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Forensic Investigation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arete

Forensic Lead

Northridge, CA · On-site

Leads investigations for projects beyond Ransomware and BEC including Cloud, insider threat, and advisory/Enterprise Incident Response (EIR) matters. * Works with the Forensic members of the Tiger ...

Harris County, TX

Forensic Investigator

Houston, TX · On-site

To provide consistent, quality death investigation and laboratory analysis for the benefit of the ... Brief Forensic Investigator Overview: The Forensic Investigator responds to death scenes to ...

Harris County

Forensic Investigator

Houston, TX

$33K/yr

Vision To provide consistent, quality death investigation and laboratory analysis for the benefit ... Brief Forensic Investigator Overview: The Forensic Investigator responds to death scenes to ...

Harris County

Forensic Investigator

Houston, TX

$33K/yr

Vision To provide consistent, quality death investigation and laboratory analysis for the benefit ... Brief Forensic Investigator Overview: The Forensic Investigator responds to death scenes to ...

M2E LLC

Forensic Architect

Coral Gables, FL · On-site

This individual will oversee and execute complex architectural forensic investigations, ensure the quality and consistency of expert reports and repair specifications, and serve as a key ...

County of Delaware

Forensic Investigator

Media, PA

$42K/yr

Summary The Forensic Investigator is an entry-level position within the Office of the Medical ... Scene Investigation or Medical Terminology Preferred Qualifications: At least 1 year of work ...

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Forensic Investigation information

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$25.5K

$61.2K

$94.5K

How much do forensic investigation jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic investigation in the United States is $61,156.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is forensic investigation?

Forensic investigation is the process of collecting, preserving, and analyzing evidence from crime scenes to help solve criminal cases. It combines scientific methods with legal standards to uncover facts and identify suspects. Forensic investigators may analyze fingerprints, DNA, digital data, or other physical evidence. Their work is crucial in supporting law enforcement and ensuring justice in the legal system.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in forensic investigation, and how can they be managed?

Forensic investigators often encounter challenges such as working under tight deadlines, handling sensitive or disturbing evidence, and maintaining objectivity when analyzing complex crime scenes. Effective time management and strong attention to detail are crucial for meeting case deadlines and ensuring the integrity of evidence. Many organizations provide training and support systems to help investigators cope with the emotional demands of the role, and teamwork is essential for cross-verifying findings and upholding professional standards throughout the investigative process.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Investigator, you need a solid background in criminal justice, forensic science, or a related field, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with laboratory analysis techniques, crime scene investigation tools, and evidence management systems is essential, and certifications like Certified Forensic Investigator (CFI) can be advantageous. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help investigators accurately process evidence and present findings. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring thorough, unbiased investigations and supporting the integrity of the legal process.

What is the difference between Forensic Investigation vs Forensic Science Technician?

AspectForensic InvestigationForensic Science Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in criminal justice, forensic science, or related fieldRequires an associate's or bachelor's degree in forensic science or chemistry
Work EnvironmentFieldwork at crime scenes and labsLaboratory analysis and evidence processing
Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, crime labsCrime labs, forensic laboratories
Common Search IntentInvestigating crimes, collecting evidenceAnalyzing evidence, preparing reports

Forensic Investigation involves active crime scene work and evidence collection, often requiring fieldwork and a criminal justice background. Forensic Science Technicians focus on laboratory analysis of evidence, typically with a science degree. Both roles are essential in criminal justice but differ in work environment and responsibilities.

