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Forensic Laboratory Director Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Non essential: Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the ... laboratory prep requires some exposure dry chemicals and solvents commonly used in forensic science.

Concrete Research Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$80K - $124K/yr

If you want research work with that kind of direct, visible impact - not just a report that sits on ... About the Lab The Structures Laboratory specializes in developing and testing innovative bridge ...

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Forensic Laboratory Director information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$46.5K

$130.3K

$192.3K

How much do forensic laboratory director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic laboratory director in Silver Spring, MD is $130,345.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,600.00 and $143,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a forensic laboratory director do?

A Forensic Laboratory Director oversees the operations and administration of a forensic science laboratory. They are responsible for managing staff, ensuring quality assurance, developing policies, and maintaining compliance with accreditation standards. Their role also involves budgeting, training, and sometimes representing the lab in court or public forums. Directors play a crucial part in ensuring that forensic analyses are accurate, timely, and legally defensible. They also help implement new technologies and methodologies to improve laboratory efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forensic laboratory director?

To thrive as a Forensic Laboratory Director, you need advanced scientific expertise, leadership experience, and a relevant degree—often a master's or doctorate in forensic science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), accreditation standards (such as ISO/IEC 17025), and evidence handling protocols is essential. Strong decision-making, communication, and team management skills help foster effective operations and uphold scientific integrity. These competencies are crucial to ensure accurate, reliable results, legal compliance, and a well-functioning forensic laboratory.

What are some common challenges faced by a forensic laboratory director in managing staff and casework priorities?

Forensic Laboratory Directors often encounter the challenge of balancing high case volumes with limited resources while maintaining rigorous quality standards. They must effectively allocate staff to ensure timely analysis, oversee compliance with accreditation requirements, and address any technical or ethical issues that arise. Additionally, they frequently coordinate with law enforcement agencies, legal teams, and external stakeholders, requiring strong communication and organizational skills. Navigating these demands while fostering a collaborative and motivated team environment is essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Forensic Laboratory Director vs Forensic Scientist?

AspectForensic Laboratory DirectorForensic Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires a master's or doctoral degree in forensic science, chemistry, or related field, along with management experienceUsually holds a bachelor's or master's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or related field
Work EnvironmentOversees laboratory operations, manages staff, and ensures quality controlPerforms laboratory analyses, tests, and reports on forensic evidence
Employer & Industry UsageFound in crime labs, law enforcement agencies, and government labsEmployed in similar settings, focusing on evidence analysis

The main difference is that the Forensic Laboratory Director manages the entire lab's operations and staff, while the Forensic Scientist conducts the actual forensic analyses. The director holds higher-level responsibilities, including oversight and strategic planning, whereas the scientist focuses on technical work.

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Laboratory Director jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Forensic Laboratory Director jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forensic Laboratory Director jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Laboratory Director jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Forensic Laboratory Director jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Forensic Laboratory Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Forensic Laboratory Director job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 6% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $130,345 per year, or $62.7 per hour.

Cybersecurity Program Manager

Quantum Sky

Linthicum Heights, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Description

Quantum Sky is searching for a Cybersecurity Program Manager for a Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center (DC3) Cyber Forensics Laboratory (CFL) opportunity supporting digital forensics, incident response, cyber investigations, and operational mission support activities.

Responsibilities:

  • Manage scope, schedule, cost, technical execution, staffing performance, and operational activities supporting the DC3 Cyber Forensics Laboratory (CFL) mission.
  • Provide overall program leadership for digital forensics, cyber incident response, intrusion analysis, malware analysis, evidence management, analytics, and mission support operations.
  • Serve as the primary interface to Government leadership, including the Contracting Officer (CO), Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), CFL Director, and senior mission stakeholders.
  • Manage contractor personnel and subcontractors to ensure adherence to Quantum Sky and Government quality standards, ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements, and contractual performance objectives.
  • Ensure timely, accurate, and compliant delivery of all contract deliverables, including Monthly Status Reports (MSRs), Program Management Plans (PMPs), Risk Management Plans (RMPs), metrics reporting, and operational briefings.
  • Lead risk management activities including identification, mitigation planning, issue tracking, escalation management, and operational recovery planning.
  • Oversee staffing, onboarding, retention, workforce development, and surge support activities within classified operational environments.
  • Support continuous process improvement initiatives focused on operational efficiency, workflow optimization, automation, analytics, and FFP execution readiness.
  • Manage program execution in accordance with DoD cybersecurity policies, RMF/STIG requirements, and classified operational handling procedures.
  • Ensure compliance with chain-of-custody procedures, evidence handling standards, and forensic quality assurance processes supporting ANAB ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
  • Provide operational oversight supporting forensic examination workflows, cyber investigative support, DFIR operations, and mission analytics activities.
  • Coordinate with Government and contractor stakeholders to support transition-in, transition-out, staffing readiness, and operational continuity requirements.
  • Develop and present executive-level briefings, dashboards, metrics, and program performance updates to Government leadership.
  • Lead and mentor high-performing operational and technical teams aligned to the DC3 mission and Quantum Sky corporate objectives.
  • Manage contract financials, staffing forecasts, subcontractor performance, and operational execution to ensure mission success and contractual compliance.
  • Occasional travel to Government and operational sites may be required.
Qualifications

Required:

  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience.
  • 8+ years of experience managing large Federal cyber, intelligence, DFIR, cybersecurity, or mission support programs.
  • 3+ years of recent experience supporting DoD cyber operations, digital forensics, cyber investigations, incident response, or classified operational environments.
  • Demonstrated experience managing programs supporting TS/SCI-cleared personnel and classified mission operations.
  • Strong experience managing scope, schedules, staffing, contract financials, subcontractors, and operational performance metrics.
  • Experience supporting ISO/IEC 17025 accredited environments, forensic operations, cybersecurity operations centers, or investigative mission support is highly desired.
  • Exceptional leadership, communication, analytical, and organizational skills.
  • Strong experience with Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, collaboration tools, dashboards, and program management applications.
  • Experience developing and managing Program Management Plans (PMPs), Risk Management Plans (RMPs), staffing plans, and operational reporting.
  • PMP certification required.
  • Ability to operate effectively in dynamic, mission-driven environments with changing priorities and operational tempo.

Desired:

  • Master's Degree.
  • CISSP, Security+, GCFA, GCIH, GCFE, DFE, or related cybersecurity/forensics certifications.
  • Experience supporting DC3, AFCYBER, USCYBERCOM, NSA, CISA, DoD law enforcement, or Intelligence Community missions.
  • Experience supporting DFIR, malware analysis, cyber threat intelligence, or digital evidence management environments.
  • Experience with analytics modernization, workflow automation, AI/ML-enabled cyber operations, or operational dashboarding.
  • Agile certifications or operational transformation experience are a plus.

Clearance: 

  • Top Secret/SCI Eligible Clearance Required.

Location:

  • Linthicum, MD/ National Capital Region (NCR) with onsite support requirements based on operational and mission needs.
About Quantum Sky

Compensation:

  • Compensation is unique to each candidate and relative to the skills and experience they bring to the position. The salary range for this position is typically between $175,000 and $250,000. This does not guarantee a specific salary as compensation is based upon multiple factors such as education, experience, certifications, and other requirements, and may fall outside of the above-stated range.

Benefits:

  • Highlights of our benefits include Health/Dental/Vision, 401(k) match, Paid Time Off, STD/LTD/Life Insurance, Referral Bonuses, professional development reimbursement, and parental leave.

The world the mission operates in is going post-quantum, contested, and machine-speed. Quantum Sky engineers the advantage across cyber, networks, software, and quantum because the mission demands dominance, not parity. We don't follow the map. We draw it. 

At Quantum Sky, we believe that success starts with our people. We foster a collaborative, innovative, and mission-driven environment where every team member plays a critical role in shaping the future of technology. Are you ready to join #TeamQuantumSky? 

Quantum Sky Engineering LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, [sexual orientation, gender identity,] national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any characteristic protected by applicable law.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME