ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Forensic Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Nwis

Cloud Forensic Analyst IV

Arlington, VA · On-site

Contract personnel perform investigations to characterize the severity of breaches, develop mitigation plans, and assist with the restoration of services. Nightwing is seeking a Cloud Forensics ...

Nightwing

Cloud Forensic Analyst IV

Arlington, VA · On-site

Contract personnel perform investigations to characterize the severity of breaches, develop mitigation plans, and assist with the restoration of services. Nightwing is seeking a Cloud Forensics ...

NewGen

Host Forensics Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

Responsibilities * -Assist Federal leads with overseeing and leading forensic teams at onsite engagements by coordinating data collection/acquisition operations * Provide technical assistance on data ...

NewGen

Host Forensics Analyst IV

Arlington, VA · On-site

Responsibilities * Assist Federal leads with overseeing and leading forensic teams at onsite engagements by coordinating evidence collection operations * Provide technical assistance on digital ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsForensic JobsForensic Assistant JobsForensic Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Forensic Assistant information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$10

$25

$61

How much do forensic assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic assistant in Silver Spring, MD is $25.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.49 and $27.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a forensic assistant?

To become a forensic assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring postsecondary education such as an associate's or bachelor's degree in criminal justice, forensic science, or a related field. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory procedures, and familiarity with forensic tools and software; certifications are not always required but can enhance job prospects. On-the-job training is common, and understanding legal procedures and maintaining confidentiality are important in this role.

Can I be a CSI without being a cop?

A Forensic Assistant or Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) is not necessarily a police officer; many roles focus on collecting and analyzing evidence and may require specialized training or certifications in forensic science. While some CSIs are law enforcement officers, others work as civilians in forensic labs or crime scene units, often with backgrounds in biology, chemistry, or criminal justice.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Assistant, you need a background in biology or forensic science, attention to detail, and knowledge of evidence handling, often supported by an associate degree or relevant certification. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, chain-of-custody software, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong organizational skills, discretion, and the ability to work well under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate evidence processing, maintain the integrity of legal investigations, and support the credibility of forensic findings.

What are some typical challenges a Forensic Assistant may encounter when handling evidence?

Forensic Assistants often face challenges related to maintaining the integrity and chain of custody for physical evidence. Ensuring that evidence is properly documented, labeled, and stored is critical, as any lapse can compromise legal proceedings. The role also requires strict adherence to protocols and the ability to work efficiently under pressure, especially when dealing with time-sensitive investigations. Attention to detail and effective communication with forensic scientists, law enforcement, and laboratory staff are essential for successfully overcoming these challenges.

What are forensic assistants and what do they do?

Forensic assistants are professionals who support forensic scientists and investigators by collecting, preserving, and analyzing physical evidence from crime scenes. Their tasks may include documenting evidence, preparing samples for laboratory analysis, managing records, and sometimes assisting in autopsies. They play a crucial role in ensuring that evidence is handled properly to maintain its integrity for legal proceedings. Forensic assistants typically work in crime labs, medical examiner’s offices, or law enforcement agencies, and their work helps solve crimes and support the justice system.

What does a forensic security assistant do?

A forensic security assistant supports investigations by collecting, preserving, and documenting evidence related to security breaches or criminal activities. They may assist with scene security, operate forensic tools, and ensure proper handling of evidence to maintain chain of custody, often working under the supervision of forensic specialists or law enforcement. Strong attention to detail and knowledge of forensic procedures are essential for this role.

What is the difference between Forensic Assistant vs Forensic Technician?

AspectForensic AssistantForensic Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require a degree in criminal justice or forensic scienceAssociate's or bachelor's degree in forensic science, biology, or chemistry
Work EnvironmentCrime labs, law enforcement agencies, crime scenesLaboratories, crime scenes, fieldwork
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labsForensic laboratories, law enforcement agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Forensic Assistants typically support forensic teams with administrative and basic technical tasks, often requiring less formal education. Forensic Technicians perform more technical laboratory work, often needing specialized degrees. Both roles work in crime labs and law enforcement settings, but Forensic Technicians usually have more advanced training and responsibilities.

What is the easiest forensic job to get?

Forensic assistant roles are generally entry-level positions that require minimal experience and often only a high school diploma or equivalent. These jobs typically involve supporting forensic investigations, handling evidence, and administrative tasks, making them accessible for those new to the field. Certification or training in basic forensic procedures can improve chances of employment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic jobs in Silver Spring, MD? The most popular types of Forensic jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What are popular job titles related to Forensic Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD? For Forensic Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Forensic Assistant jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Forensic Assistant job openings:
Forensic Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Assistant job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,123 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Cloud Forensic Analyst IV

Nwis

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.


Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.
Nightwing is supporting a U.S. Government customer to provide support for onsite incident response to civilian Government agencies and critical asset owners who experience cyber-attacks, providing immediate investigation and resolution. Contract personnel perform investigations to characterize the severity of breaches, develop mitigation plans, and assist with the restoration of services. Nightwing is seeking a Cloud Forensics Analyst to support this critical customer mission.
The CFA is a recently identified position for the HIRT and affords ample opportunities for training and career growth within the Cloud Forensics field.
The Desired Skills/CERTs/Education are not required and will be used to develop training plans for candidates/team members that demonstrate a cyber aptitude, desire to learn and strong work ethic.
Responsibilities:

- Acquire/collect computer artifacts (e.g., malware, user activity, link files) in support of onsite engagements

- Triage electronic devices and assess evidentiary value

- Correlate forensic findings to network events in support of developing an intrusion narrative

- Collect and document system state information (e.g. running processes, network connections) prior to imaging, as required

- Perform forensic triage of an incident to include determining scope, urgency and potential impact

- Track and document forensic analysis from initial participation through resolution

- Collect, process, preserve, analyze and present computer related evidence

- Coordinate with Government staff and customer personnel to validate/investigate alerts or additional preliminary findings

- Conduct analysis of forensic images, and available evidence in support of forensic write-ups for inclusion in reports and written products

- Assist with documenting and publishing Computer Network Defense (CND) guidance and reports pertaining to incident findings

Required Skills/Clearances:

- U.S. Citizenship

- Active TS/SCI clearance

- Ability to obtain Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Entry on Duty (EOD) Suitability

- 10 years of direct relevant experience in cyber forensic investigations using leading edge technologies and industry standard forensic tools

- In depth understanding of SaaS, PaaS and IaaS in the Cloud Environment

- Ability to create forensically sound duplicates of evidence (forensic images)

- Ability to author cyber investigative reports documenting digital forensics findings

- Proficiency with analysis and characterization of cyber attacks

- Proficiency with proper evidence handing procedures and chain of custody protocols

- Skilled in identifying different classes of attacks and attack stages

- Understanding of system and application security threats and vulnerabilities

- Understanding of proactive analysis of systems and networks, to include creating trust levels of critical resources- Able to work collaboratively across physical locations

- Action-oriented and have a proactive approach to problem solving

- Proficiency with common operating systems (e,g, Linux/Unix, Windows)

Desired Skills:

- Ability to provide knowledge of strategies/architectures involved in implementing M365/Azure authentication, how these hook to a federated identity solution and a fundamental understanding of how threat actors would target identity to compromise an environment

- Advanced experience and proficiency across various aspects of IT operations (e.g. networking, virtualization, identity, security, business continuity, disaster recovery, data management, governance)

- Experience and understanding in acquisition, processing and analysis of digital evidence from onsite enterprises and cloud native platforms

- Fundamental understanding of APIs and proficiency with PowerShell/PowerShell modules leveraged to conduct API queries as they relate to Azure/M365

- Proficiency with scripting languages (e.g. Bash, Python, Powershell, JS) for automation of hunt tools used in commercial cloud environments- Ability to develop tools, architecture and configurations in Azure environment to support identifying threat activity.

- Understanding of Azure administration, M365 administration and/or development/DevOps, with advanced level skills in at least one of these domains

- Understand of how Azure/M365 platform protection is implemented and security operations available

Required Education:

BS Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering or related degree; or HS Diploma 10 years of host or digital forensics experience.

Desired Certifications/Education:

- One or more of the following certifications:
GCFA, GCFE, GCIH, EnCE, CCE, CFCE, CISSP, AWS Practitioner, AWS Certified Developer, AWS Certified SysOps Administrator, AWS Certified Architect, Kubernetes Security SpecialistMS-500: Microsoft 365 Security AdministrationAZ-900:Azure FundamentalsAZ-500: Azure Security TechnologiesAZ-303: Azure Architect TechnologiesAZ-304: Azure Architect DesignMS-100: Microsoft 365 Identity and ServicesMS-101: Microsoft 365 Mobility and SecurityAZ-104: Azure Administrator SANS SEC 510, Public Cloud Security: AWS, Azure, and GCPSANS FOR509: Enterprise Cloud Forensics and Incident Response (BETA)SEC 541: Cloud Monitoring and Threat DetectionSEC584: Cloud Native Security: Defending Containers and KubernetesSEC588: Cloud Penetration testing AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate or AWS Certified Developer Associate or AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional or AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional


Salary & Benefits

The salary associated with this position ($122,000-$253,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate's qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards.


Nightwingoffers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances.


Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.

Apply