More about Forensic Investigation jobs
What cities are hiring for Forensic Investigation jobs? Cities with the most Forensic Investigation job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Investigation jobs? The most popular types of Forensic Investigation jobs are:
What states have the most Forensic Investigation jobs? States with the most job openings for Forensic Investigation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Investigation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Investigation jobs are:
Forensic Investigation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Investigation job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 25% Full Time, 63% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,156 per year, or $29.4 per hour.
Forensic Lead

Forensic Lead

Arete

Northridge, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
  • 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, insider threat, and advisory/Enterprise Incident Response (EIR) matters.
  • Works with the Forensic members of the Tiger Team to ensure digital forensic analysis of Windows, Apple Mac, and Windows based operating systems, in addition to the analysis of networking appliances including but not limited to, VPN and firewall appliances is performed in an efficient and timely manner.
  • Provides forensic data and artifact collection requests based on the investigative approach to ensure the data is collected and made available for forensic analysis with limited impact.
  • Leads delivery of findings for a Tiger Team working in conjunction with the Senior Analyst to provide oversight across multiple additional Tiger Teams, while taking on leadership responsibilities related to the delivery across the additional multiple Tiger Teams.
  • Reviews scoping call notes and case background for situational awareness from the start of every engagement.
  • Drives the forensic investigation forward ensuring the right data is collected and analysis questions are answered to tell the narrative story of how the threat actor compromised the client's network and environment.
  • Works with the Tiger Team to understand the nature of issues, potential risk to Counsel, Carrier, and Client relationships.
  • Collaborate and leverage threat intel Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs)/Indicators of Compromise (IOCs), information from our Security Operations Center (SOC)/Threat Hunting team, and updates from our Negotiations teams as part of the incident.
  • Supports the Director, as a Forensic Subject Matter Expert (SME) for all active forensic analysis for projects on the assigned Tiger Team.
  • Maintains target utilization for members of the Tiger Team that comes from client billable work including forensic analysis, participating in client update or forensic scoping and update findings calls, client correspondence related to forensic analysis, data collection, or investigative questions verbally or in writing.
  • Initiates and manages the forensic data collection process in support of the forensic investigation for the assigned engagement.
  • Ensures the forensic project timeline is on track, daily updates are provided from the assigned analysts to the IR Director, and Analyst SLAs are met (i.e. report is delivered on time, interim and final updates are provided on-time when asked)
  • Delivers Forensics findings and updates to support the Tiger Teams and Senior Analysts as needed due to conflicts or time-off in a clear, concise manner while adjusting communication content and style to meet the needs of diverse stakeholders
  • Ensures assigned analysts have the data, context, and clarity they need to conduct accurate and timely analysis.
  • Works with Senior Analyst to deliver on the Forensic Investigations plan & manages the delivery timeline delivery across the projects
  • Monitors and tracks the Forensic budget and budget burn rate across multiple engagements
  • Allocates Forensic Tiger Team and Tiger Team Pool resources to the Tiger Team projects to maximize delivery based on the availability and utilization of the team members
  • Works client facing on forensic update calls to ensure accurate updates are conveyed as they relate to the investigation
  • Communicates both verbally and in writing to answer client and counsel questions related to the forensic investigation
  • Supports the Tiger Team IR Director with delegating and managing the Senior Analysts and Analysts who report to Forensic Lead on their respective Tiger Team
  • Conducts the performance reviews of all assigned forensic analysts Maintains a case load of at least two cases and conducts forensic analysis, in addition to other responsibilities
  • Conducts final review of the report from the perspective of the forensic investigator ensuring all possible investigative questions were addressed in the analysis and requesting additional context or analysis when the report requires more work
  • May perform other duties as assigned by management

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
  • Thorough knowledge of host-based forensics, network forensics, malware analysis and data breach response.
  • Experience with EnCase, Axiom, X-Ways, FTK, SIFT, ELK, Redline, Volatility, and open source forensic tools
  • Experience with a common scripting or programming language, including Perl, Python, Bash, or PowerShell
  • Experience in a security professional services consulting firm, preferred
  • One or more Digital Forensic and Incident Response Certifications such as GCFE, GCFA, GNFA, GCTI, GREM, CHFI, CCE, CFC, EnCE, and CFCE, preferred

JOB REQUIREMENTS
  • Bachelor's Degree and 8+ years of incident response or digital forensics experience or Master's Degree and 6+ years related experience or J.D. and 4+ years related experience
  • Consulting experience, preferred

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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