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Forensic Analyst Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Arete

Forensic Analyst

Northridge, CA · On-site

Performs digital forensic analysis on Windows, Apple Mac, and Linux based operating systems, in addition to the analysis of networking appliances including but not to, VPN and firewall appliances

Arete

Forensic Lead

Northridge, CA · On-site

Oversees Forensics analysis and supports multiple Tiger Teams and engagements for matters beyond Ransomware/BEC matters. * Leads investigations for projects beyond Ransomware and BEC including Cloud ...

Arete

Forensic Lead

Northridge, CA · On-site

Oversees Forensics analysis and supports multiple Tiger Teams and engagements for matters beyond Ransomware/BEC matters. * Leads investigations for projects beyond Ransomware and BEC including Cloud ...

US Postal Service

Forensic Computer Analyst

Anaheim, CA · On-site

Functional Purpose Conducts forensic analyses of digital and other multimedia evidence utilizing appropriate scientific methodologies, forensic techniques, and quality assurance practices in support ...

US Postal Service

Forensic Computer Analyst SR

Richmond, CA · On-site

$133K/yr

Functional Purpose Conducts complex and difficult forensic analyses of digital and other multimedia evidence utilizing appropriate scientific methodologies and forensic techniques in support of ...

Aperture, LLC

Forensic Expert

Long Beach, CA

... forensic specialists and technical consultants who clarify complex events, strengthen business ... You will collect and analyze scientific findings, including principal directions of force, changes ...

Vivo HealthStaff

340B Analyst

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Vivo HealthStaff is recruiting for a 340B Analyst in Berkeley, California. This is a permanent position with salary and benefits. Job Overview: We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented ...

Vivo HealthStaff

340B Analyst

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Vivo HealthStaff is recruiting for a 340B Analyst in Berkeley, California. This is a permanent position with salary and benefits.Job Overview:We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented 340B ...

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All JobsForensic Analyst JobsForensic Analyst Jobs in California

Forensic Analyst information

See California salary details

$44.4K

$85.3K

$132.2K

How much do forensic analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic analyst in California is $85,342.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,100.00 and $99,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forensic analyst?

A forensic analyst supports law enforcement agencies at every level of government by processing and analyzing evidence of crimes. As a forensic analyst, you specialize in a particular area of the field, such as crime scene investigation, blood spatter analysis, DNA analysis, and computer analysis. Your work primarily takes place in a laboratory, although you may have to go into the field to collect evidence directly from a crime scene. If you specialize in crime scene investigation, then the majority of your work occurs in the field. Your job duties include collecting and analyzing crime scene evidence to help solve crimes.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Analyst, you need a solid background in criminal justice or forensic science, strong analytical skills, and attention to detail, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with forensic software tools, evidence management systems, and laboratory equipment is typically required, and certifications such as the Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) can be advantageous. Effective communication, critical thinking, and the ability to work under pressure are essential soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate collection, analysis, and presentation of evidence, which are critical for supporting investigations and legal proceedings.

What are some common challenges a forensic analyst may face when handling digital evidence?

Forensic Analysts often encounter challenges such as dealing with encrypted files, rapidly evolving technology, and ensuring the integrity of digital evidence throughout the investigation process. Maintaining a strict chain of custody is essential, as is keeping up-to-date with the latest forensic tools and techniques. Additionally, working under tight deadlines to support ongoing investigations and testifying in court as an expert witness can add pressure to the role.

What is the difference between Forensic Analyst vs Crime Scene Investigator?

AspectForensic AnalystCrime Scene Investigator
CredentialsForensic science degree, certifications like ASCLD/LABCriminal justice or forensic science degree, law enforcement training
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, offices, data analysis settingsCrime scenes, outdoor and indoor locations
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labsPolice departments, crime scene units
Primary FocusAnalyzing evidence, lab testing, report writingCollecting evidence, documenting crime scenes

While both roles work within the forensic and criminal justice fields, forensic analysts primarily focus on laboratory analysis and evidence interpretation, whereas crime scene investigators are responsible for collecting evidence at crime scenes. Both roles require specialized training and often collaborate to solve cases.

Do forensic analysts get paid a lot?

Forensic analysts typically earn a competitive salary that varies based on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start around $50,000 annually, while experienced analysts with specialized skills or certifications can earn over $80,000 or more per year.

Is a forensic analyst a good job?

A forensic analyst is a specialized role that involves examining evidence to support criminal investigations, often requiring knowledge of forensic science, laboratory skills, and attention to detail. The job can offer stable employment, opportunities for advancement, and the chance to contribute to justice, but it may also involve irregular hours and exposure to graphic material. Overall, it can be a rewarding career for those interested in science and law enforcement.
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Forensic Analyst jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Analyst job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 9% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,342 per year, or $41 per hour.

