ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Cloud Forensics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GDIT

Cyber Defense Forensics Lead

Ashburn, VA · Hybrid

$170K - $230K/yr

Oversee advanced endpoint, network, and cloud forensics; guide analysts through complex investigations; develop forensic methodologies and playbooks; and ensure the preservation, analysis, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCloud Forensics Jobs

Cloud Forensics information

See salary details

$10

$64

$92

How much do cloud forensics jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for cloud forensics in the United States is $64.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56.25 and $76.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cloud Forensics Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cloud Forensics Specialist, you need expertise in digital forensics, cloud computing environments, and incident response, often supported by a degree in computer science or cybersecurity and relevant certifications. Familiarity with tools like EnCase, FTK, X-Ways, and cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, as well as certifications like AWS Certified Security or GIAC Cloud Forensics, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for investigating incidents and conveying findings clearly. These competencies are vital for effectively investigating cyber incidents in complex cloud infrastructures and ensuring organizational security and compliance.

What are Cloud Forensics?

Cloud forensics involves the application of digital forensic principles and techniques to cloud computing environments. This field focuses on investigating, collecting, preserving, and analyzing digital evidence from cloud-based systems in order to support legal or organizational investigations. Cloud forensics requires specialized approaches due to the complexity of cloud architectures, the shared responsibility model, and potential jurisdictional challenges. Professionals must understand cloud platforms, service models, and tools to effectively trace activities and reconstruct events in the cloud. As cloud adoption grows, cloud forensics plays an essential role in cybersecurity and incident response.

Is digital forensics high paying?

Digital forensics professionals, including those in cloud forensics, often earn competitive salaries due to the specialized skills required, such as knowledge of cybersecurity tools and forensic analysis techniques. Salaries vary based on experience, certifications, and location but generally tend to be higher than average for IT roles. Advanced certifications like GCFA or EnCE can also contribute to higher earning potential.

What is cloud forensics?

Cloud forensics is the process of collecting, analyzing, and preserving digital evidence from cloud computing environments to investigate security incidents or cybercrimes. It requires specialized knowledge of cloud architectures, virtualization, and relevant tools to ensure evidence integrity and compliance with legal standards.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in cloud forensics, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in cloud forensics often encounter challenges such as limited access to physical hardware, data distributed across multiple geographic locations, and rapidly changing cloud service architectures. To address these issues, it’s important to stay updated on cloud provider policies, leverage specialized forensic tools designed for cloud environments, and maintain clear communication with cloud service providers. Building strong documentation practices and collaborating closely with IT and security teams can also help overcome these obstacles and ensure successful investigations.

Is AI taking over forensics?

In cloud forensics, AI tools are increasingly used to analyze large data sets, identify patterns, and automate routine tasks, enhancing investigation efficiency. However, human expertise remains essential for interpreting complex evidence, making judgments, and ensuring legal compliance. AI supports forensic professionals but does not replace the need for skilled analysts in digital investigations.

What is the highest paid forensic job?

In the field of cloud forensics, senior roles such as Lead Cloud Forensic Analyst or Cybersecurity Director specializing in digital investigations tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and expertise in tools like EnCase or FTK, and they typically involve overseeing complex investigations and managing teams.

What is the difference between Cloud Forensics vs Cloud Security Analyst?

AspectCloud ForensicsCloud Security Analyst
Required CredentialsCertifications like GCFA, GCFE, CISSPCISSP, CCSP, Security+
Work EnvironmentInvestigating security incidents, analyzing digital evidence in cloud environmentsMonitoring, implementing security measures, risk assessment in cloud platforms
Employer & Industry UsageCybersecurity firms, law enforcement, enterprise IT teamsIT departments, cloud service providers, enterprise organizations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding forensic roles in cloud securitySecurity analysis and prevention in cloud environments

Cloud Forensics focuses on investigating security incidents and analyzing digital evidence within cloud environments, often requiring specialized certifications. Cloud Security Analysts primarily monitor, implement, and manage security measures to prevent breaches. While both roles operate in cloud security, Cloud Forensics is more investigative, whereas Cloud Security Analysts focus on proactive defense and risk management.

