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Dfir Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Cyber Lead

Linthicum, MD · On-site

$175K - $225K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... analysis, cyber defense operations, and mission-critical DFIR activities. Responsibilities: * Lead cyber operations, digital forensics, incident response, intrusion analysis, and malware analysis ...

Senior Cyber Lead

Linthicum Heights, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... analysis, cyber defense operations, and mission-critical DFIR activities. Responsibilities: * Lead cyber operations, digital forensics, incident response, intrusion analysis, and malware analysis ...

Digital Forensics SME

Rockville, MD · On-site

$140K - $184K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Digital Forensics SME provides advanced digital forensics and incident response (DFIR) expertise, supporting investigation, analysis, and remediation of complex cybersecurity incidents across the ...

Digital Forensics SME

Rockville, MD · On-site

$140K - $184K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Digital Forensics SME provides advanced digital forensics and incident response (DFIR) expertise, supporting investigation, analysis, and remediation of complex cybersecurity incidents across the ...

Digital Forensics SME

Rockville, MD · On-site

$140K - $184K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Digital Forensics SME provides advanced digital forensics and incident response (DFIR) expertise, supporting investigation, analysis, and remediation of complex cybersecurity incidents across the ...

Digital Forensics SME

Rockville, MD

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Digital Forensics SME provides advanced digital forensics and incident response (DFIR) expertise, supporting investigation, analysis, and remediation of complex cybersecurity incidents across the ...

Digital Forensics SME

Rockville, MD · On-site

$140K - $184K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Digital Forensics SME provides advanced digital forensics and incident response (DFIR) expertise, supporting investigation, analysis, and remediation of complex cybersecurity incidents across the ...

Digital Forensics SME

Rockville, MD

$140K - $184K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Digital Forensics SME provides advanced digital forensics and incident response (DFIR) expertise, supporting investigation, analysis, and remediation of complex cybersecurity incidents across the ...

Senior Security Analyst, Cyber Defense

$102K - $132K/yr

Digital forensics and incident response (DFIR), SIEM/EDR investigation, threat hunting, adversarial behavior analysis (MITRE ATT&CK), cloud security monitoring, cross-team communication and executive ...

Host Forensics Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$131K - $149K/yr

We are seeking experienced Host Forensics Analysts to provide front line response for digital forensics/incident response (DFIR) and proactively hunting for malicious cyber activity. Eligibility:

Host Forensics Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$131K - $149K/yr

We are seeking experienced Host Forensics Analysts to provide front line response for digital forensics/incident response (DFIR) and proactively hunting for malicious cyber activity. Eligibility:

Showing results 41-60

Dfir Analyst information

See salary details

$31K

$73.3K

$130K

How much do dfir analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for dfir analyst in the United States is $73,261.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $87,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a DFIR analyst?

A DFIR Analyst, or Digital Forensics and Incident Response Analyst, is a cybersecurity professional who investigates and responds to security incidents, such as data breaches or cyberattacks. Their role involves collecting, analyzing, and preserving digital evidence, identifying the scope and impact of incidents, and recommending steps to mitigate future risks. DFIR Analysts utilize specialized tools and techniques to track cyber threats, recover compromised data, and support legal or regulatory actions as needed. They play a crucial role in helping organizations understand and recover from cybersecurity incidents.

What are some common challenges faced by DFIR analysts during incident response investigations?

DFIR Analysts often encounter challenges such as analyzing large volumes of data under tight time constraints, ensuring evidence integrity during collection, and keeping up with rapidly evolving cyber threats. Working across multiple systems and platforms requires strong attention to detail and adaptability. Collaboration with IT, legal, and management teams is essential, and communicating complex technical findings in an understandable way can also be demanding. These challenges make the role dynamic and require continuous learning and effective teamwork.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a DFIR analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a DFIR Analyst, you need a solid understanding of computer forensics, incident response procedures, and network security, typically supported by a degree in cybersecurity or computer science and certifications like GIAC or EnCE. Familiarity with forensic tools (e.g., EnCase, FTK, X-Ways), SIEM platforms, and malware analysis systems is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel when investigating incidents and presenting findings. These skills are essential for accurately identifying, mitigating, and reporting cyber threats to protect organizational assets.

What is the difference between Dfir Analyst vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectDfir AnalystCybersecurity Analyst
Required CertificationsGCFA, GCFE, EnCECISSP, Security+, CEH
Work EnvironmentForensic labs, incident response teamsSecurity operations centers, threat analysis teams
Industry UsageLegal, law enforcement, corporate incident responseIT security, risk management, threat detection

While both roles focus on security and incident handling, Dfir Analysts specialize in digital forensics and evidence collection, often working in legal or law enforcement contexts. Cybersecurity Analysts focus on protecting systems proactively, monitoring threats, and preventing attacks. Both roles require certifications like Security+ or EnCE, but their daily tasks and environments differ significantly.

