ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Forensic Computer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Postal Service

Forensic Computer Analyst

Anaheim, CA · On-site +1

$78K - $144K/yr

Knowledge of forensic science techniques, laboratory protocols, research methodologies, quality assurance standards and computer forensic and cyber security examination procedures, instrumentation ...

US Postal Service

Forensic Computer Analyst SR

Richmond, CA · On-site

$133K/yr

Employees in the Forensic Computer Analyst or Forensic Computer Analyst Sr position prior to June 27, 2015 are exempt from this requirement. 8. Ability to develop and implement laboratory programs ...

Stanislaus County

Forensic Pathologist

Modesto, CA

$175.74 - $263.60/hr

The Forensic Pathologist is a single position assigned to the Sheriff's Office and performs related ... Operate a variety of computer programs; Multi-task, prioritize and problem solve; and Travel to ...

KPMG US

Manager, Forensic Technology

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Required : • Minimum five years of recent, relevant experience in digital forensics or incident response • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, digital forensics, or equivalent ...

KPMG US

Manager, Forensic Technology

Sacramento, CA · On-site

Required : • Minimum five years of recent, relevant experience in digital forensics or incident response • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, digital forensics, or equivalent ...

KPMG US

Manager, Forensic Technology

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Required : • Minimum five years of recent, relevant experience in digital forensics or incident response • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, digital forensics, or equivalent ...

KPMG

Manager, Forensic Technology

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$103K - $206K/yr

Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, digital forensics, or equivalent from an accredited college or university is required; relevant training or certifications in the field, such as ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsForensic Computer JobsForensic Computer Jobs in California

Forensic Computer information

See California salary details

$112K

$115.2K

$117.4K

How much do forensic computer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic computer in California is $115,185.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,000.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Forensic Computer vs Digital Forensics Analyst?

AspectForensic ComputerDigital Forensics Analyst
CertificationsEnCE, GCFAEnCE, GCFA
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement, private labs, corporate securityLaw enforcement, consulting firms, government agencies
Industry UsageLegal cases, criminal investigations, corporate investigationsInvestigations, incident response, legal proceedings

Both roles involve analyzing digital evidence, often requiring similar certifications like EnCE or GCFA. Forensic Computers typically focus on collecting and analyzing digital evidence in legal or corporate settings, while Digital Forensics Analysts may work across various environments including law enforcement and consulting. The core skills overlap, but the context and specific responsibilities can differ based on the employer and case type.

What can you do with a forensic computer degree?

A forensic computer degree prepares individuals for roles in digital forensics, cybersecurity, and incident response. Graduates can work as digital forensic analysts, investigating cybercrimes, recovering data, and analyzing digital evidence using tools like EnCase or FTK. Certification and strong technical skills are often required for advancement in this field.

What does a forensic computer specialist do?

A forensic computer specialist, also known as a computer forensic analyst, investigates digital devices to uncover and preserve evidence related to cybercrimes, fraud, or legal disputes. They recover deleted files, analyze data, and ensure that digital evidence is collected in a way that maintains its integrity for use in court. These specialists often work with law enforcement agencies, legal teams, or private companies to help solve cases involving computers, mobile devices, and networks.

Is computer forensics a good career?

Computer forensics is a growing field that involves investigating cybercrimes and digital evidence using specialized tools and techniques. It offers opportunities in law enforcement, cybersecurity firms, and private investigation, often requiring certifications like EnCE or CFCE. The career can be rewarding for those interested in technology, problem-solving, and legal processes, with a demand for skilled professionals increasing as cyber threats expand.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Computer Analyst, you need a solid background in computer science, cybersecurity, and digital forensics, often supported by relevant degrees and certifications like CISSP or EnCE. Familiarity with forensic imaging tools, data recovery software, and operating systems such as Windows, Linux, and MacOS is crucial. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong written communication skills help you interpret complex data and present findings clearly in legal contexts. These skills ensure accurate evidence collection, preservation, and reporting, which are vital for supporting investigations and legal proceedings.

What are some common challenges faced by forensic computer analysts during digital investigations?

Forensic computer analysts often encounter challenges such as dealing with encrypted or damaged data, staying updated with rapidly evolving technologies, and maintaining the integrity of digital evidence throughout the investigation. They must also ensure that all steps are carefully documented to meet legal standards for evidence admissibility in court. Additionally, working under tight deadlines and collaborating efficiently with law enforcement or legal teams can be demanding, but these elements are crucial for successful case outcomes.

How do I get into forensic computer forensics?

To become a forensic computer specialist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a related field. Gaining experience with digital forensics tools like EnCase or FTK, obtaining certifications such as Certified Computer Forensics Examiner (CCFE) or EnCase Certified Examiner (EnCE), and developing strong analytical and technical skills are essential steps in entering the field.

What cities in California are hiring for Forensic Computer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Forensic Computer job openings:

Forensic Computer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Computer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,185 per year, or $55.4 per hour.

Forensic Computer Analyst

U.S. Postal Service

Anaheim, CA • On-site, Remote

$78K - $144K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 8 hours ago

Job description

Summary
Come join the U.S. Postal Service!
The successful candidate conducts forensic analyses of digital and other multimedia evidence utilizing appropriate scientific methodologies, forensic techniques, and quality assurance practices in support of criminal and administrative investigations.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
  1. Conducts forensic examinations of digital and other multimedia evidence through the application of scientific practices for the recognition, collection, analysis, and interpretation of digital evidence for criminal and civil law or regulatory purposes.
  2. Examines and analyzes evidence and interprets scientific observations and data to render conclusions, form opinions and produce reports utilizing a full range of electronic search methods and forensic examination techniques.
  3. Provides expert witness testimony; produces comprehensive reports and illustrative exhibits for federal, state, and local judicial proceedings at a level sufficient to explain evidence interpretations and conclusions from forensic examinations and scientific data to a lay audience.
  4. Serves as a subject matter expert and technical advisor in matters relating to the proper collection, preservation, packaging, and submission of digital and multimedia evidence; participates in crime scene evidence collection activities in major field investigations; ensures evidence handling requirements are met.
  5. Performs ongoing evaluation and validation of laboratory instrumentation and methods, operating protocols, and safety practices under supervision; maintains awareness of safety procedures and identifies possible physical conditions and/or laboratory procedures that may create unsafe conditions.
  6. Delivers training in laboratory services, evidence collection, crime scene processing and field examination.
  7. Conducts studies and research for improving forensic analyses, scientific methods, and resolving forensic examination problems.
  8. Acts as liaison with postal management and federal, state, and local organizations on technical developments, forensic methods, and investigative problems of common interest.
  9. Analyzes systems to assist with network intrusion and cybersecurity investigations to determine the cause and extent of a breach.

Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  1. Must be a determined suitable for federal employment.
  2. You will be required to obtain and maintain a MBI security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.
  3. Qualified applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening to meet the U.S. Postal Service's requirement to be drug free.
  4. SPECIAL NOTE: Current career USPS and USPIS employees are ineligible to apply for this posting.

Qualifications
  1. Ability to communicate orally and in writing in order to prepare reports of examination results and conclusions, and provide testimony as an expert witness before state, federal or other judicial bodies.
  2. Ability to provide training related to laboratory services, evidence collection, and field examination.
  3. Knowledge of evidence collection, preservation, packaging and shipment procedures sufficient to serve as a technical advisor in such matters and to ensure evidence handling requirements are met.
  4. Knowledge of forensic science techniques, laboratory protocols, research methodologies, quality assurance standards and computer forensic and cyber security examination procedures, instrumentation and software sufficient to properly access, preserve, and extract appropriate evidence from a variety of media and conduct detailed and complex analyses and interpretation of the value of evidentiary items.
  5. Ability to render conclusions/opinions and make recommendations based on forensic practices of recognition, collection, and interpretation of digital and multimedia evidence related to computer forensic examinations.
  6. Ability to conduct and document scientific research related to computer forensic examinations.
  7. EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION: Bachelor's degree in computer sciences, forensic science, or a closely related field from a college or university accredited by a national or regional accreditation organization recognized and sanctioned by the U.S. Department of Education. NOTE: Employees in the Forensic Computer Analyst or Forensic Computer Analyst Sr position prior to June 27, 2015 are exempt from this requirement.

Desirable Qualifications: CERTIFICATION: International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS) Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) or the International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners (ISFCE) Certified Computer Examiner (CCE) or Defense Cyber Investigations Training Academy (DCITA) Digital Forensic Examiner (DFE)
Qualified applicant must successfully pass a drug screening.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
The salary will be based on previous experience, and current postal pay policies. We offer excellent benefits including health and life insurance, retirement plan, savings/investment plan with employer contribution, flexible spending, flextime scheduling of core work hours, annual and sick leave.

Apply