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Computer Forensic Investigator Jobs in California

... investigations. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Conducts forensic examinations of digital and other ... Bachelor's degree in computer sciences, forensic science, or a closely related field from a college ...

Forensic Computer Analyst SR

Richmond, CA · On-site

$133K/yr

... investigations. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Conducts complex and difficult forensic examinations ... International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS) Certified Forensic Computer ...

They are seeking a Manager in Forensic Technology to oversee forensic investigations, consult on ... computer science, engineering, digital forensics, or equivalent from an accredited college or ...

... forensic investigations, ensuring secure outcomes and utilizing industry-standard tools and ... computer science, engineering, digital forensics, or equivalent from an accredited college or ...

... investigations, ensuring secure and defensible outcomes while supervising team members and ... computer science, engineering, digital forensics, or equivalent from an accredited college or ...

Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, digital forensics, or equivalent from an ... Experience conducting iOS, MacOS, and Windows dead box forensic investigations, including employee ...

Senior Associate, Forensic Technology

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$87K - $108K/yr

Responsibilities : • Support execution of end-to-end dead-box forensic investigations across iOS ... computer science, engineering, digital forensics, or equivalent from an accredited college or ...

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Computer Forensic Investigator information

See California salary details

$32.6K

$76.4K

$131.3K

How much do computer forensic investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer forensic investigator in California is $76,434.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,300.00 and $87,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a computer forensic investigator?

Computer Forensic Investigators are professionals who specialize in identifying, collecting, analyzing, and preserving digital evidence from computers and other electronic devices. They often assist law enforcement agencies, private companies, and legal teams in investigating cybercrimes, data breaches, and unauthorized access incidents. Their work involves recovering deleted files, tracing digital footprints, and ensuring evidence is handled according to legal standards so it can be used in court. Computer Forensic Investigators play a crucial role in uncovering digital evidence and supporting criminal and civil investigations.

What are some common challenges faced by computer forensic investigators during digital evidence collection?

Computer Forensic Investigators often encounter challenges such as encrypted data, damaged or deliberately altered devices, and the need to maintain a strict chain of custody to ensure evidence integrity. Working under tight deadlines and managing large volumes of data can also be demanding. Collaboration with law enforcement, legal teams, and IT professionals is essential to navigate these obstacles and ensure that evidence is admissible in court.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a computer forensic investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computer Forensic Investigator, you need expertise in digital evidence collection, data analysis, and a solid understanding of cybersecurity principles, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with forensic tools such as EnCase, FTK, and Cellebrite, along with certifications like GCFA or CCE, is typically required. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and strong written communication are vital soft skills that set top professionals apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for accurately uncovering digital evidence, supporting legal proceedings, and maintaining the integrity of investigations.

What is the difference between Computer Forensic Investigator vs Digital Forensics Analyst?

AspectComputer Forensic InvestigatorDigital Forensics Analyst
CertificationsGCFA, GCFE, EnCEGCFA, EnCE, CISSP
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement, private firms, corporate securityConsulting firms, law enforcement, corporate security
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, cybersecurity firmsLegal, government, private sector
Primary FocusInvestigating cybercrimes, collecting digital evidenceAnalyzing digital data, preparing reports

Both roles involve digital evidence analysis, but Computer Forensic Investigators focus on crime scene investigation and evidence collection, often working with law enforcement. Digital Forensics Analysts tend to analyze digital data for various purposes, including security assessments and legal cases, often in consulting or corporate environments.

What are popular job titles related to Computer Forensic Investigator jobs in California?

For Computer Forensic Investigator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Computer Forensic Investigator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,434 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Forensic Computer Analyst

US Postal Service

Anaheim, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Facility Location

FORENSIC LABORATORY SERVICES

ANAHEIM DIGITAL EVIDENCE UNIT

5335 E LA PALMA AVE

ANAHEIM, CA 92899-9001

Position Information

GRADE: W2 - 02

FLSA DESIGNATION: Exempt

NON-SCHEDULED DAYS: Saturday/Sunday

HOURS: 08:00 A.M. to 04:00 P.M.

