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Computer Forensics Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

This position might be called upon to provide technical support to computer users to help solve ... forensic analysis/vulnerability assessment, Group Policy management and configuration, Scripting ...

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Computer Forensics information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$21.3K

$89.2K

$140.7K

How much do computer forensics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer forensics in Rio Rancho, NM is $89,221.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,829.00 and $120,248.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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?

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 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 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.

How much do computer forensics get paid?

Computer forensics specialists typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level roles may start lower, while those with certifications or advanced skills in digital evidence analysis can earn higher salaries, especially in specialized or high-demand environments.

Is computer forensics a good career?

Computer forensics is a specialized field within cybersecurity that involves investigating digital crimes and analyzing electronic evidence. It offers strong job growth, competitive salaries, and requires skills in digital tools, programming, and certifications like GCFA or EnCE. The work often involves problem-solving, attention to detail, and can be performed in various environments including law enforcement, private firms, or government agencies.

What can you do with a computer forensics degree?

A computer forensics degree prepares individuals for roles in digital investigation, cybercrime analysis, and incident response. Graduates can work as digital forensic analysts, cybersecurity specialists, or law enforcement investigators, often using tools like EnCase or FTK and obtaining certifications such as GCFA or EnCE to enhance job prospects.

What are popular job titles related to Computer Forensics jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

For Computer Forensics jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Computer Forensics jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Computer Forensics jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Computer Forensics jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Computer Forensics job openings:

Infographic showing various Computer Forensics job openings in Rio Rancho, NM 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 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,221 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

Early Career R&D Cybersecurity Researcher - Cyber Threat Center, Onsite

Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$102.40 - $199.70/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

About Sandia

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

  • Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
  • Extraordinary co-workers
  • Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
  • Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
  • Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
  • Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov

*These benefits vary by job classification.

What Your Job Will Be Like

Are you passionate about research dedicated to keeping systems safe and thwarting cyber intrusions? Are you dreaming of a chance to develop protective technologies, conduct threat assessments, and analyze government, military, and civilian computer networks? If so, this is the opportunity for you to join Sandia's unique multidisciplinary team committed to solving the information security challenges facing our nation. As part of our team, you will engage in work across the technology spectrum including embedded, mobile, desktop, enterprise, and cloud systems, as well as globally connected networks of networks.

On any given day, you may be called on to:

  • Perform manual and automated reverse engineering, vulnerability assessments, and malware analysis
  • Conduct intrusion prevention, detection, response activities, penetration testing, and forensic investigations.
  • Manage network operations, ensure information protection, and enhance system resiliency.
  • Implement and maintain authentication and authorization mechanisms.
  • Apply cryptographic techniques to secure systems and data.
  • Execute side channel analysis to identify potential vulnerabilities.
  • Perform failure analysis to diagnose and resolve system issues.
  • Gather and analyze threat intelligence to anticipate and mitigate risks.
  • Develop and utilize modeling, simulation, and emulation tools for system evaluation.
  • Apply data science, information theory, and streaming and behavioral analytics to extract actionable insights.
  • Ensure hardware and software trust and assurance throughout the development lifecycle.
  • Design, develop, and maintain real-time operating systems (RTOS) and embedded systems, including IoT devices.
  • Program FPGAs using HDL/VHDL to implement hardware solutions.
  • Deploy and manage virtualization technologies for systems and networks, including cloud environments.
  • Support mobile devices and smart technologies integration and security.
  • Develop and test autonomous systems for various applications.
  • Operate and secure industrial control systems, Operational Technology (OT), and SCADA systems.
  • Research and implement Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions and AI security measures.
  • Applicants on this requisition may be interviewed by multiple organizations at Sandia National Laboratories.

Due to the nature of the job, the selected candidate must be able to relocate and work onsite in Albuquerque.

Applicants on this requisition may be interviewed by multiple organizations at Sandia National Laboratories.

Salary Range

$102,400 - $199,700

*Salary range is estimated, and actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.

Qualifications We Require
  • A Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of directly relevant education and engineering or scientific experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform independent research and development.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q and SCI clearance which may require a polygraph test.
Qualifications We Desire

The ideal R&D S&E Cybersecurity candidate for Sandia National Laboratories will in addition possess the following:

  • Graduate degree in Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Information Systems, Computer Forensics, Mathematics or a directly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation).
  • Experience in one or more of the following: reverse engineering, software vulnerability assessment, web application assessment, computer networking, computer architecture, compilers, or similar computer security topics.
  • Proficiency in scripting or high-level programming.
  • Familiarity with secure-system design principles and information assurance principles.
  • Excellent communication skills and a demonstrated ability to develop technical ideas and results and present them in oral and written form in a concise manner.

Also, for this posting we are seeking individuals with the following experience:

  • Hands-on technical cybersecurity experience/internships.
  • Experience with the following:
    • Competency in firmware or hardware emulation.
    • Data science, machine learning, information theory, and streaming and behavioral analytics, and network protocols.
    • Artificial Intelligence (AI) to include AI Security, data engineering, and machine learning models.
  • Active DOE Q-level security clearance or equivalent (e.g., DOD Top Secret). The position will require the ability to obtain and maintain an SCI clearance, which may require a polygraph test.
About Our Team

As a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), Sandia National Laboratories is continually asked to help address the country's most pressing national security needs. In the Threat Intelligence Center, the mission of the Information Operations Program is to assess, design, implement and influence the development of national security-related information systems and technologies in support of Defense and Intelligence customers and their national security missions.

When applying to this requisition, you may be interviewed and/or hired into one of several groups contributing to the Information Operations mission in the Threat Intelligence Center:

Cyber-Physical Mission R&D

The Cyber-Physical Mission R&D Group performs research and development to assess and protect Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS). We maintain a wide variety of skillsets and capabilities, which enables us to analyze CPS from a system view down to individual components. We provide innovative research and development in the cyber-physical domain for national security missions.

Cyber Intelligence Research

Work in Cyber Intelligence Research Group involves the development and application of various software and hardware tools to analyze complex information systems and technologies for vulnerabilities as well as the development and transfer of solutions for the Nation's most critical information system challenges. These activities include research and development in computer security, computer network security, and vulnerability assessments.

Microelectronics Protection Technologies

The Microelectronics Protection Technologies Group assesses, designs, and influences national-security-related information systems and technologies by developing and applying tools to analyze microelectronic devices and next layer assemblies for vulnerabilities; and developing and transferring solutions to help protect the nation's most critical systems.

Emerging Cyber Capabilities

The Emerging Cyber Capabilities (ECC) Group develops emergent, innovative cyber capabilities. Work within ECC involves synthesizing operational, experimental, threat, and vulnerability data into complex systems understanding for the assessment and protection of high consequence national security systems. The mission of this subprogram is diverse and adaptive, anticipating the evolving threat environments of our national security partner.

Posting Duration

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

Security Clearance

Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance and SCI access, both of which require US citizenship. SCI access may also require a polygraph examination. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain these levels of access may be impacted.

Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by the DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.

EEO

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs

If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.

If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.

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