Expert

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

Perform log analysis, host-based, and network forensic investigations to identify threats ... Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field (or ...

... forensic construction defect litigation, to help them provide exceptional support solutions for ... Familiarity with computer analysis software (e.g., ETABS, SAP, RISA, RAM, SAFE, etc.) * Valid ...

... analysis, cloud security, adversary simulation, mobile and platform security, forensic ... S. in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field, or equivalent experience * 5+ years of ...

Insider Risk Investigator

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$152K - $208K/yr

Required Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Law ... Proficiency with analytic tools (including UEBA) and understanding their application to insider ...

Showing results 21-40

Apprentice Computer Forensics Analyst information

See Santa Clara, CA salary details

$33.5K

$92.5K

$143.3K

How much do apprentice computer forensics analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for apprentice computer forensics analyst in Santa Clara, CA is $92,500.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,200.00 and $116,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an apprentice computer forensics analyst do?

An Apprentice Computer Forensics Analyst assists in investigating cybercrimes by collecting, preserving, and analyzing digital evidence from computers, mobile devices, and networks. They work under the supervision of experienced analysts to recover deleted files, trace unauthorized activity, and document findings for use in legal cases. This role often involves learning specialized software tools and following strict procedures to ensure evidence integrity. Apprentices gain practical experience while developing the technical and analytical skills needed for a career in digital forensics.

What kinds of cases or investigations might an apprentice computer forensics analyst typically work on, and how does this impact their daily responsibilities?

As an Apprentice Computer Forensics Analyst, you will often assist with investigations involving cybercrimes, data breaches, fraud, or internal policy violations. Your daily tasks may include collecting and preserving digital evidence, analyzing hard drives and mobile devices, and preparing detailed reports for senior analysts or law enforcement. You’ll also collaborate closely with IT security teams, legal professionals, and sometimes law enforcement officers. This variety ensures hands-on experience with real-world cases, helping you build a strong foundation in digital evidence handling and investigative processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice computer forensics analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Computer Forensics Analyst, you need a foundational understanding of computer systems, cybersecurity principles, and investigative techniques, usually supported by relevant coursework or an associate degree in information technology or a related field. Familiarity with forensic tools such as EnCase, FTK, or Autopsy, and knowledge of chain-of-custody procedures, are essential, and certifications like CompTIA Security+ or EC-Council's CHFI can be beneficial. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong written communication help you excel when analyzing digital evidence and preparing reports. These skills and qualifications are crucial for accurately uncovering, preserving, and presenting digital evidence in investigations and legal proceedings.

What is the difference between Apprentice Computer Forensics Analyst vs Computer Forensics Analyst?

AspectApprentice Computer Forensics AnalystComputer Forensics Analyst
CertificationsEntry-level certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+)Advanced certifications (e.g., GCFA, EnCE)
Work ExperienceLimited or no professional experienceSeveral years of experience in digital forensics
Work EnvironmentSupervised training, assisting investigationsIndependent analysis, leading investigations
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning tools, basic data recoveryAnalyzing digital evidence, preparing reports

The main difference is that an Apprentice Computer Forensics Analyst is in training with limited experience and responsibilities, while a Computer Forensics Analyst has more experience, certifications, and independence in handling investigations.

How do you become an Apprentice Computer Forensics Analyst?

To become an Apprentice Computer Forensics Analyst, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with foundational knowledge of computer systems and cybersecurity. Relevant skills include understanding digital evidence, using forensic tools, and often pursuing certifications such as the Certified Computer Forensics Examiner (CCFE) or EnCase Certified Examiner (EnCE). Gaining hands-on experience through internships or entry-level IT roles can also improve prospects in this field.

How much does an Apprentice Computer Forensics Analyst make?

An Apprentice Computer Forensics Analyst typically earns between $30,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on location, employer, and prior experience. Entry-level positions often include training in digital investigation tools and may offer additional benefits as part of the apprenticeship program.

Is computer forensics in demand?

Computer forensics analysts are in increasing demand due to the rise in cybercrime and digital investigations. Employers seek professionals skilled in digital evidence collection, analysis, and tools like EnCase or FTK, often requiring certifications such as GCFA or EnCE. The field offers growth opportunities in law enforcement, cybersecurity firms, and corporate security departments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Computer Forensics Analyst jobs in Santa Clara, CA?

The most popular types of Computer Forensics Analyst jobs in Santa Clara, CA are:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Computer Forensics Analyst job openings in Santa Clara, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,500 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

$139K - $183K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Why Sony Interactive Entertainment?
Sony Interactive Entertainment isn't just the Best Place to Play - it's also the Best Place to Work. Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) is the company behind the PlayStation brand. As a subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation, we're part of a proud legacy of innovation and excellence. SIE is a dynamic technology company, delivering cutting-edge hardware and network services to more than 100 million people and an entertainment leader, home to some of the most beloved and recognizable intellectual properties (IP) in the world. Our role at SIE is to create and nurture the experiences under the PlayStation brand, a name synonymous with entertainment excellence and creativity.
Senior Software Engineer - Logging, Diagnostics & Post-Release Incident Analysis
Overview
The PlayStation Portal Platform team is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to lead the design, development, and operation of Logging and Diagnostics infrastructure that enables rapid detection, investigation, and resolution of Performance, Stability, and Platform Quality issues occurring after products are released to customers.
In this role, you will be responsible for building scalable Logging Architecture, Crash Diagnostics, and Incident Analysis Frameworks that empower engineering teams to perform efficient root cause analysis of field issues. You will collaborate closely with Engineering, Quality Engineering (QE), Customer Support, Security, and Product teams to reduce the time from issue detection to root cause identification and drive continuous improvements in product quality and reliability.
We are looking for engineers who are passionate about quality, thrive on solving complex system-level problems, and take strong ownership in delivering exceptional user experiences through continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Logging Architecture
  • Define and drive the overall platform logging strategy.
  • Design and implement logging frameworks for AOSP-based systems.
  • Establish log collection, storage, retention, and archival strategies.
  • Define structured logging standards and best practices.
  • Design logging mechanisms optimized for field debugging and post-release analysis.
  • Improve platform observability and telemetry quality.

