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Computer Forensics Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Computer Forensics information

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$24K

$100.6K

$158.6K

How much do computer forensics jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer forensics in California is $100,629.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,712.00 and $135,623.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in computer forensics and how can they be addressed?

Computer forensics professionals often encounter challenges such as dealing with encrypted data, rapidly evolving technology, and maintaining the integrity of digital evidence. Staying current with emerging tools and techniques is crucial, as is meticulous documentation to ensure evidence is admissible in court. Collaboration with law enforcement, legal teams, and IT departments is also essential to overcome technical hurdles and ensure a thorough investigation.

What is computer forensics?

Computer forensics, also known as digital forensics, is the practice of collecting, analyzing, and preserving digital evidence from computers and other electronic devices. Professionals in this field investigate cybercrimes, recover lost data, and provide evidence for legal cases involving digital information. They use specialized tools and techniques to ensure that the evidence remains authentic and admissible in court. Computer forensics experts often work with law enforcement, government agencies, or private companies to uncover digital footprints and solve technology-related crimes.

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

To thrive as a Computer Forensics Specialist, you need expertise in digital evidence collection, data analysis, and a strong understanding of cybersecurity concepts, often supported by a degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a related field. Familiarity with forensic tools like EnCase, FTK, and certification such as Certified Computer Examiner (CCE) or GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA) is typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong written communication are essential soft skills for accurately interpreting and reporting findings. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring digital evidence is preserved, analyzed, and presented effectively in legal or investigative contexts.

What is the difference between Computer Forensics vs Digital Forensics?

AspectComputer ForensicsDigital Forensics
CertificationsEnCE, GCFAEnCE, GCFA
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement, corporate security, consultingLaw enforcement, legal, corporate investigations
Industry UsagePrimarily in cybersecurity and law enforcementBroader, including digital crime, legal cases, and incident response

Computer Forensics and Digital Forensics are closely related fields that often overlap. Computer Forensics focuses on analyzing computers and storage devices, while Digital Forensics covers a wider range of digital media and devices. Both roles require similar certifications and are used in law enforcement and corporate settings. The main difference lies in scope: Computer Forensics is more specific to computers, whereas Digital Forensics includes all digital evidence.

What are the most commonly searched types of Computer Forensics jobs in California? The most popular types of Computer Forensics jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Computer Forensics jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Computer Forensics jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Computer Forensics jobs? Cities in California with the most Computer Forensics job openings:
Infographic showing various Computer Forensics job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 76% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,629 per year, or $48.4 per hour.
Computer Specialist - Network and Digital Forensics Examiner (San Diego)

Computer Specialist - Network and Digital Forensics Examiner (San Diego)

Longeviti

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

$145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Longeviti LLC is searching for a Digital Forensic Examiner with an active TS clearance and SCI eligibility to support NCIS in Camp Pendleton, CA. Candidates must have certification in DCITA DoD Digital Forensic Examiner or FBI Computer Analysis Response Team (CART) and five (5) or more years of experience using Cellebrite UFED4PC/Physical Analyzer, proficiency in FTK, and/or OSForensics.

DESCRIPTION:

Provide detailed forensic examinations for NCIS cases when computers or other digital media are instruments of crime, DoN computer networks are victims, or when computers or other digital media is used to store data of evidentiary or intelligence value. Additionally, serve as SME and testify in court proceedings, test new network-based investigative tools and network monitoring technologies, and provide informal on-the-job training to government staff as needed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Conduct complex and high-profile, non-destructive evaluations of target computer systems to determine operating and file systems, stored information, user and program logs, ownership, and access methodology, as well as security features and usage
  • Provide detailed forensic examinations for NCIS cases
  • Document artifacts and deliverables according to standardized formats and approved templates created through collaboration with NCIS Divisions
  • Follow NCIS organizational policies and procedures
  • Work in a team environment to provide forensic support via active engagement with Cyber-Referent agents
  • Liaison between NCIS agents in the field and NCIS analysts at NCISHQ
  • Collect and preserve critical evidence from large data sets
  • Conduct intrusion identification
  • Write SQL queries to verify/retrieve data
  • Perform log analysis in support of NCIS investigations
  • Conduct forensic extraction and analysis of data and electronic evidence from seized digital media
  • Analyze computer network security settings, server, system, router, firewall, intrusion detection system (IDS) and intrusion prevention system (IPS) logs and packet capture data
  • Assist the NCIS Special Agent as a technical consultant, ensuring that the data is seized in compliance with computer forensic standards and in compliance with chain of custody guidelines
  • Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) and testify in court proceedings regarding forensic procedures utilized to acquire evidence and the description of any evidence obtained
  • Analyze and test network monitoring technologies
  • Test and assess new commercial and government-developed network-based investigative tools for reviewing and improving NCIS' current collection platforms
  • Evaluate and implement new technologies to support the improvement and modernization of the NCIS criminal and intelligence capabilities regarding the gathering digital evidence
  • Provide emergent forensic response support to internal and external surge requirements
  • Configure, install, and maintain Network Intrusion Detection systems and Network Forensic Analysis Tools on locally configured networks

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, COMPETENCIES:

  • Minimum of five years digital forensics experience using Cellebrite UFED4PC/Physical Analyzer. Proficiency with FTK, and/or OSForensics.
  • Expertise with various computer operating systems to include Windows, Linux/Unix, and Macintosh OS.
  • Expertise with a variety of computer hardware to include servers, workstations, desktops, laptops, networking equipment, tablets and cellphones.
  • Full understanding of proper forensic data collection procedures, chain of custody, and documentation procedures in a law enforcement environment.
  • SANS FOR 500 and SANS FOR 585
  • Cellebrite CCO and CCPA.
  • Strong documentation skills.
  • Ability to testify as an expert witness in judicial proceedings.
  • Proficient in information security, information assurance, information technology, and cyber defense best practices and principles.

CERTIFICATIONS OR TRAINING REQUIRED:

  • DCITA DoD Digital Forensic Examiner or FBI Computer Analysis Response Team (CART) certification.

SECURITY CLEARANCE:

  • This position requires the person(s) to be eligible AND adjudicated to Top Secret (TS SCI) clearance level at contract start.

EDUCATION:

  • Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in a Computer Science-related field or five years of equivalent work experience.

SALARY RANGE:

  • $135,0000 USD - $145,000 USD. However, Longeviti considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidateโ€™s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

SAFETY and HEALTH
Longeviti, LLC, as the employer, herein notifies each employee candidate and hired employee of the enterprise-wide employee requirement to follow and adhere to all Longeviti Occupational Safety, Health, and Environmental (LOSH)-E controls, policies, procedures, standards, rules, regulations, orders, and guidelines as a condition of employment (herein referred to as safety controls) as directed by Longeviti, LLC supervision, management, and administration.

BENEFITS
Longeviti offers a comprehensive and generous benefits package. The Longeviti benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance for the employee and/or their families. Longeviti also includes basic life insurance which includes AD&D plus short- and long-term disability for the employee. Employees may elect to enroll in our companyโ€™s 401k plan. Employees will also accrue paid time off and holidays. Additional voluntary elections include legal coverage, supplemental accident, critical illness and hospital insurance plans, and commuter benefits.

ABOUT LONGEVITI
Longeviti, LLC is a government contractor specializing in providing professional support services in the fields of information technology, program management, agency administration, and intelligence analysis.

We are a certified 8(a) and small disadvantaged business that excels in the market having earned our status as an ISO 9001 certified provider of services and are rated as CMMI Level 3 Services. Quality and continuous improvement are basic tenets of the organization and giving our staff the tools to make it happen are a trademark. Customer satisfaction is paramount.

Longeviti, LLC is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. Longeviti is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.