BENEFIT INFORMATION: The salary will be based on previous experience, salary history, and current postal pay policies. We offer excellent benefits including health and life insurance, retirement plan, savings/investment plan with employer contribution, flexible spending, flextime scheduling of core work hours, annual and sick leave.

Functional Purpose

Conducts forensic analyses of digital and other multimedia evidence utilizing appropriate scientific methodologies, forensic techniques, and quality assurance practices in support of criminal and administrative investigations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Conducts forensic examinations of digital and other multimedia evidence through the application of scientific practices for the recognition, collection, analysis, and interpretation of digital evidence for criminal and civil law or regulatory purposes.

2. Examines and analyzes evidence and interprets scientific observations and data to render conclusions, form opinions and produce reports utilizing a full range of electronic search methods and forensic examination techniques.

3. Provides expert witness testimony; produces comprehensive reports and illustrative exhibits for federal, state, and local judicial proceedings at a level sufficient to explain evidence interpretations and conclusions from forensic examinations and scientific data to a lay audience.

4. Serves as a subject matter expert and technical advisor in matters relating to the proper collection, preservation, packaging, and submission of digital and multimedia evidence; participates in crime scene evidence collection activities in

major field investigations; ensures evidence handling requirements are met.

5. Performs ongoing evaluation and validation of laboratory instrumentation and methods, operating protocols, and safety practices under supervision; maintains awareness of safety procedures and identifies possible physical conditions and/or laboratory procedures that may create unsafe conditions.

6. Delivers training in laboratory services, evidence collection, crime scene processing and field examination.

7. Conducts studies and research for improving forensic analyses, scientific methods, and resolving forensic examination problems.

8. Acts as liaison with postal management and federal, state, and local organizations on technical developments, forensic methods, and investigative problems of common interest.

9. Analyzes systems to assist with network intrusion and cybersecurity investigations to determine the cause and extent of a breach.

The United States Postal Service has the following excellent and challenging employment opportunity for highly motivated and innovative individuals. Successful candidates must demonstrate through a combination of education, training, and experience the following requirements:

Requirements

1. Ability to communicate orally and in writing in order to prepare reports of examination results and conclusions, and provide testimony as an expert witness before state, federal or other judicial bodies.

2. Ability to provide training related to laboratory services, evidence collection, and field examination.

3. Knowledge of evidence collection, preservation, packaging and shipment procedures sufficient to serve as a technical advisor in such matters and to ensure evidence handling requirements are met.

4. Knowledge of forensic science techniques, laboratory protocols, research methodologies, quality assurance standards and computer forensic and cyber security examination procedures, instrumentation and software sufficient to properly access, preserve, and extract appropriate evidence from a variety of media and conduct detailed and complex analyses and interpretation of the value of evidentiary items.

5. Ability to render conclusions/opinions and make recommendations based on forensic practices of recognition, collection,

and interpretation of digital and multimedia evidence related to computer forensic examinations.

6. Ability to conduct and document scientific research related to computer forensic examinations.

7. EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION: Bachelor’s degree in computer sciences, forensic science, or a closely related field from a

college or university accredited by a national or regional accreditation organization recognized and sanctioned by the U.S. Department of Education. NOTE: Employees in the Forensic Computer Analyst or Forensic Computer Analyst Sr position prior to June 27, 2015 are exempt from this requirement.

Desirable Qualifications: CERTIFICATION: International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS) Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) or the International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners (ISFCE) Certified Computer Examiner (CCE) or Defense Cyber Investigations Training Academy (DCITA) Digital Forensic Examiner (DFE)

**Reimbursement of relocation expenses will NOT be authorized**

Qualified applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening to meet the U.S. Postal Service''s requirement to be drug free.

  • Seniority Level

    Not Applicable

  • Employment Type

    Full-time

  • Job Functions
    • Information Technology
    • Analyst
    • Legal
  • Skills
    • Digital Forensics
    • Cybersecurity
    • Computer Forensics
    • Data Analysis
    • Information Technology
    • Technical Writing
    • Incident Response
    • Expert Witness