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Entry Level Crime Lab Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

... and lab demonstrations of photonics EW. • Work with ARL manufacturing experts to integrate ... Entry Level Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Adelphi, MD. Pay and ...

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Entry Level Crime Lab information

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$13

$25

$52

How much do entry level crime lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level crime lab in Reston, VA is $25.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.50 and $27.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are entry level crime lab jobs?

Entry level crime lab jobs are positions within forensic laboratories that typically require a bachelor's degree in a science-related field, such as biology, chemistry, or forensic science. These roles involve assisting more experienced forensic scientists and technicians in processing evidence, conducting laboratory tests, and maintaining records. Common entry level positions include forensic lab technician, evidence technician, and laboratory assistant. These jobs provide hands-on experience in collecting, analyzing, and documenting evidence that is used in criminal investigations. Entry level employees often receive on-the-job training and may eventually specialize in areas like DNA analysis, toxicology, or fingerprint analysis.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Crime Lab Technician, you generally need a bachelor's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or a related field, along with a solid understanding of laboratory procedures. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), analytical instruments like spectrometers or chromatographs, and proper evidence handling protocols is expected. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate analysis and reporting, maintaining the integrity of evidence and supporting the justice system.

What is the difference between Entry Level Crime Lab vs Forensic Technician?

AspectEntry Level Crime LabForensic Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate's; some roles prefer relevant certificationsHigh school diploma or associate's; certifications may enhance prospects
Work EnvironmentCrime laboratories, police departments, forensic labsCrime labs, medical examiner offices, law enforcement agencies
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, government labsLaw enforcement, medical examiner offices, private labs
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Crime Lab roles typically involve basic forensic analysis and support tasks within law enforcement laboratories. Forensic Technicians often perform similar duties but may have a broader scope, including evidence collection and processing. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, making them closely related and often compared by job seekers.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level professionals in a crime lab, and how can new hires overcome them?

Entry-level professionals in a crime lab often encounter challenges such as adapting to strict evidence-handling protocols, learning to use specialized laboratory equipment, and managing a high volume of detailed casework under tight deadlines. New hires can overcome these challenges by actively seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues, participating in all available training sessions, and maintaining meticulous organization and documentation. Developing strong communication skills is also essential, as collaboration with law enforcement officers and other forensic experts is a regular part of the job.
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Crime Lab jobs in Reston, VA? For Entry Level Crime Lab jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Crime Lab jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Crime Lab jobs in Reston, VA are:
Photonics Specialist

Photonics Specialist

Actalent

Hyattsville, MD

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description

Description

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Research adversary warfare systems technology trends and techniques

• Participate in defining requirements for EW compact payloads.

• Apply knowledge of adversary technologies and notional blue force concepts of operations to define requirements for EW compact payloads.

• Derive RF requirements for mixed analog, digital and photonics design and translate into photonics specifications.

• Apply novel trends in photonics RF such as wideband receivers and transmitters, oscillators, low-noise amplifiers, high-power amplifiers, filters, and photonics computation to EW applications including receive, process, and transmit.

• Work with multi-mode (mixed analog/digital/photonics) integrated circuit designers to develop requirements and specifications for fabricated and heterogeneously integrated electronics such as photonics integrated circuits.

• Work with ARL photonics experts and utilize lab equipment to develop physical bench-level and lab demonstrations of photonics EW.

• Work with ARL manufacturing experts to integrate photonics RF into heterogeneous structures consisting of conformal antennas, photonics, analog and digital electronics, bio-inspired computing and emerging energy storage layers.

Skills

PhD, Photonics, Radio frequency, optics, analog, digital, electronics, Electronic Warfare

Top Skills Details

PhD,Photonics,Radio frequency,optics

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• graduate from PhD program from R1 university with specialization in Photonics RF to include receivers, transmitters, mixers, filters, oscillators, photonics computation.

• Completion of Post Doc is a plus

• Experience in Electronic Warfare Applications is a plus

Experience Level

Entry Level

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Adelphi, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $130000.00 - $180000.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Adelphi,MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 7, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


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About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

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