More about Cloud Forensics jobs
What cities are hiring for Cloud Forensics jobs? Cities with the most Cloud Forensics job openings:
What states have the most Cloud Forensics jobs? States with the most job openings for Cloud Forensics jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cloud Forensics jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cloud Forensics jobs are:
Cloud Forensics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cloud Forensics job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,230 per year, or $64.5 per hour.
Cyber Defense Forensics Lead

Cyber Defense Forensics Lead

General Dynamics Information Technology

Ashburn, VA • On-site

$170K - $230K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

General Dynamics Information Technology rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 206 rated it services

Job description

REQ#: RQ217540Public Trust: None Requisition Type: Regular Your Impact

Own your opportunity to serve as a critical component of our nations safety and security. Make an impact by using your expertise to protect our country from threats.

Job Description

Cyber Defense Forensics Lead

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Cyber Security Directorate (CSD) is leading one of the most comprehensive, mission critical cybersecurity operations in the federal governmentprotecting the digital infrastructure that safeguards Americas borders. This multifaceted program spans 24/7/365 Security Operations Center (SOC) monitoring, advanced threat intelligence, forensics, incident response,cloudand network security engineering, zero trust modernization, vulnerability assessment, and enterprise-wide risk and compliance activities. Key Leads on this program will guide teams at the forefront of national security, supporting sophisticated cyber operations that defend vital systems, enable secure mission execution, and counter rapidly evolving threats. You will find this work uniquely impactful, fast-paced, and deeply collaborative, offering the opportunity to lead high performing technical teams, shape CBPs cybersecurity strategy, and contribute directly to the protection of the nation.

MEANINGFUL WORK AND PERSONAL IMPACT

The Cyber Defense Forensics Lead is a senior technical leader driving CBPs enterprise digital forensics mission, supporting investigations ranging from malware intrusions to insider threats. You will:

  • Oversee advanced endpoint, network, and cloud forensics; guide analysts through complex investigations; develop forensic methodologies and playbooks; and ensure the preservation, analysis, and reporting of evidence that informshighvisibilitysecurity decisions.

  • Work oncuttingedgeforensic cases, shape lab capabilities, collaborate with law enforcement partners, and lead a team that plays a decisive role in protecting CBP systems from sophisticated adversaries.

WHAT YOULL NEED TO SUCCEED

  • Top Secret (With SCI eligibility)clearance.

  • Minimum of seven (7) years of professional experience with a solid understanding of incident response, insider threat investigations, forensics, cyberthreatsand information security.

  • Minimum of five (5) years of hands-on experience with experience in the last two (2) years that includes host-based and network based security monitoring, identifying and analyzing anomalous activities with familiarity in insider threat monitoring software, host-based forensic tools, intrusion detection systems, intrusion analysis functions, security information event management (SIEM) platforms, endpoint threat detection tools, security operations ticket management.

  • Ability to create insider threat focused dashboards,reportsand workflow diagrams.

  • Experience collecting data and reporting results; handling and escalating security issues or emergency situations appropriately;providingincident response capabilities to isolate and mitigate threats tomaintainconfidentiality, integrity, and availability for protected data.

  • Experience with ad hoc training to junior members in a collaborative environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelors degree in information technology, computer science,cybersecurityor a related field preferred.

  • Previousor Current CBP Background Investigation desired.

  • Maintains active Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP).

OWN YOUR OPPORTUNITY
Explore a career in cyber security at GDIT andyoullfind endless opportunities to grow alongside colleagues who share your passion for securing the mission.

Work Requirements
Years of Experience

8 + years of related experience

* may vary based on technical training, certification(s), or degree

Certification
Travel Required

10-25%

Citizenship

U.S. Citizenship Required

Salary and Benefit Information

The likely salary range for this position is $170,000 - $230,000. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.
View information about benefits and our total rewards program.

Our Identity Verification Process

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during virtual interviews. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud. By proceeding, you authorize the collection, processing, and use of your biometric data for identity verification and security purposes.

About Our Work

We are GDIT. A global technology and professional services company that delivers technology and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense and intelligence community. Our 26,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. We operate across over 50 countries worldwide, offering leading capabilities in digital modernization, AI/ML, cloud, cyber and application development. Together with our customers, we strive to create a safer, smarter world by harnessing the power of deep expertise and advanced technology.

Join our Talent Community to stay up to date on our career opportunities and events at gdit.com/tc.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

What General Dynamics Information Technology employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

General Dynamics Information Technology logo

About General Dynamics Information Technology

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

GDIT is a global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense, and intelligence community. Its 30,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. The company operates across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading capabilities in digital modernization, AI/ML, cloud, cyber, and application development.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

View All General Dynamics Information Technology Jobs

Apply