Diagnostics & Debuggability
  • Build infrastructure for Crash, ANR, Native Crash, and Kernel Panic analysis.
  • Define strategies for collecting and analyzing Tombstones, DropBox entries, Bugreports, and diagnostic artifacts.
  • Develop diagnostic frameworks for system failure analysis and troubleshooting.
  • Create tools that support issue reproduction and root cause analysis.
  • Drive initiatives that improve platform debuggability and diagnosability.
  • Partner with development teams to ensure diagnostic capabilities are built into the platform.

Post-Release Incident Analysis
  • Investigate and analyze production issues occurring in customer environments.
  • Identify, classify, and track recurring failure patterns.
  • Lead incident reviews, postmortems, and corrective action initiatives.
  • Drive improvements in Mean Time to Detect (MTTD) and Mean Time to Resolution (MTTR).
  • Provide actionable recommendations to engineering teams for quality improvements.

Monitoring & Alerting
  • Design and implement log-based monitoring systems.
  • Develop anomaly detection mechanisms for platform health and stability.
  • Build automated alerting and escalation frameworks.
  • Create dashboards and reporting tools for field quality monitoring.
  • Define and track reliability metrics and operational KPIs.

Security & Compliance
  • Design and implement secure logging and diagnostics infrastructure.
  • Ensure protection of PII and sensitive customer information.
  • Support security incident investigations and forensic analysis.
  • Define log retention policies and ensure compliance with company and regulatory requirements.
  • Collaborate with Security teams to implement secure-by-design principles.

Required Qualifications
  • A genuine passion for delivering high-quality software and exceptional user experiences, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability for product quality.
  • Experience working in Agile development environments and driving continuous quality improvements through iterative development, data-driven decision making, and customer feedback.
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
  • 5+ years of experience in Android native development with strong expertise in Java/Kotlin and Android Studio.
  • Experience developing Android/AOSP system software.
  • Experience designing and implementing Logging, Diagnostics, or Observability systems.
  • Strong experience with crash analysis, production debugging, and root cause investigation.
  • Experience debugging Linux Kernel or low-level system software issues.
  • Strong programming skills in C/C++, Java, and/or Kotlin.
  • Experience analyzing large-scale production incidents and system failures.
  • Proven track record of conducting Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and driving corrective actions.
  • Strong understanding of software architecture, operating systems, and system software fundamentals.
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience developing Android Framework components.
  • Experience with Kernel Logging, Tracing, and low-level diagnostics.
  • Hands-on experience with Perfetto, Systrace, ftrace, or similar profiling and tracing tools.
  • Experience building or operating Crash Analytics platforms.
  • Experience with Security Incident Response and forensic investigations.
  • Experience developing Consumer Electronics products.
  • Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) experience.
  • Experience with modern JavaScript frameworks such as React, React Native, Angular, or similar technologies for building responsive user interfaces and dynamic applications.
  • Experience designing telemetry, observability, monitoring, or analytics platforms.
  • Familiarity with cloud-native logging and analytics solutions.
  • Experience developing developer tools, debugging tools, or operational dashboards.

What We're Looking For
  • Passion for quality, reliability, and operational excellence.
  • Strong ownership and accountability for outcomes.
  • Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to exceptional user experiences.
  • Ability to investigate complex system-level issues and identify root causes.
  • Strong collaboration skills across cross-functional teams.
  • Continuous improvement mindset and commitment to engineering excellence.

Impact
Your work will directly influence the quality, reliability, and supportability of PlayStation Portal products used by millions of players worldwide.
By building world-class logging, diagnostics, monitoring, and incident analysis capabilities, you will enable engineering teams to detect issues faster, resolve them more efficiently, and continuously improve the customer experience.
At SIE, we consider several factors when setting each role's base pay range, including the competitive benchmarking data for the market and geographic location.
Please note that the base pay range may vary in line with our hybrid working policy and individual base pay will be determined based on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location.
In addition, this role is eligible for SIE's top-tier benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, matching 401(k), paid time off, wellness program and coveted employee discounts for Sony products. This role also may be eligible for a bonus package. Click here to learn more.
The estimated base pay range for this role is listed below.
$193,300-$289,900 USD
Please note, Sony Interactive Entertainment conducts background checks at the offer stage for all new employees (which may include criminal background checks for some roles) and will need to process personal information to support these checks.
Please refer to our Candidate Privacy Notice for more information about what personal information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and your data protection rights.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, maternity or parental status, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.
We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond.
Sony Interactive Entertainment is a Fair Chance employer and qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment.