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Digital Forensics Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Our Forensics experts provide value and assist our clients in the area of digital forensics and eDiscovery. The Forensics Principal is responsible for managing delivery of digital forensics services ...

Our Forensics experts provide value and assist our clients in the area of digital forensics and eDiscovery. The Forensics Principal is responsible for managing delivery of digital forensics services ...

As a Digital Forensic team member in Crowe's Consulting Practice , you will be assisting in the implementation of the most efficient and defensible methods to assess data from both traditional and ...

As a Digital Forensic team member in Crowe's Consulting Practice , you will be assisting in the implementation of the most efficient and defensible methods to assess data from both traditional and ...

As a Digital Forensic team member in Crowe's Consulting Practice , you will be assisting in the implementation of the most efficient and defensible methods to assess data from both traditional and ...

As a Digital Forensic team member in Crowe's Consulting Practice , you will be assisting in the implementation of the most efficient and defensible methods to assess data from both traditional and ...

Digital Forensics Consultant

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$62 - $100/hr

As a Digital Forensic team member in Crowe's Consulting Practice, you will be assisting in the implementation of the most efficient and defensible methods to assess data from both traditional and ...

As a Digital Forensic team member in Crowe's Consulting Practice , you will be assisting in the implementation of the most efficient and defensible methods to assess data from both traditional and ...

As a Digital Forensic team member in Crowe's Consulting Practice , you will be assisting in the implementation of the most efficient and defensible methods to assess data from both traditional and ...

As a Digital Forensic team member in Crowe's Consulting Practice , you will be assisting in the implementation of the most efficient and defensible methods to assess data from both traditional and ...

As a Digital Forensic team member in Crowe's Consulting Practice , you will be assisting in the implementation of the most efficient and defensible methods to assess data from both traditional and ...

As a Digital Forensic team member in Crowe's Consulting Practice , you will be assisting in the implementation of the most efficient and defensible methods to assess data from both traditional and ...

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Digital Forensics information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$27

$64

How much do digital forensics jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for digital forensics in Illinois is $27.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $30.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is digital forensics?

Digital forensics is the process of identifying, preserving, analyzing, and presenting digital evidence found on electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, and networks. This field is crucial in both criminal investigations and civil litigation, helping uncover evidence of cybercrimes, data breaches, or unauthorized activities. Digital forensic experts use specialized tools and techniques to recover deleted or hidden data while ensuring the integrity of the evidence is maintained for legal proceedings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a digital forensics professional?

To thrive as a Digital Forensics professional, you need expertise in computer science, investigative techniques, and a solid understanding of cybersecurity principles, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications like GCFA or EnCE. Familiarity with forensic tools such as EnCase, FTK, and X-Ways, as well as experience handling various operating systems and data recovery procedures, is essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong written and verbal communication skills set top professionals apart in this field. These skills ensure accurate evidence collection, thorough analysis, and effective collaboration with legal and law enforcement teams in complex investigations.

What are some common challenges faced by digital forensics professionals during investigations?

Digital forensics professionals often encounter challenges such as encrypted data, rapidly evolving technology, and the need to maintain a strict chain of custody for evidence. They must stay current with new digital devices and platforms, as cybercriminals frequently use advanced techniques to hide or delete data. Additionally, collaborating with law enforcement, legal teams, and IT departments requires clear communication and adherence to legal protocols to ensure evidence is admissible in court.

What is the difference between Digital Forensics vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectDigital ForensicsCybersecurity Analyst
CertificationsGCFA, GCFE, EnCECISSP, Security+, CEH
Work EnvironmentInvestigations, labs, legal settingsNetwork monitoring, threat analysis, incident response
Industry UsageLegal cases, law enforcement, corporate investigationsProtecting networks, preventing attacks, risk management

Digital Forensics focuses on collecting and analyzing digital evidence for legal or investigative purposes, often working in labs or legal settings. Cybersecurity Analysts primarily defend networks and systems from cyber threats, monitoring for vulnerabilities and responding to incidents. While both roles require technical skills and certifications, their work environments and objectives differ significantly.

How do you become a digital forensics specialist?

To become a digital forensics specialist, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a related field. Gaining experience with digital investigation tools, developing strong analytical skills, and obtaining certifications such as Certified Computer Examiner (CCE) or GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA) can enhance job prospects.

How much do digital forensics get paid?

Digital forensics specialists typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and certifications such as Certified Computer Examiner (CCE). Entry-level roles may start lower, while experienced professionals with advanced skills can earn higher salaries, especially in government or private sectors. Salaries can also vary based on geographic location and the complexity of cases handled.

Is digital forensics a good career?

Digital forensics is a growing field that involves investigating cybercrimes and analyzing digital evidence using specialized tools and techniques. It offers opportunities in law enforcement, cybersecurity firms, and private sector organizations, often requiring certifications like GCFA or EnCE. The career can be rewarding for those interested in technology, problem-solving, and legal processes, with steady demand and potential for advancement.

What are the most commonly searched types of Digital Forensics jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Digital Forensics jobs in Illinois are:

What job categories do people searching Digital Forensics jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Digital Forensics jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Digital Forensics jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Digital Forensics job openings:

Infographic showing various Digital Forensics job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,875 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Principal, Digital Forensics

Control Risks

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

This role may be based in San Francisco, Chicago, New York City, or Washington DC.

Our Forensics experts provide value and assist our clients in the area of digital forensics and eDiscovery.

The Forensics Principal is responsible for managing delivery of digital forensics services to our law firm and corporate clients, identifying and securing new opportunities for the Technology practice, and managing new and existing client relationships. The Principal should have a technical background, including extensive work in industry standard forensics tools and workflows. The Principal must have experience in leading and mentoring junior and mid-level forensics technicians across all aspects of the digital forensics lifecycle.

The Principal will support a range of forensic investigations and eDiscovery matters across many different industries, providing assistance with data collections, chain-of-custody documentation, proper evidence handling, forensic analysis, expert reporting, declaration/affidavits, and expert witness testimony.

A successful Principal will seamlessly transition new engagement wins into service delivery and work closely with the Digital Forensics, eDiscovery Consulting and Project Management, and technical Operations teams, through the full lifecycle of projects. The Principal will effectively apply their knowledge of litigation support, investigations and technology to bridge the gap between clients' matter requirements and Control Risks' production and technical resources to ensure work is done to client satisfaction and company standards across a portfolio of matters being supported by the U.S. team domestically and abroad. The Principal will define workflows, manage tasks and balance priorities across projects through active management, direction and coordination of the Digital Forensics team.

The Principal position will require collaboration with Technology practice teams outside of the U.S., including in Brazil, EMEA and APAC, and will help to develop and align on standards and best practices across the global project management team. The ideal candidate will have previous experience and knowledge of international markets and be able to leverage existing relationships to drive revenue for the Technology practice domestically and abroad.

Tasks and responsibilities

  • Provide leadership and guidance to dynamic teams in a fast-paced, multi-task environment with critical deadlines.
  • Assist with day-to-day management of the US and Mexico Digital Forensics team
  • Develop, own and deliver across process improvement initiatives impacting the Technology practice
  • Participate and support on projects involving the identification, collection and analysis of computer systems and electronic data sources
  • Serve as a subject matter expert for digital forensics related matters, including the creation of affidavits, declarations, and expert witness testimony
  • Develop solutions and strategies to collect data with special considerations for the unique environments and project-specific complexities of an engagement
  • Assist clients with the selection of the appropriate technology to meet specific project objectives
  • Manage project close-out process including data return and database archival, ensuring that clients understand the implications of on-going data retention relative to their company's policies
  • Assist the business development team throughout the sales process by building relationships with current and potential future clients, demonstrating firm technology and expertise to potential clients, and providing supporting documentation, including proposals and cost estimates, regarding our offerings
  • Demonstrate business development acumen via networking and other business development activities, showcasing the ability to convert networking relationships to sales leads and new revenue
  • Increase revenue on current engagements by identifying opportunities to cross-sell services offered by the Technology practice and Control Risks as a firm
  • Industry awareness and contribution to business development efforts through participation in industry events, client demos and presentations, and internal technology initiatives
  • Develop and implement new ideas and workflows to create customized solutions on a client-by-client basis
  • Contribute to 3-5 whitepapers, webinars and/or panel discussions per year to increase brand recognition in the market.
  • Perform computer forensic investigations with no oversight
  • Produce finalized drafts of documentation and reports
  • Perform quality control of draft reporting and analysis
  • Utilize quality control and best practices to maintain high-quality work product on all engagements
  • Develop and maintain client relationships, ensuring client satisfaction
  • Data filtering, extractions and staging from forensics images for data processing
  • Utilize off-the-shelf and proprietary data collection, analysis and reporting tools
  • Collaborate with other business lines to develop and deliver innovative technology solutions to assist with adjacent offerings including privacy, cyber, information governance, compliance monitoring and insider risk
  • Mentor junior team members on digital forensics practices