ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Digital Forensic Expert Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sphinx

Digital Forensic Examiner

Fort Belvoir, VA · Remote

$95K - $140K/yr

... providing expert witness testimony regarding digital forensic analysis findings, supporting ... incident response processes to identify, contain, eradicate, and remediate compromised environments ...

Sphinx LLC

Digital Forensic Examiner

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$85K - $145K/yr

... providing expert witness testimony regarding digital forensic analysis findings, supporting ... incident response processes to identify, contain, eradicate, and remediate compromised environments ...

Peraton

Senior Digital Forensic Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

CIF's digital forensics laboratory processes and examines a wide range of digital media using ... Provide expert witness testimony, explaining examination procedures and technical findings to non ...

Peraton

Junior Digital Forensic Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

... expert witness testimony, explaining examination procedures and technical findings to non-technical ... digital forensics, cybersecurity, forensic law, mobile devices and applications, social media ...

Peraton

Junior Digital Forensic Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$66K - $106K/yr

CIF's digital forensics laboratory processes and examines a wide range of digital media using ... Provide expert witness testimony, explaining examination procedures and technical findings to non ...

Peraton

Digital Forensics Examiner

Linthicum, MD · On-site

$135K - $216K/yr

Performs forensic analysis of digital information and gathers and handles evidence. Performs a ... May be required to testify in federal/military court as expert witnesses. Location: Daily work in ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDigital Forensic Expert Jobs

Digital Forensic Expert information

See salary details

$11K

$74.1K

$138K

How much do digital forensic expert jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for digital forensic expert in the United States is $74,125.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do digital forensic experts make?

Digital forensic experts typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Senior professionals with specialized skills or certifications like Certified Computer Examiner (CCE) can earn higher salaries, especially in government or private sectors with complex cases.

What are the typical challenges faced by Digital Forensic Experts when handling digital evidence?

Digital Forensic Experts often encounter challenges such as dealing with encrypted or damaged data, ensuring chain of custody, and keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies. Maintaining the integrity and admissibility of digital evidence is critical, which requires meticulous documentation and adherence to legal procedures. Additionally, collaboration with law enforcement, legal teams, and IT departments is common to accurately interpret findings and present them in a manner understandable to non-technical stakeholders.

What jobs do digital forensics do?

Digital forensic experts investigate cybercrimes and security breaches by collecting, analyzing, and preserving digital evidence from computers, mobile devices, and networks. They often work in law enforcement, cybersecurity firms, or corporate security teams, using tools like forensic software and following legal procedures to support investigations and court cases.

Will AI replace digital forensics?

Digital forensic experts analyze digital evidence to support investigations, and AI tools can assist in automating tasks like data analysis and pattern recognition. However, AI is unlikely to fully replace human expertise, as complex judgment, contextual understanding, and investigative skills remain essential in digital forensics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Digital Forensic Expert, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Digital Forensic Expert, you need a strong background in computer science, cybersecurity, and investigative techniques, often supported by relevant degrees and certifications like CFCE or EnCE. Proficiency with forensic analysis tools such as EnCase, FTK, and Cellebrite, as well as knowledge of file systems and operating systems, is essential. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and strong written and verbal communication skills help you analyze evidence and present findings clearly. These skills ensure accurate evidence collection, effective investigations, and credible testimony in legal proceedings.

What does a digital forensic expert do?

A digital forensic expert investigates cybercrimes and security breaches by collecting, analyzing, and preserving digital evidence from computers, networks, and storage devices. They use specialized tools and techniques to uncover data, ensure its integrity, and prepare reports for legal or organizational use. This role often requires knowledge of cybersecurity, legal standards, and certifications such as EnCase or CISSP.