Forensic Analyst

Arete

Northridge, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Performs digital forensic analysis on Windows, Apple Mac, and Linux based operating systems, in addition to the analysis of networking appliances including but not to, VPN and firewall appliances
  • Documents forensic findings in accordance with the standards set forth within the Arete Forensic Tracker and develop a master timeline and visual attack map of the events
  • Identifies additional sources (systems, logs, etc.) to collect based on the analysis and identifies gaps based on the lifecycle of attack
  • Works with the Security Operations Center (SOC) to leverage data from monitoring and alerts provided by installed applications and deployed EDR solutions to identify Indicators of Compromise (IOCs), Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) for variants related to case
  • Delivers Forensics findings and updates to the team in a clear, concise manner through a narrative story outlining the timeline of events. Modifies delivery in-line with the call's audience and technical capabilities
  • Tracks findings and capture data points related to investigations to enhance and inform our threat intelligence
  • Raises technical constraints and issues within the Forensics team to identify detail of the incident and escalate to Forensic leadership
  • Maintains updated case analyst notes, the Forensic tracker, timeline and attack map for collaboration within the team in our centralized case location
  • Drafts detailed updates regarding investigative findings and conclusions drawn from analysis regarding the timing and mechanism of the initial intrusion, adversary actions, timeline of activity/lateral movement, and indicators of data access and/or exfiltration
  • Identifies, documents, and shares information such as critical IOCs or adversary TTP's as they uncovered with the Incident Response, Threat Intel, and Security Operations teams
  • Communicates identified IOCs to the Tiger Team in furtherance of the investigation, path to restoration/response, and for bolstering of Client's security posture
  • Employs the usage of incident-mapping frameworks such as MITRE's ATT&CK and Lockheed Martin's Cyber Kill Chain to help contextualize identified adversary actions/IOCs
  • Produces written incident, investigative updates and reports at the explicit direction of counsel partners
  • Communicates within the DFIR team and provide routine status updates within our case management platform
  • Works with cross-functional teams and collaborate to leverage threat intel TTPS/IOC's, information from our SOC/Threat Hunting team, and updates from our Negotiations teams to leverage the intelligence as part of the incident
  • Drafts reports and appendices based on the findings using the standard report templates
  • Accurately track and record time for forensic analysis
  • May perform other duties as assigned by management

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
  • Deep understanding of Forensic artifacts, including (but not limited to) the analysis of operating system artifacts and the recovery of deleted items from multiple operating systems including Windows, Linux, Mac and RAM/memory forensics
  • Experience analyzing network and operating system log files including Windows Event logs, Unified Audit Logs, Firewall logs, VPN logs, etc.
  • Working knowledge of:
  • Windows disk and memory forensics
  • Network Security Monitoring (NSM), network traffic analysis, and log analysis
  • Unix or Linux disk and memory forensic
  • Experience and understanding of enterprise security controls
  • Experienced with EnCase, Axiom, FTK, X-Ways, SIFT, Splunk, Redline, Volatility, WireShark, TCP Dump, and other open-source forensic tools
  • Experience delivering technical findings to a non-technical audience, preferred
  • Provide findings in a confident, factual manner, preferred
  • Knowledge and experience in handling PII, PHI, sensitive, confidential and proprietary datasets, preferred
  • Experience with Cyber insurance investigations, preferred

JOB REQUIREMENTS
  • Associate's degree and 4+ years of incident response or digital forensics experience or Bachelor's Degree in Information Security, Computer Science, Digital Forensics, Cyber Security or related field
  • Possess One or more of the following Certifications
  • Security +, Network+, SANS GCED, GCIH, GCFE, GCFA, CEH, CHFI.

DISCLAIMER
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required personnel so classified.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the responsibilities of this position, the work environment characteristics listed below are representative of the environment the employee will encounter: Usual office working conditions. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • No physical exertion required
  • Travel within or outside of the state
  • Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force as frequently as needed to move objects

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with Arete salary and benefit policy.
FLSA OVERTIME CATEGORY
Job is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
DECLARATION
The Arete Incident Response Human Resources Department retains the sole right and discretion to make changes to this job description.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer- and celebrate our employees' differences, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or Veteran status. Different makes us better.
Arete Incident Response is an outstanding (and growing) company with a very dedicated, fun team. We offer competitive salaries, fully paid benefits including Medical/Dental, Life/Disability Insurance, 401(k) and the opportunity to work with some of the latest and greatest in the fast-growing cyber security industry.
When you join Arete...
You'll be doing work that matters alongside other talented people, transforming the way people, businesses, and things connect with each other. Of course, we will offer you great pay and benefits, but we're about more than that. Arete is a place where you can craft your own path to greatness. Whether you think in code, words, pictures or numbers, find your future at Arete, where experience matters.
Equal Employment Opportunity
We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer- and celebrate our employees' differences, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or Veteran status. Different makes us better.

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