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Forensic Lab Technician Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Peraton

Digital Forensic Technician

Arlington, VA · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is seeking a Digital Forensic Technician to support Federal Strategic ... Maintain, patch, and update digital forensics lab systems to ensure compatibility and effectiveness.

Peraton

Digital Forensic Technician

Arlington, VA · On-site

Responsibilities Peraton is seeking a Digital Forensic Technician to support Federal Strategic ... Maintain, patch, and update digital forensics lab systems to ensure compatibility and effectiveness.

Peraton

Digital Forensic Technician

Arlington, VA · On-site

Responsibilities Peraton is seeking a Digital Forensic Technician to support Federal Strategic ... Maintain, patch, and update digital forensics lab systems to ensure compatibility and effectiveness.

AMERICAN SYSTEMS

Electronics Analyst

Indian Head, MD · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

... XRY, FTK and other forensic tools and analyze EDR files to recover data that may be of ... Understanding of lab processes and workflow for device exploitation efforts. * Knowledge in global ...

AMERICAN SYSTEMS

Electronics Analyst

Indian Head, MD · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

... XRY, FTK and other forensic tools and analyze EDR files to recover data that may be of ... Understanding of lab processes and workflow for device exploitation efforts. * Knowledge in global ...

All JobsForensic Lab Technician JobsForensic Lab Technician Jobs in Washington

Forensic Lab Technician information

See Washington salary details

$10

$28

$51

How much do forensic lab technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic lab technician in Washington is $28.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.78 and $31.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a forensic lab technician do?

A Forensic Lab Technician assists forensic scientists by preparing and analyzing physical evidence from crime scenes. Their duties include processing samples such as blood, hair, fibers, and other trace materials using specialized laboratory equipment and techniques. They must carefully document their findings and may be called to testify in court about their analyses. Accuracy, attention to detail, and adherence to strict protocols are essential in this role.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Lab Technician, you need a solid background in biology, chemistry, or forensic science, usually with a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with laboratory instruments such as spectrometers, DNA analyzers, and evidence management software, along with certifications like the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC), is highly valuable. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure precise evidence analysis, uphold legal standards, and support the integrity of criminal investigations.

What are some common challenges faced by forensic lab technicians when handling evidence?

Forensic lab technicians often face challenges such as maintaining the integrity and chain of custody for evidence, managing a high volume of samples, and ensuring accuracy under strict deadlines. Proper documentation and meticulous attention to detail are crucial to prevent contamination or mishandling, which could compromise investigations. Additionally, working closely with law enforcement and legal teams requires strong communication skills and adaptability to changing priorities.

What is the difference between Forensic Lab Technician vs Crime Scene Investigator?

AspectForensic Lab TechnicianCrime Scene Investigator
CredentialsForensic science degree, certifications in lab proceduresCriminal justice or forensic science degree, law enforcement training
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, analyzing evidenceOn-site at crime scenes, outdoor and indoor environments
Employer & IndustryCrime labs, forensic laboratoriesLaw enforcement agencies, police departments
Primary FocusAnalyzing physical evidence in labCollecting evidence at crime scenes

While both roles are essential in forensic investigations, Forensic Lab Technicians focus on analyzing evidence within labs, whereas Crime Scene Investigators gather evidence at crime scenes. Their skills and work environments differ, but both contribute to solving crimes.

How do you become a forensic lab technician?

To become a forensic lab technician, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level laboratory work is valuable, and some positions may require certification from organizations like the American Board of Criminalistics. Strong attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory equipment, and understanding of legal procedures are essential for success in this role.

What is the average pay for a forensic lab technician?

The average salary for a forensic lab technician typically ranges from $45,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages. Salaries often increase with experience and advanced training in laboratory techniques and forensic analysis.

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Lab Technician jobs in Washington?

For Forensic Lab Technician jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forensic Lab Technician jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Lab Technician jobs in Washington are:

Forensic Lab Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Lab Technician job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,480 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Digital Forensic Technician

Peraton

Arlington, VA • On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

52nd of 226 rated it services

Job description

Responsibilities
Peraton is seeking a Digital Forensic Technician to support Federal Strategic Cyber programs within our Cyber & Intelligence sector.
Location: On-site in Arlington, VA
In this role, you will:
  • Perform network administration, including full system backups and lifecycle equipment maintenance.
  • Develop procedures and schedules for internal network backups.
  • Maintain and oversee computer network servers and physical infrastructure.
  • Support workstation and forensic hardware/software tools.
  • Apply criminal rules of evidence preservation and custodianship.
  • Conduct digital forensic analysis using hardware, forensic software, operating systems, and virtual environments.
  • Perform general administrative duties.
  • Work with virtualization technologies to develop, deploy, troubleshoot, and maintain virtual environments.
  • Operate within a scientific environment requiring strict standards.
  • Maintain, patch, and update digital forensics lab systems to ensure compatibility and effectiveness.
  • Install, troubleshoot, configure, and maintain on-premises network infrastructure, servers, workstations, and peripheral equipment in alignment with CIF and Department standards.
  • Install, replace, configure, and optimize network routers and switches.
  • Validate and manage network backup and disaster recovery procedures.
  • Identify infrastructure strengths, weaknesses, bottlenecks, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Collaborate with IT, management, and other stakeholders to gather insights and requirements.
  • Research emerging technologies and best practices in IT infrastructure, including cloud computing (e.g., Azure), virtualization, security protocols, and remote access solutions.
  • Develop risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans.
  • Manage and monitor digital forensics cloud systems, ensuring security and operational efficiency.
  • Administer user accounts, network rights, and system access for 20-40 users.
  • Ensure availability of required hardware, software, and tools for digital evidence analysis.
  • Create and update documentation for CIF-hosted systems.

Qualifications
Minimum qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; minimum of 3 years with a Masters degree.
    • An additional 4 years of experience will be considered in lieu of the bachelors degree.
  • Must either possess and maintain, or obtain prior to starting date, one of the following professional certifications:
    • Network+ CE; Server+ CE; CCNA, or CCNP
  • Physical Requirements:
    • Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, speak, and hear.
    • Vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
    • Occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
    • Occasionally required to lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Have demonstrated working knowledge and proficiency in various software systems and architectures, communications protocols, and network hardware devices.
  • Demonstrated strong critical thinking, creativity, sound judgment, and awareness to recognize when to seek leadership guidance.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively and professionally with leadership, peers, forensic analysts, law enforcement, prosecutors, CIF customers, and other stakeholders at all levels to deliver high quality forensic products.
  • Ability and willingness and ability to travel for on-scene evidence seizures, training, and/or testimony.
  • Commitment to staying current on advancements in network architecture.
  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • The ability to obtain an interim Secret security clearance before start date.
    • The ability to obtain a final Top Secret security clearance.

Preferred:
  • Hands-on proficiency with Azure cloud platform, Linux/Windows administration, networking fundamentals (IP addressing, subnetting, TCP/IP), scripting, and automation tools
  • Knowledge of Azure Kubernetes Service including cluster architecture design, provisioning and identity access management.
  • Integrate new capabilities (e.g., Azure cloud solutions) with the existing laboratory operations.
  • Knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server including database maintenance and optimization.

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.

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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

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