What is the difference between Digital Forensic Expert vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectDigital Forensic ExpertCybersecurity Analyst
CertificationsEnCE, GCFA, CISSP (optional)CISSP, CEH, Security+
Work EnvironmentInvestigations, legal settings, law enforcementNetwork security, threat monitoring, incident response
Industry UsageLegal cases, criminal investigations, corporate forensicsIT security, risk management, threat prevention

While both roles involve cybersecurity skills, a Digital Forensic Expert specializes in investigating digital crimes and gathering evidence for legal cases, often working in law enforcement or legal environments. A Cybersecurity Analyst focuses on protecting systems proactively from threats and managing security protocols. Understanding these differences helps organizations assign the right expertise for their needs.

What cities are hiring for Digital Forensic Expert jobs? Cities with the most Digital Forensic Expert job openings:
What states have the most Digital Forensic Expert jobs? States with the most job openings for Digital Forensic Expert jobs include:
Infographic showing various Digital Forensic Expert job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,125 per year, or $35.6 per hour.
Digital Forensic Examiner

Digital Forensic Examiner

Sphinx

Fort Belvoir, VA • Remote

$95K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Sphinx Digital Forensic Examiners (DFEs) support sensitive national security investigations and computer network defense operations on behalf of our clients. DFEs operate in a variety of environments ranging from the field to a formal digital forensic laboratory. DFEs will conduct full-spectrum digital forensic tasks to include digital evidence acquisition, triage, analysis, reporting, and testimony. In support of enterprise intrusion investigations, DFEs support incident response procedure and malware analysis to determine the extent of damage and actions taken by cyber criminal and Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) actors.

The roles and responsibilities of the Digital Forensic Examiner can vary depending upon the mission they are supporting and the needs of our clients. Common responsibilities include, providing digital evidence subject matter expertise in support of national security investigations and criminal investigations, providing expert witness testimony regarding digital forensic analysis findings, supporting incident response processes to identify, contain, eradicate, and remediate compromised environments, and conducting dynamic or static malware analysis of suspicious binaries and files.

Candidates seeking a Digital Forensic Examiner position with Sphinx must be mature, motivated, and dedicated to the mission. They must be flexible and adaptable as priorities and mission focus can routinely change from client to client and day to day as cases develop. You will be expected to remain knowledgeable on emerging technologies and threats targeting those technologies and the digital forensic procedures required to investigate their exploitation. Candidates will be expected to possess the ability to translate technical findings into understandable information for consumption by clients, leadership, and jury personnel.

Ideal Digital Forensic Examiner candidates will meet the following requirements:

  • Clearance: Must currently possess an active TS/SCI security clearance and be able to obtain a CI polygraph after hire
  • Years of Experience: Must have at least 3-5 years of experience conducting, or supporting the conduct of, digital forensic analysis, digital media acquisition, mobile device acquisition/analysis, malware analysis, and/or incident response processes
  • Technical Certification: Possess industry recognized technical certifications relevant to the field of Digital Forensics (i.e, GIAC GCFA, GIAC GCFE, EnCE, ACE, DC3 Cyber Crime Investigator, US Army Counterintelligence Digital Threat Investigator (CDTI), DC3 Forensic Examiner, GIAC GREM, etc)


Desired Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited school in a related discipline
  • Completion of Defense Cyber Investigations Training Academy (DCITA) courses to include, Forensic Intrusion in a Windows Environment (FIWE), Windows Forensic Examiner (WFE), Computer Incident Responders Course (CIRC)
  • Familiarity with digital forensic tools such as EnCase, AccessData FTK, Autopsy/Sleuth Kit, SIFT, Magnet Forensics, or others
  • Advanced certifications in digital forensics to include GCFA, GCFE, FTK/EnCase Certified Examiner, or equivalent training
  • Current or former Federal Law enforcement of Counterintelligence qualification or graduate of LE/CI credentialing course (i.e, US Army CISAC (35L/97B), US AFOSI, NCIS, USMC CI/HUMINT, or other 1811 qualification course)


Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $95,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Parental leave
  • Professional development assistance
  • Referral program
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance