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Forensic Lab Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Maintain, patch, and update digital forensics lab systems to ensure compatibility and effectiveness. * Install, troubleshoot, configure, and maintain on-premises network infrastructure, servers ...

Digital Forensic Technician

Arlington, VA · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Maintain, patch, and update digital forensics lab systems to ensure compatibility and effectiveness. * Install, troubleshoot, configure, and maintain on-premises network infrastructure, servers ...

Maintain, patch, and update digital forensics lab systems to ensure compatibility and effectiveness. * Install, troubleshoot, configure, and maintain on-premises network infrastructure, servers ...

Digital Forensic Technician

Arlington, VA · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Maintain, patch, and update digital forensics lab systems to ensure compatibility and effectiveness. * Install, troubleshoot, configure, and maintain on-premises network infrastructure, servers ...

Digital Forensic Technician

Arlington, VA · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Maintain, patch, and update digital forensics lab systems to ensure compatibility and effectiveness. * Install, troubleshoot, configure, and maintain on-premises network infrastructure, servers ...

Digital Forensic Technician

Arlington, VA · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Maintain, patch, and update digital forensics lab systems to ensure compatibility and effectiveness. * Install, troubleshoot, configure, and maintain on-premises network infrastructure, servers ...

The Electrical Engineer will lead the establishment and operation ofClient'sChip-Off Forensics Lab,providingexpert technical guidance on hardware forensics, chip extraction, and low-level device ...

The Electrical Engineer will lead the establishment and operation of Client's Chip-Off Forensics Lab, providing expert technical guidance on hardware forensics, chip extraction, and low-level device ...

Showing results 21-40

Forensic Lab information

See Washington, DC salary details

$43K

$69.1K

$121.2K

How much do forensic lab jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic lab in Washington, DC is $69,100.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,800.00 and $81,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectForensic LabCrime Scene Investigator
CredentialsForensic science degree, certifications in forensic analysisCriminal justice or forensic science degree, training in scene documentation
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, controlled environmentOn-site at crime scenes, outdoor and indoor environments
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, forensic laboratoriesLaw enforcement agencies, crime scene units
Primary FocusAnalyzing physical evidence in labsCollecting evidence at crime scenes

While both roles are essential in criminal investigations, forensic labs focus on analyzing evidence in controlled lab settings, whereas crime scene investigators gather evidence directly from crime scenes. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in forensic science.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Lab Technician, you need a solid background in chemistry, biology, or forensic science, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, DNA analysis tools, and evidence management systems is crucial. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong communication skills help ensure accuracy and effective reporting in high-stakes situations. These skills are vital for maintaining the integrity of evidence and supporting the justice process.

What is a forensic lab?

A forensic lab is a specialized facility where scientific analyses are conducted to assist in criminal investigations and legal proceedings. These labs use techniques from chemistry, biology, and other sciences to examine evidence such as DNA, fingerprints, drugs, and trace materials. Forensic scientists in these labs play a critical role in helping law enforcement solve crimes by providing objective, scientifically-backed results. The findings from forensic labs can be used in court to support or challenge evidence presented in criminal and civil cases.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a forensic laboratory setting?

Professionals in forensic labs often face challenges such as maintaining strict chain-of-custody protocols, managing a high volume of casework under tight deadlines, and ensuring accuracy under pressure, as their results can have significant legal implications. Additionally, staying updated with advancements in forensic technology and adhering to rigorous quality assurance standards are essential. Effective collaboration with law enforcement and legal teams is also key, as clear communication helps ensure that laboratory findings are properly understood and utilized.
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Lab jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Forensic Lab jobs in Washington, DC are:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Lab jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Lab jobs in Washington, DC are:
Infographic showing various Forensic Lab job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,100 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

Digital Forensic Technician

Peraton

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 223 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.EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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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