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Computer Forensics Investigator Jobs in California

Boeing

Mid-Level Digital Forensic Examiner

Seal Beach, CA · On-site

$105K - $152K/yr

Network Security certifications * eDiscovery and/or Computer Forensics certifications * Experience ... investigations * Experience with strong personal time management skills to effectively meet ...

County of Santa Clara

Criminalist I

San Jose, CA

$98K - $119K/yr

... investigation prior to appointment. Typical Tasks Performs analysis and examines physical evidence in forensic specialty areas such as Audio-Video, Computer Forensics, Drug Chemistry, Trace Evidence ...

Crowe Parentco

Experience leading forensic investigations or supervising engagement teams * Knowledge of computer networking, cloud environments, data security, and computer hardware * Experience with scripting or ...

City of San Diego

Criminalist I

San Diego, CA · On-site

$90K - $109K/yr

... investigations; prepare evidence for presentation in court; testify as expert witnesses; and ... Blood Alcohol Analysis Computer Forensics Crime Scene Reconstruction Digital Forensics Firearms ...

County of Santa Clara, CA

Criminalist I

San Jose, CA · On-site

$98K - $119K/yr

... investigation prior to appointment. Typical Tasks * Performs analysis and examines physical evidence in forensic specialty areas such as Audio-Video, Computer Forensics, Drug Chemistry, Trace ...

City of San Diego, CA

Criminalist I

San Diego, CA · On-site

$90K - $109K/yr

... investigations; prepare evidence for presentation in court; testify as expert witnesses; and ... Computer Forensics * Crime Scene Reconstruction * Digital Forensics * Firearms Identification

City of San Diego

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 ...

Rimkus

Fire Investigator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$83K - $124K/yr

Rimkus experts specialize in building envelope, engineering, forensic consulting, dispute ... Must have knowledge of a variety of computer software applications including but not limited to ...

Rimkus

Fire Investigator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$83K - $124K/yr

Rimkus experts specialize in building envelope, engineering, forensic consulting, dispute ... Must have knowledge of a variety of computer software applications including but not limited to ...

City of San Diego, CA

Criminalist II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

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

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Computer Forensics Investigator information

See California salary details

$30.1K

$69.2K

$112.5K

How much do computer forensics investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer forensics investigator in California is $69,205.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,300.00 and $83,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a computer forensics investigator do?

A Computer Forensics Investigator is a specialist who collects, analyzes, and preserves digital evidence from computers, mobile devices, and other electronic systems. They often work on cases involving cybercrimes, data breaches, or legal disputes requiring digital evidence. Their work involves recovering deleted files, tracing cyberattacks, and presenting findings in legal proceedings. These professionals play a crucial role in ensuring digital evidence is handled properly and remains admissible in court.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a computer forensics investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computer Forensics Investigator, you need a solid background in cybersecurity, digital evidence handling, and investigative procedures, usually supported by a degree in computer science or criminal justice. Familiarity with forensic tools such as EnCase, FTK, and Cellebrite, along with certifications like CFCE or GCFA, is highly valued. Attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help professionals excel in this role. These capabilities ensure accurate evidence collection, proper legal documentation, and successful collaboration with law enforcement during investigations.

What are some common challenges faced by computer forensics investigators during digital evidence collection, and how are they addressed?

Computer Forensics Investigators often encounter challenges such as encrypted data, damaged storage devices, and volatile evidence that may be altered or lost if not handled properly. To address these issues, investigators use specialized tools to create bit-by-bit copies (forensic images) of digital media, ensuring evidence integrity. They also follow strict chain-of-custody procedures and adhere to legal protocols to maintain admissibility in court. Ongoing training and collaboration with IT, law enforcement, and legal professionals are essential for staying current with evolving technologies and methods.

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

AspectComputer Forensics InvestigatorDigital Forensics Analyst
CertificationsGCFA, GCFE, EnCEGCFA, EnCE, CISSP
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement, corporate securityCybersecurity firms, law enforcement
Industry UsageLegal cases, criminal investigationsIncident response, data recovery

Both roles involve analyzing digital evidence, often requiring similar certifications and working in related environments. However, Computer Forensics Investigators typically focus on legal cases and criminal investigations, while Digital Forensics Analysts often work on incident response and cybersecurity threats. The roles overlap but differ mainly in their primary focus and context of investigations.

How do you become a computer forensics investigator?

To become a computer forensics investigator, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a related field. Gaining experience with digital evidence, understanding legal procedures, and obtaining certifications such as the Certified Computer Forensics Examiner (CCFE) or GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA) can enhance job prospects.

How much do computer forensics investigators make?

Computer forensics investigators typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Entry-level roles may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in high-demand environments or with law enforcement agencies.

What are the most commonly searched types of Computer Forensics Investigator jobs in California?

The most popular types of Computer Forensics Investigator jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Computer Forensics Investigator jobs in California?

For Computer Forensics Investigator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Computer Forensics Investigator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Computer Forensics Investigator job openings:

Computer Forensics Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computer Forensics Investigator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 76% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,205 per year, or $33.3 per hour.

Forensic Computer Analyst SR

Richmond, CA • On-site, Remote

U.S. Postal Service
See more jobs at U.S. Postal Serviceexternal

$128K - $178K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 22 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. Maintains quality control of forensic work products by conducting ongoing technical work reviews of forensic computer analysts to ensure examinations are conducted in accordance with accepted analytical methods, scientific standards, and evidence handling requirements.
  5. Designs, conducts and documents scientific research for the purpose of discovering new forensic techniques and validation methods, and resolving forensic examination problems.
  6. 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; oversees and serves as a team leader for crime scene and evidence collection activities during major field investigations.
  7. Develops and implements programs, policies, and procedures to ensure laboratory procedures, forensic examinations, and evidence handling processes are up-to-date and reflective of current trends and techniques within the law enforcement and scientific communities.
  8. Plans, coordinates, and conducts training to inspectors and/or law enforcement officials in laboratory services, evidence collection, and field examination training.
  9. Serves as an authoritative source and provides expert advice on technical developments, analytical techniques, and forensic examination issues; participates in inter-agency task groups.
  10. 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. Knowledge of evidence collection, preservation, packaging, and shipment procedures sufficient to serve as a technical advisor in such matters, and to serve as a crime scene team leader for evidence collection activities during major field investigations.
  2. 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.
  3. Ability to plan, coordinate and conduct training regarding laboratory services, evidence collection, and field examination.
  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 conduct technical work reviews of analysts to ensure quality assurance and digital evidence discipline principles, procedures, and protocols have been followed.
  6. 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.
  7. EDUCATION/ CERTIFICATION: Applicant must possess the one of the following certifications: 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). NOTE: Employees in the Forensic Computer Analyst or Forensic Computer Analyst Sr position prior to June 27, 2015, are exempt from this requirement.
  8. Ability to develop and implement laboratory programs, policies and procedures to ensure laboratory services are reflective of current trends and techniques in the forensic document discipline.
  9. Ability to conduct and document scientific research related to computer forensic examinations.
  10. 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.

Additional information
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.
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