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Computer Forensic Investigator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Principal Engineer - Transport

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

Conduct forensic investigations and litigation support for expert witness services. * Able to ... Experienced with AutoCAD and computer aided analysis/design of structures is required and ...

Principal Engineer - Transport

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

Conduct forensic investigations and litigation support for expert witness services. * Able to ... Experienced with AutoCAD and computer aided analysis/design of structures is required and ...

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Risk & Investigations * Location(s): Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Houston, TX; New York, NY; Portland ... Accounting, Business, Data Science, Business Analytics, Computer Science, Engineering (Systems ...

Showing results 41-60

Computer Forensic Investigator information

See Illinois salary details

$32K

$75K

$128.9K

How much do computer forensic investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer forensic investigator in Illinois is $75,049.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,200.00 and $86,200.00 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 job categories do people searching Computer Forensic Investigator jobs in Illinois look for?

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

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Computer Forensic Investigator jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Computer Forensic Investigator job openings:

Infographic showing various Computer Forensic Investigator job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,049 per year, or $36.1 per hour.

Senior Associate, Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR)

Prescient

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Job Requisition
POSITION TITLE: Senior Associate
PRACTICE/CORPORATE: Digital Forensics & Incident Response
LOCATION: TBD
REPORTS TO: Managing Director
FLSA: Exempt
DATE COMPLETED/REVISED: 06-2026
WHO IS PRESCIENT?
Prescient is a tech-enabled digital intelligence, investigation, and risk advisory firm. Our team helps multinational corporations, law firms, investors, and private clients mitigate risk and discover actionable intelligence using next generation technology and tradecraft. We operate at the intersection of cybersecurity, corporate security, disputes, and intelligence, and support clients around the world from offices in the United States and Europe.
POSITION SUMMARY
Prescient is seeking a dynamic new team member to help grow our Digital Forensics & Incident Response (DFIR) services. Prescient has built a world class DFIR capability over the past several years and is looking to hire a Senior Associate with experience from the public and/or private sector to build on our success and help us innovate.
Final title decisions will be made based on years of experience and candidate expertise.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The team member will generally be responsible for:
  • Leading and/or supporting investigations into cybersecurity incidents, including ransomware, data breaches, and insider threats.
  • Performing incident triage, forensic analysis, malware examination, and log review to identify the root cause and scope of compromise.
  • Conducting forensic imaging and analysis of endpoints, servers, cloud environments, and mobile devices.
  • Preserving and analyzing digital evidence in line with legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Extracting, correlating, and interpreting data from multiple sources to reconstruct attack timelines.
  • Documenting methodologies and findings to support potential litigation, regulatory inquiries, or internal reviews.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: Candidates will have approximately three (3) to five (5) years of experience in digital forensics, incident response, or a related field.
Technical Skills:
  • Strong technical background in digital forensics tools (e.g., Magnet Axiom, EnCase, FTK, Cellebrite, XWays, etc.) and incident response, EDR, and cybersecurity platforms, as well as cloud-based environments (M365, G-Suite, AWS, etc.).
  • Proficiency in handling a variety of operating systems (e.g., Linux, Windows, Mac, iOS, virtual machines, etc.) and file systems (e.g., FAT, NTFS, EXT, etc.). Must be familiar with digital evidence collection from a variety of sources.
  • Proficiency in data and log file analysis and analytics tools such as SQL, Python, Tableau, Splunk, and Excel.

Leadership Abilities: Candidates must have exceptional communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
Certifications (Optional):
  • Certified Computer Examiner (CCE)
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
  • Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE)
  • Other relevant certifications in DFIR or cybersecurity.

Education (Optional): Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
Prescient provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. Please note this job requisition is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change.