ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Forensic Analyst Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Peraton

Senior Digital Forensic Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is currently seeking a Senior Digital Forensic Analyst to support Federal Strategic Cyber programs in the Cyber & Intelligence sector. Location: On-site, Arlington, VA In ...

Peraton

Junior Digital Forensic Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$66K - $106K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is currently seeking to hire a Junior Digital Forensic Analyst to join our Federal Strategic Cyber program in the Cyber & Intelligence sector. Location: On-site, Arlington ...

Peraton

Junior Digital Forensic Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

Responsibilities Peraton is currently seeking to hire a Junior Digital Forensic Analyst to join our Federal Strategic Cyber program in the Cyber & Intelligence sector. Location: On-site, Arlington ...

Peraton

Senior Digital Forensic Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

Responsibilities Peraton is currently seeking a Senior Digital Forensic Analyst to support Federal Strategic Cyber programs in the Cyber & Intelligence sector. Location: On-site, Arlington, VA In ...

Peraton

Mid-Level Digital Forensic Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is currently seeking a Mid-Level Digital Forensic Analyst to support Federal Strategic Cyber programs in the Cyber & Intelligence sector. Location: On-site, Arlington, VA ...

Peraton

Mid-Level Digital Forensic Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is currently seeking a Mid-Level Digital Forensic Analyst to support Federal Strategic Cyber programs in the Cyber & Intelligence sector. Location: On-site, Arlington, VA ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsForensic Analyst JobsForensic Analyst Jobs in Reston, VA

Forensic Analyst information

See Reston, VA salary details

$46.8K

$90K

$139.4K

How much do forensic analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic analyst in Reston, VA is $89,964.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,600.00 and $104,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Does the FBI hire forensic psychologists?

The FBI does not typically hire forensic psychologists as special agents but employs them in roles such as behavioral analysts or research specialists within its Behavioral Analysis Unit. Forensic psychologists may work in related fields like criminal profiling or consulting, often requiring advanced degrees and state licensure. These professionals may work in federal, state, or private sectors focusing on criminal behavior and mental health assessments.

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.

How do you become a forensic analyst?

To become a forensic analyst, typically a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, forensic science, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in laboratory techniques and evidence analysis, and obtaining certifications such as the Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) can enhance job prospects.

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 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 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 forensic analysts?

Forensic analysts are professionals who collect, preserve, and analyze physical evidence from crime scenes to help solve criminal cases. They use scientific methods and specialized equipment to examine evidence such as fingerprints, DNA, blood samples, and digital data. Their findings are used by law enforcement and may be presented in court as expert testimony. Forensic analysts play a crucial role in linking suspects to crimes and helping ensure justice is served.

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 with moderate pay, while experienced analysts with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, often comparable to other roles in the criminal justice or laboratory fields.

What do forensic analyst do?

A forensic analyst examines physical evidence, such as fingerprints, DNA, and digital data, to support criminal investigations. They use specialized tools and techniques to analyze evidence accurately and often prepare detailed reports for law enforcement or legal proceedings.
More about Forensic Analyst jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Analyst jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Forensic Analyst jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Forensic Analyst jobs in Reston, VA? For Forensic Analyst jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Analyst jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Analyst jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Forensic Analyst jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Forensic Analyst job openings:
Forensic Analyst jobs near you
Senior Digital Forensic Analyst

Senior Digital Forensic Analyst

Peraton

Arlington, VA • On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 210 rated it services

Job description

Responsibilities
Peraton is currently seeking a Senior Digital Forensic Analyst to support Federal Strategic Cyber programs in the Cyber & Intelligence sector.
Location: On-site, Arlington, VA
In this role, you will:
  • Conduct forensic examinations of digital data from cellphones, tablets, computers, removable media, cloud sources, and other platforms.
  • Apply recognized scientific practices to identify, analyze, interpret, and present digital evidence for criminal, civil, and administrative matters.
  • Perform detailed, targeted examinations in line with investigative objectives, legal process, and search warrant limitations.
  • Use industry-standard forensic tools-such as Cellebrite (including Inseyets), Oxygen Forensic Detective, Magnet Forensics GrayKey and Axiom, Nuix, X-Ways, and similar for extraction and examination.
  • Analyze data from various operating systems and applications, including Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, cloud services, and common backup formats.
  • Produce clear, comprehensive reports that explain findings for investigators, prosecutors, and other stakeholders.
  • Provide expert witness testimony, explaining examination procedures and technical findings to non-technical audiences in federal, state, and local proceedings.
  • Provide on-site support during search warrant executions by identifying, collecting, packaging, documenting, and preserving digital evidence while maintaining strict chain of custody.
  • Work closely with program leadership and peers to maintain forensically sound procedures and best practices for acquisition, analysis, and presentation of digital evidence.
  • Conduct peer reviews and quality checks of reports and artifacts to ensure accuracy, completeness, and clarity before customer delivery.
  • Mentor new hires on CIF workflows, tools, and best practices to support effective onboarding and team performance.
  • Share lessons learned and emerging techniques with colleagues to enhance collective expertise.
  • Stay current on developments in digital forensics, cybersecurity, forensic law, mobile devices and applications, social media platforms, and encryption/decryption methods.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience; 7 years with a Master's degree; or 4 years with a PhD. An additional 4 years of experience may be substituted for a degree.
  • Must either possess and maintain, or obtain prior to start date, one of the following professional certifications:

- GIAC: GCFE, GASF
- IACIS: CFCE, ICMDE
- NCFI: BCERT, MDE
- DC3: CDFE, CDMC
- Opentext: EnCE
- Cellebrite: CCO & CCPA, CCME
- Oxygen Forensics: OFC
- Magnet Forensics: MCFE
  • Demonstrated expertise with mobile and non-mobile forensic tools such as Magnet Axiom, Cellebrite, and Oxygen, as well as advanced mobile extraction hardware and software.
  • Strong knowledge of Windows, MacOS, Apple iOS, Android, and their associated backup technologies.
  • Experience writing detailed, technically accurate reports that clearly communicate complex digital-forensic findings to non-technical audiences.
  • Strong critical thinking, creativity, sound judgment, and the awareness to recognize when to seek guidance from leadership.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively and professionally with leadership, forensic analysts, law enforcement, prosecutors, CIF customers, and other stakeholders at all levels to deliver high-quality forensic products.
  • Willingness and ability to travel for on-scene evidence seizures, training, and/or testimony.
  • Experience conducting digital-forensic examinations of mobile devices, computer systems, storage media, and cloud data across a broad range of case types.
  • Demonstrated proficiency with industry-standard forensic tools-such as Cellebrite, Oxygen, Nuix, Axiom, X-Ways, and similar-to perform in-depth analysis of mobile and computer operating systems, file systems, iOS, and third-party application data.
  • Ability to prepare evidentiary exhibits for judicial proceedings and provide expert testimony on forensic methods and findings.
  • Commitment to staying current on advancements in digital forensics, cybersecurity, forensic law, mobile technologies, social media, applications, and encryption.
  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Ability to obtain an interim Secret security clearance prior to start date.
    • Ability to obtain a final Top Secret security clearance.

Peraton Overview
Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.
Target Salary Range
$104,000 - $166,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.
EEO
EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.

What Peraton employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Peraton logo

About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017

View All Peraton Jobs

Apply