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Computer Forensic Investigator Jobs in California

Criminalist II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

... investigations; conduct crime scene reconstructions; prepare evidence for presentation in court ... Blood Alcohol Analysis Computer Forensics Crime Scene Reconstruction Digital Forensics Firearms ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 7, 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:

What job categories do people searching Computer Forensic Investigator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Computer Forensic Investigator jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Computer Forensic Investigator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 79% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,434 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Senior Security Engineer, Digital Forensics

Google

San Jose, CA • On-site

$134K - $184K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Google rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 247 rated software companies


Job description

info_outline
X Applicants in San Francisco: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.Note: By applying to this position you will have an opportunity to share your preferred working location from the following: San Jose, CA, USA; New York, NY, USA; San Francisco, CA, USA.
Minimum qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
  • 5 years of experience with security assessments or security design reviews or threat modeling.
  • 5 years of experience with security engineering, computer and network security and security protocols.
  • 5 years of coding experience in one or more general purpose languages.
  • 4 years of practical experience with digital forensic analysis.

Preferred qualifications:
  • Experience with the current threat landscape including common attack types and malware capabilities.
  • Experience with security of two or more operating systems (e.g., Android, Linux, Unix).
  • Experience with, and detailed understanding of, digital forensics and incident response tools such as GRR, Plaso (log2timeline), The Sleuth Kit (TSK), libyal, or alternatives like Guidance Encase, AccessData FTK, X-Ways Forensics, Cellebrite, Crowdstrike Falcon, Volatility, Mandiant MIR, etc.
  • Experience with reverse engineering or firmware analysis.

About the job
There's no such thing as a "safe system" - only safer systems. Our Security team works to create and maintain the safest operating environment for Google's users and developers. As a Security Engineer, you help protect network boundaries, keep computer systems and network devices hardened against attacks and provide security services to protect highly sensitive data like passwords and customer information. Security Engineers work directly with network equipment and actively monitor our systems for attacks and intrusions. You also work with software engineers to proactively identify and fix security flaws and vulnerabilities.
You use your industry experience to own and drive the resolution of complex security incidents, policy questions and technical security issues.
Google is creating next-generation technologies that will revolutionize how billions of people connect and interact with each other and information. Security and privacy are key components of these new solutions. You are enthusiastic about information security, privacy, and technology, and want to help keep the world safe, making you a great fit for our Security Response team.
Google's Detection and Response team finds and responds to security concerns 24/7 across 3 regions. In Security Response, you will be a member of our global on-call response team and use your security experience and Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR)-specific domain knowledge to investigate and respond to escalations from across Alphabet. Security Response team members train and grow in forensic investigation and crisis management skills, specializing in one or the other as their career grows.
Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
US: $174000 - $252000 (USD) 15% bonus target equity benefits
Learn more about benefits at Google .
Responsibilities
  • Perform investigations on a wide variety of security and privacy events from various sources to determine whether they pose a risk to Google.
  • Participate in large-scale security and privacy incidents, write incident reports, and participate in post-mortems.
  • Participate in internal training to make sure forensic best practices are followed.
  • Work with teams from around Google to discover new investigative and forensics capabilities.
  • Develop internal and Open Source tools used to respond to incidents (e.g., digital forensic toolkits) to support Google's unique environment.

Information collected and processed as part of your Google Careers profile, and any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Google's Applicant and Candidate Privacy Policy .
Google is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the users we serve, creating a culture of belonging, and providing an equal employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), expecting or parents-to-be, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other basis protected by law. See also Google's EEO Policy , Know your rights: workplace discrimination is illegal , Belonging at Google , and How we hire .
If you have a need that requires accommodation, please let us know by completing our Accommodations for Applicants form .
Google is a global company and, in order to facilitate efficient collaboration and communication globally, English proficiency is a requirement for all roles unless stated otherwise in the job posting.
To all recruitment agencies: Google does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Google employees, or any other organization location. Google is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
Equity is granted exclusively and discretionarily by Alphabet Inc. on the basis of an agreement concluded between you and Alphabet Inc. Alphabet Inc. is your sole contractual partner with respect to equity grants. GSU grants are not guaranteed, are discretionary, are subject to approval by the Alphabet Inc. board of directors or its delegate, the terms of the relevant Alphabet Inc. stock plan, and your grant agreement. They have no impact on statutory payments. Current or past grants do not confer an acquired right.

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