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Crime Lab Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

PRIDE Health

RN - Cardiac Cath Lab

Baltimore, MD

$2K - $3K/wk

RN - Cardiac Cath Lab Pride-Health offers eligible employees comprehensive healthcare coverage ... We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner ...

ECS

Senior Network Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$158K - $170K/yr

... and criminal justice programs within the National Security Business Unit. The Senior Network ... Validate hardware and software changes in lab or controlled environments before production ...

New

Guidehouse

Laboratory Technician

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$49K - $81K/yr

Assign a unique lab sequence number to each specimen according to protocols; assess each specimen ... Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner ...

Guidehouse

Laboratory Technician

Baltimore, MD

$49K - $81K/yr

Assign a unique lab sequence number to each specimen according to protocols; assess each specimen ... Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner ...

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Crime Lab information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$9

$26

$46

How much do crime lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for crime lab in Silver Spring, MD is $26.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.90 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How hard is it to get into the CSI?

Getting into a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) role typically requires a background in criminal justice, forensic science, or a related field, along with relevant experience or training. Many positions also require certification, such as from the American Board of Criminalistics, and strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and knowledge of forensic tools are essential.

How to get a job in a crime lab?

To work in a crime lab, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or a related field. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory techniques, and familiarity with forensic tools and software; some positions may require certification or experience in evidence analysis. Applying through government agencies or law enforcement departments is common, and background checks are standard due to the sensitive nature of the work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Crime Lab Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Crime Lab Technician, you need a solid background in chemistry, biology, or forensic science, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with laboratory instruments, forensic analysis software, and evidence management systems is essential. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for accurate analysis and reporting. These skills ensure reliable forensic results, support criminal investigations, and maintain the integrity of the justice process.

What are some of the common challenges faced by professionals working in a crime lab environment?

Working in a crime lab often involves handling sensitive evidence under strict protocols, meeting tight deadlines, and ensuring that all analyses are both accurate and legally admissible. Professionals must be detail-oriented and able to manage stress, as errors can have significant legal implications. Collaboration with law enforcement, attorneys, and other scientists is common, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to explain complex findings to non-experts.

What is a crime lab?

A crime lab, short for crime laboratory, is a scientific facility where forensic scientists analyze evidence collected from crime scenes. These laboratories use various techniques and technologies to examine physical evidence such as DNA, fingerprints, drugs, firearms, and other trace materials. The results from crime lab analyses help law enforcement agencies solve crimes, identify suspects, and support criminal prosecutions in court. Crime labs can be operated by local, state, or federal agencies, and often play a crucial role in the criminal justice system.

What is the difference between Crime Lab vs Forensic Technician?

AspectCrime LabForensic Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in forensic science, criminal justice, or a related field; certifications may enhance prospectsRequires a degree in forensic science, biology, chemistry, or related fields; certifications can be beneficial
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, crime scenes, courtroomsCrime scenes, laboratories, law enforcement agencies
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, government labsPolice departments, forensic labs, government agencies

Both Crime Lab professionals and Forensic Technicians work in forensic science, often within law enforcement settings. Crime Lab roles tend to involve more advanced analysis and testing, while Forensic Technicians often assist in collecting evidence and preparing samples. The roles are closely related, with overlapping credentials and work environments, making them common choices for those interested in forensic careers.

What do you need to be a crime lab technician?

To become a crime lab technician, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or a related field. Relevant skills include attention to detail, proficiency with laboratory equipment, and knowledge of forensic analysis techniques; certifications may also enhance job prospects.

How much does a crime lab scientist make?

