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Computer Forensic Investigator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Computer Analyst

Dulles, VA · On-site +1

$78K - $144K/yr

Analyzes systems to assist with network intrusion and cybersecurity investigations to determine the ... Bachelor's degree in computer sciences, forensic science, or a closely related field from a college ...

Forensic Intrusion in a Windows Environment (FIWE) | Windows Forensic Examiner (WFE) | Computer ... Cyber Crime Investigator Certification * Graduation from a Counterintelligence credentialing ...

Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI), International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS) certifications: Certified Computer Examiner (CCE) Certified Forensic Computer ...

Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI), International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS) certifications: Certified Computer Examiner (CCE) Certified Forensic Computer ...

Mobile Forensic IT Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$133K/yr

... investigative teams and end users on mobile forensic procedures and tool usage. Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Digital Forensics, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or equivalent experience ...

Host Based Systems Analyst IV

Arlington, VA · On-site

$134K/yr

... forensic teams in preliminary investigation • Planning, coordinating, and directing the inventory, examination and comprehensive technical analysis of computer systems and digital artifacts • ...

Host Forensics Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$131K - $149K/yr

Assisting with leading and coordinating forensic teams in preliminary investigation * Planning, coordinating, and directing the inventory, examination and comprehensive technical analysis of computer ...

Host Forensics Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$131K - $149K/yr

Assisting with leading and coordinating forensic teams in preliminary investigation * Planning, coordinating, and directing the inventory, examination and comprehensive technical analysis of computer ...

Ability to create forensically sound duplicates of computer systems (forensic images) * Able to write cyber investigative reports documenting digital forensics findings * Experience with the analysis ...

... forensic teams in preliminary investigation * Plan, coordinate, and direct the inventory, examination and comprehensive technical analysis of computer related evidence * Distill analytic findings ...

... investigations, and mission support activities. * Support the development and refinement of forensic tools, techniques, and processes. Required Qualifications: * Bachelors (B.S.) degree in Computer ...

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Computer Forensic Investigator information

See Virginia salary details

$32.7K

$76.8K

$131.9K

How much do computer forensic investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer forensic investigator in Virginia is $76,784.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,500.00 and $88,200.00 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Computer Forensic Investigator jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Computer Forensic Investigator jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Computer Forensic Investigator job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,784 per year, or $36.9 per hour.

Forensic Computer Analyst

U.S. Postal Service

Dulles, VA • On-site, Remote

$78K - $144K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Summary
Come join the U.S. Postal Service!
The successful candidate 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.
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Duties
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  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.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  1. Must be a determined suitable for federal employment.
  2. You will be required to obtain and maintain a MBI security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.
  3. Qualified applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening to meet the U.S. Postal Service's requirement to be drug free.
  4. SPECIAL NOTE: Current career USPS and USPIS employees are ineligible to apply for this posting.

Qualifications
  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)
Qualified applicant must successfully pass a drug screening.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
1 vacancy in the following location:
F & TSD Laboratory
22433 Randolph Dr
Dulles, VA 20104-9998
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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The salary will be based on previous experience, 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.