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Forensic Computer Jobs in Los Angeles, CA (NOW HIRING)

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

... forensic specialists and technical consultants who clarify complex events, strengthen business ... computer skills working with various office equipment, computers and various programs including ...

Senior Associate, Forensic Technology

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$87K - $108K/yr

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

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Forensic Computer information

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$122.3K

$125.8K

$128.2K

How much do forensic computer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic computer in Los Angeles, CA is $125,760.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,500.00 and $125,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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.

How do I get into forensic computer?

To become a forensic computer analyst, you typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a related field. Gaining skills in digital forensics tools, such as EnCase or FTK, and obtaining certifications like the Certified Computer Forensics Examiner (CCFE) or GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA) can improve job prospects. Experience with operating systems, networking, and legal procedures is also valuable in this field.

Is computer forensics a good career?

Computer forensics is a specialized field within cybersecurity that involves investigating digital crimes and analyzing electronic evidence. It offers strong job growth, competitive salaries, and requires skills in digital tools, programming, and certifications like GCFA or EnCE. The work often involves detailed analysis, report writing, and collaboration with law enforcement or legal teams.

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, analyzing digital evidence, and using tools like EnCase or FTK. Certification and strong technical skills are often required for advancement in this field.

What cities near Los Angeles, CA are hiring for Forensic Computer jobs?

Cities near Los Angeles, CA with the most Forensic Computer job openings:

Infographic showing various Forensic Computer job openings in Los Angeles, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,760 per year, or $60.5 per hour.

Forensic Analyst

Arete

Northridge, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 20 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.