A crime lab scientist typically earns a median annual salary of around $55,000 to $75,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, certifications, and working in larger or federal laboratories.
What are popular job titles related to Crime Lab jobs in Silver Spring, MD? For Crime Lab jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Crime Lab jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Crime Lab jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Crime Lab jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Crime Lab job openings:
Crime Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Crime Lab job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,290 per year, or $26.1 per hour.
Digital Forensic Lab Technician (Unit 42)

Digital Forensic Lab Technician (Unit 42)

Palo Alto Networks

Reston, VA • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Our Mission
At Palo Alto Networks®, we're united by a shared mission-to protect our digital way of life. We thrive at the intersection of innovation and impact, solving real-world problems with cutting-edge technology and bold thinking. Here, everyone has a voice, and every idea counts. If you're ready to do the most meaningful work of your career alongside people who are just as passionate as you are, you're in the right place.
Who We Are
In order to be the cybersecurity partner of choice, we must trailblaze the path and shape the future of our industry. This is something our employees work at each day and is defined by our values: Disruption, Collaboration, Execution, Integrity, and Inclusion. We weave AI into the fabric of everything we do and use it to augment the impact every individual can have. If you are passionate about solving real-world problems and ideating beside the best and the brightest, we invite you to join us!
We believe collaboration thrives in person. That's why most of our teams work from the office full time, with flexibility when it's needed. This model supports real-time problem-solving, stronger relationships, and the kind of precision that drives great outcomes.
Job Summary
Reporting directly to the Forensic Lab Director, the Digital Forensic Lab Technician is a critical pillar of our lab's operations, ensuring all digital evidence is handled, tracked, and preserved in strict accordance with industry-leading standards. The ideal candidate will excel in a fast-paced, high-stakes laboratory environment where meticulous attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities are essential. Due to the time-sensitive nature of forensic investigations, this role requires schedule flexibility, including occasional evening and weekend work, as well as participation in a holiday on-call rotation.
Key Responsibilities
  • Manage the end-to-end evidence lifecycle-including receipt, inventory, tracking, and auditing-ensuring strict adherence to lab protocols and company standards from case inception to closure.
  • Maintain meticulous chain of custody documentation to guarantee the legal defensibility, security, and integrity of all physical and digital evidence.
  • Perform forensically sound acquisitions and preservations of digital media across diverse platforms, including workstations, servers, mobile devices, and tablets.
  • Triage and fulfill evidence handling and system requests via Jira, ensuring rapid resolution and consistent adherence to internal Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
  • Evaluate, test, and validate emerging forensic hardware, software, and methodologies to continuously enhance lab capabilities and efficiency.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional IT teams to monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot the forensic lab's high-performance computing and secure storage infrastructure.
  • Design and administer comprehensive training modules via Litmos to educate staff on evolving lab workflows, security policies, and forensic systems.
  • Facilitate software and hardware procurement and manage licensing renewals, optimizing internal workflows and ensuring uninterrupted lab operations.
  • Author, review, and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to align with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
  • Execute secure data wiping and evidence disposition protocols for closed cases in accordance with data retention policies and environmental guidelines.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Digital Forensics, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Criminal Justice, or a closely related field.
  • 1+ year of experience and/or new grad with Bachelor's degree.
  • Working knowledge of Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, including file systems and common artifacts.
  • Proven ability to diagnose and resolve routine to complex hardware and software operational issues.
  • Solid understanding of computer networking principles, protocols, and underlying enterprise IT infrastructure.
  • A strong, demonstrated passion for technology, cybersecurity, and digital forensics, with a desire to stay current on emerging trends.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical findings for non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior experience handling digital evidence and a practical understanding of forensic imaging tools, write-blocking techniques, and preservation methodologies.
  • Relevant industry-recognized certifications, such as EnCase Certified Examiner (EnCE), AccessData Certified Examiner (ACE), or similar credentials.

Compensation Disclosure
The compensation offered for this position will depend on qualifications, experience, and work location. For candidates who receive an offer at the posted level, the starting base salary (for non-sales roles) or base salary + commission target (for sales/com-missioned roles) is expected to be the annual range listed below. The offered compensation may also include restricted stock units and a bonus. A description of our employee benefits may be found here.
$74,000.00 - $119,000.00/yr
Our Commitment
We're trailblazers that dream big, take risks, and challenge cybersecurity's status quo. It's simple: we can't accomplish our mission without diverse teams innovating, together.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with a disability. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability or special need, please contact us at accommodations@paloaltonetworks.com.
Palo Alto Networks is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity in our workplace, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or other legally protected characteristics.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Is role eligible for Immigration Sponsorship? No. Please note that we will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

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