1

Computer Forensics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Computer Forensics Engineer information

See salary details

$48.5K

$121.5K

$137.5K

How much do computer forensics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer forensics engineer in the United States is $121,515.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,500.00 and $131,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Computer Forensics Engineer vs Digital Forensics Analyst?

AspectComputer Forensics EngineerDigital Forensics Analyst
CertificationsEnCE, GCFAEnCE, GCFA
Work EnvironmentTechnical labs, cybersecurity firms, law enforcementLaw enforcement agencies, consulting firms, corporate security
Industry UsageCybersecurity, law enforcement, legal casesLegal investigations, incident response, compliance

Both roles require similar certifications and often work in overlapping environments, but Computer Forensics Engineers typically focus on developing and implementing forensic tools and techniques, while Digital Forensics Analysts concentrate on analyzing digital evidence for investigations. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in digital forensics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Computer Forensics Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computer Forensics Engineer, you need a solid background in information security, digital investigation techniques, and a relevant degree such as computer science or cybersecurity. Familiarity with forensic tools like EnCase, FTK, and knowledge of operating systems and file systems is essential, and certifications such as GCFA or CCE are highly valued. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong communication skills help professionals excel when interpreting evidence and presenting findings. These competencies are crucial for accurately uncovering, analyzing, and reporting digital evidence in legal and investigative contexts.

What are some typical challenges Computer Forensics Engineers face when collecting and analyzing digital evidence?

Computer Forensics Engineers often encounter challenges related to the preservation and integrity of digital evidence, especially when dealing with encrypted or damaged devices. They must ensure that forensic procedures are meticulously followed to prevent data contamination, which can impact legal admissibility. Additionally, working under tight deadlines and collaborating closely with law enforcement, legal teams, or other IT professionals is common, requiring strong communication skills and adaptability. Staying up-to-date with rapidly evolving technologies and cyber threats is also essential to effectively recover and analyze evidence.

What does a Computer Forensics Engineer do?

A Computer Forensics Engineer specializes in investigating and analyzing digital data to uncover evidence related to cybercrimes or security incidents. Their work involves recovering deleted files, tracing unauthorized activities, and preserving digital evidence in a way that is admissible in court. These professionals often work with law enforcement agencies, corporations, or legal teams to identify breaches, reconstruct cyberattacks, and testify about their findings. They use specialized tools and techniques to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of the data during the investigation process.
Infographic showing various Computer Forensics Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 16% Full Time, 77% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,515 per year, or $58.4 per hour.

Senior Digital Forensics Engineer

Northern Technologies Group

Alexandria, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Description:


Position Summary

Current job opportunity for a SME Digital Forensics Examiner / Malware Analyst supporting the DISA GSM-O program onsite in Alexandria, VA.

An active Top Secret security clearance and demonstrated advanced technical ability in Digital Forensics and Malware Analysis is required. This position provides support to the J6 Pentagon Security Operations Center in conducting Forensic Investigations and Malware Analysis. Activities that this position performs include comprehensive analysis of computer-related evidence and information stored on a device(s) in support of an investigation. This can include performing Malware Analysis if malicious code is suspected to be involved. The investigative tasks will culminate with written reports written in plain business language that detail the findings of analysis. This analysis feeds into implementing defensive measures to prevent future risks to the enterprise.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities

โ€ข Conducts examinations and performs comprehensive technical analysis of computer-related evidence and information during the conduct of an investigation.

โ€ข Conducts detailed analysis of potentially infected or confirmed-infected computer systems, including identification of threat vectors, indicators of compromise for future detection, and compromise attribution.

โ€ข Prepares detailed Forensic or Malware Analysis reports based on analysis of devices in question of the investigation.

โ€ข Provides technical support to the Incident Handling lifecycle, including proper documentation, triage, containment, eradication, and analysis of network and host-based security events


Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

โ€ข Active Top Secret clearance or higher (program can support up to TS/SCI)

โ€ข Current DoD 8570/8140 IAT-II certification.

โ€ข Current DoD 8570/8140 CSSP IR certification.

โ€ข Bachelor's degree and 12+ years of prior experience in Digital Forensics, Malware analysis, or Incident Response work. Additional work experience or Cyber courses/certifications may be substituted in lieu of degree.

โ€ข Demonstrated advanced understanding of various commercial and open-source analysis tools used for digital forensics and malware analysis.

โ€ข Demonstrated experience with cyber security related technologies (e.g., NIDS, HIDS, IPS, and IDS);

โ€ข Cybersecurity experience (Protect, Detect, Respond and Sustain) within a Computer Incident Response organization.

โ€ข Demonstrated understanding of the life cycle of cybersecurity threats, attacks, attack vectors, and methods of exploitation with an understanding of intrusion set tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).

โ€ข Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.

โ€ข Motivated self-starter with strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to create complex technical reports on analytic findings.

Preferred Qualifications

โ€ข IAT-III certification

โ€ข Demonstrated experience with reverse engineering practices

โ€ข BA/BS degree in Computer Science, Information Assurance, or Information Systems

โ€ข Experience with malware analysis concepts and methods.

โ€ข Familiarity or experience in Intelligence Driven Defense, Cyber Kill Chain methodology, and/or MITRE ATT&CK framework.


Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Northern Technologies Group is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law.

Travel

10%

Shift

Normal office hours that align with the core hours of the customer

Note

The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.

This job description 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 at any time with or without notice. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an โ€œat willโ€ relationship.

The salary range listed represents a good faith estimate and is provided in compliance with applicable pay transparency laws. The final compensation offered will be determined based on a variety of factors, including your skills, experience, qualifications, internal equity, and market conditions.

Requirements: