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Computer Forensic Investigator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Contract personnel perform investigations to characterize of the severity of breaches, develop ... BS Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering or related degree; or HS Diploma and 10+ ...

Contract personnel perform investigations to characterize of the severity of breaches, develop ... Required Education: BS Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering or related degree; or ...

Contract personnel perform investigations to characterize of the severity of breaches, develop ... BS Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering or related degree; or HS Diploma and 10+ ...

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

... computer related evidence - Coordinating with others within the Government and with customer personnel to validate/investigate alerts or other preliminary findings - Conducting analysis of forensic ...

... computer related evidence - Coordinating with others within the Government and with customer personnel to validate/investigate alerts or other preliminary findings - Conducting analysis of forensic ...

S. Citizen Active Secret clearance (T5 investigation) WAGE INFORMATION Target salary range: $120 ... Bachelor's degree in computer science or IT related field is preferred. Certifications * DoD 8570 ...

Responsibilities : • Acquiring/collecting computer artifacts (e.g., malware, user activity, link ... investigate alerts or other preliminary findings • Conducting analysis of forensic images and ...

... coordinating forensic teams in preliminary investigation * Planning, coordinating, and directing the inventory, examination, and comprehensive technical analysis of computer-related evidence

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

Showing results 41-60

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 8, 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.
Infographic showing various Computer Forensic Investigator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 80% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,784 per year, or $36.9 per hour.

Cloud Forensic Analyst III with Security Clearance

Nightwing

Arlington, VA • On-site

$134K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets. Nightwing is supporting a U.S. Government customer to provide support for onsite incident response to civilian Government agencies and critical asset owners who experience cyber-attacks, providing immediate investigation and resolution. Contract personnel perform investigations to characterize of the severity of breaches, develop mitigation plans, and assist with the restoration of services. Nightwing is seeking a Cloud Forensics Analyst to support this critical customer mission. Nightwing business provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets The DHS's Hunt and Incident Response Team (HIRT) secures the nation's infrastructure. HIRT provides DHS's front-line response for cyber incidents and proactive hunting for malicious cyber activity. Nightwing provides support for on and offsite incident response to Government agencies and critical infrastructure owners who experience cyber-attacks. Nightwing provides HIRT advanced technical assistance, proactive hunting, rapid onsite incident response, and immediate investigation, using host and network-based cybersecurity analysis capabilities. Personnel perform investigations to characterize the level of severity of breaches and develop mitigation/remediation plans. Nightwing is seeking Network Forensics Cybersecurity Analysts to support this critical customer mission. Responsibilities: - Assists the Government lead in coordinating teams in preliminary incident response investigations - Assists the Government lead with interfacing with the customer while on site- Determines appropriate courses of actions in response to identified and analyses anomalous network activity - Assesses network topology and device configurations identifying critical security concerns and providing security best practice recommendations - Assists with the writing and publishing of Computer Network Defense guidance and reports on incident findings to appropriate constituencies - Collects network intrusion artifacts (e.g., PCAP, domains, URI's, certificates, etc.) and uses discovered data to enable mitigation of potential Computer Network Defense incidents - Analyzes identified malicious network activity to determine weaknesses exploited, exploitation methods, effects on system and information - Collects network device integrity data and analyze for signs of tampering or compromise - Assists with real-time CND incident handling (i.e., forensic collections, intrusion correlation and tracking, threat analysis, and advising on system remediation) tasks to support onsite engagements Required Skills: - U.S. Citizenship- Must have an active TS/SCI clearance - Must be able to obtain DHS Suitability - 8+ years of directly relevant experience in network investigations - In depth knowledge of CND policies, procedures and regulations - In depth knowledge of TCP/IP protocols - In depth knowledge of standard protocols - ICMP, HTTP/S, DNS, SSH, SMTP, SMB, NFS, etc. - In depth knowledge and experience of Wifi networking - In depth knowledge and experience of network topologies - DMZ's, WAN's, etc. - Substantial knowledge of Splunk (or other SIEM's) - Understanding of MITRE Adversary Tactics, Techniques and Common Knowledge (ATT&CK)- Knowledge of Computer Network Defense policies, procedures, and regulations - Knowledge of defense-in-depth principles and general attack stages with respect to network security architecture - Ability to characterize and analyze network traffic to identify anomalous activity and potential threats to network resources - Ability to identify and analyze anomalies in network traffic using metadata - Experience with reconstructing a malicious attack or activity based on network traffic - Experience examining network topologies to understand data flows through the network - Must be able to work collaboratively across physical locations Desired Skills: - Substantial knowledge of network device integrity concepts and methodologies - Proficiency with network analysis software (e.g. Wireshark) - Proficiency with carving and extracting information from PCAP data - Proficiency with non-traditional network traffic (e.g. Command and Control) - Proficiency with preserving evidence integrity according to standard operating procedures or national standards - Proficiency with designing cyber security systems and environments in a Linux and/or Windows environment - Proficiency with virtualized environments Required Education: BS Computer Science, Cyber Security, Computer Engineering, or related degree; or HS Diploma & 10+ years of network investigations experience. Desired Certifications: - DoD 8140.01 IAT Level II, IASAE II, CSSP Analyst- DoD 8140.01 GCIA, GCIH, CSSP Analyst/CSSP Incident Responder- DoD 8140.01 CEH, CSSP Analyst - SANS GIAC GNFA preferred Employee Referral Award Eligibility: ALL eligibility requirements must be met to receive the Referral Awarding. Arlington, VA Salary & Benefits
The salary associated with this position ($99,000-$206,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate's qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards. Nightwing offers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances. Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.