More about Dfir Analyst jobs
Infographic showing various Dfir Analyst job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 61% In-person, 8% Hybrid, and 31% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,261 per year, or $35.2 per hour.

Senior Cyber Lead with Security Clearance

Quantum Sky

Linthicum Heights, MD • On-site

Other

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Senior Cyber Lead to support the Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center (DC3) Cyber Forensics Laboratory (CFL) mission supporting digital forensics, cyber investigations, intrusion analysis, malware analysis, cyber defense operations, and mission-critical DFIR activities. Responsibilities: * Lead cyber operations, digital forensics, incident response, intrusion analysis, and malware analysis activities supporting the DC3 Cyber Forensics Laboratory (CFL).
* Provide technical leadership and oversight for Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) operations supporting DoD law enforcement, counterintelligence, cyber operations, and Defense Industrial Base (DIB) investigations.
* Lead forensic investigations involving host-based analysis, network intrusion investigations, malware analysis, memory analysis, and cyber threat activity.
* Direct advanced cyber investigations and forensic examinations across Windows, Linux/Unix, macOS, mobile, and enterprise environments.
* Manage forensic workflows, evidence handling procedures, and chain-of-custody compliance in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards and DC3 operational procedures.
* Lead technical analysis of advanced persistent threats (APTs), cyber espionage activity, insider threats, and malicious cyber activity impacting DoD and Federal environments.
* Provide technical oversight of forensic tools, intrusion detection systems, endpoint security solutions, SIEM platforms, and cyber analytics capabilities supporting mission operations.
* Coordinate with Government stakeholders, forensic examiners, cyber analysts, and operational leadership to support active investigations and mission requirements.
* Support development and implementation of operational metrics, dashboards, analytics, and process improvements enhancing mission visibility and operational effectiveness.
* Lead incident response activities including threat containment, forensic acquisition, malware triage, root cause analysis, and operational recovery support.
* Ensure compliance with DoD cybersecurity requirements including RMF, STIG implementation, classified operational handling procedures, and secure evidence management.
* Support tool validation, forensic process standardization, SOP development, and quality assurance activities supporting ANAB ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
* Mentor and develop junior cyber analysts, forensic examiners, and technical personnel supporting the DC3 mission.
* Provide executive-level briefings, technical reporting, and operational updates to Government leadership and mission stakeholders.
* Support operational modernization initiatives including automation, analytics, AI/ML-enabled cyber operations, and workflow optimization.
* Occasional travel to Government and operational locations may be required. Qualifications Required: * Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Systems, Digital Forensics, Engineering, or related field.
* 10+ years of progressive experience supporting cybersecurity, DFIR, cyber operations, digital forensics, or cyber investigative missions.
* 3+ years in a senior technical leadership role supporting cyber operations, DFIR, incident response, or classified mission environments.
* Demonstrated experience conducting host-based forensics, intrusion analysis, malware analysis, memory analysis, and cyber investigations.
* Strong understanding of DoD cybersecurity architecture, RMF, STIGs, cyber defense operations, and classified operational environments.
* Experience supporting SIEM, IDS/IPS, endpoint security, cyber analytics, and enterprise cyber defense technologies.
* Experience managing technical cyber teams, forensic operations, or cyber investigative activities.
* Strong analytical, leadership, technical writing, briefing, and communication skills.
* Experience supporting ISO/IEC 17025 accredited environments, digital evidence handling, or forensic quality assurance processes is highly desired.
* Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, mission-critical operational environments.
Desired: * Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics, Computer Science, or related technical discipline.
* Experience supporting DC3, AFCYBER, USCYBERCOM, NSA, CISA, or Intelligence Community cyber missions.
* Experience supporting malware reverse engineering, threat intelligence, cyber threat hunting, or advanced intrusion investigations.
* In-depth experience with cybersecurity and forensic toolsets including Splunk, ELK Stack, FTK, EnCase, X-Ways, Velociraptor, Volatility, or Wireshark.
* Knowledge of Zero Trust Architecture, enterprise cyber modernization, and AI/ML-enabled cyber operations.
* Experience supporting operational analytics, dashboarding, and cyber workflow automation initiatives.
* Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), GIAC certifications, or advanced DFIR certifications are highly desired.
* ITIL v4 Foundations or operational service management experience is a plus.
Certifications: * DoD 8570 / 8140 baseline certifications required (CompTIA Security+ CE)
* CISSP, CISM, GCFA, GCIH, GCFE, DFE, or equivalent cybersecurity/forensics certifications strongly preferred.
Clearance:  * Top Secret/SCI Eligible Clearance Required.