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Forensics Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Perform initial analysis of log files, evidence and other information. * Utilize data decryption tools. * Perform forensic incident handling tasks (such as forensic collections, host analysis ...

We are seeking experienced Host Forensics Analysts to provide front line response for digital forensics/incident response (DFIR) and proactively hunting for malicious cyber activity. Eligibility:

The Digital Forensics Analyst is responsible for collecting, preserving, analyzing, and documenting digital evidence associated with cybersecurity incidents, investigations, legal proceedings, and ...

They are seeking Host Forensics Analysts to support this critical customer mission. Responsibilities * -Assist Federal leads with overseeing and leading forensic teams at onsite engagements by ...

Host Forensics Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$131K - $149K/yr

We are seeking experienced Host Forensics Analysts to provide front line response for digital forensics/incident response (DFIR) and proactively hunting for malicious cyber activity. Eligibility:

They are seeking Host Forensics Analysts to support this critical customer mission. Responsibilities * Assist Federal leads with overseeing and leading forensic teams at onsite engagements by ...

ORA_ON_SITE Description Seeking a Digital Forensics Analyst , to serve as a member of an organizational cybersecurity program. This position requires an active TS/SCI with Polygraph . The hired ...

Digital Forensics Analyst

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$125K - $145K/yr

Utilize industry-standard forensic, malware analysis, and incident response tools, techniques, and procedures to investigate cybersecurity events and security incidents. * Analyze malware, suspicious ...

Additionally, the Digital Forensics & eDiscovery analyst assists Digital Forensics Examiners and eDiscovery professionals. This entry-level position is responsible for evidence intake, case ...

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Forensics Analyst information

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$45K

$86.5K

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How much do forensics analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensics analyst in the United States is $86,474.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $100,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a forensics analyst do?

A Forensics Analyst is a professional who investigates and analyzes evidence from crime scenes or digital sources to help solve criminal cases. They may work with physical evidence, such as fingerprints and biological samples, or digital evidence, like data from computers and mobile devices. Their work involves collecting, preserving, and interpreting evidence to support law enforcement investigations and court proceedings. Forensic analysts often prepare reports and may testify as expert witnesses in court. Their expertise is crucial in ensuring that evidence is handled properly and can be used effectively in legal cases.

What are some common challenges a forensics analyst faces when collecting digital evidence, and how can these be managed?

Forensics Analysts often encounter obstacles such as encrypted files, damaged storage devices, or anti-forensic techniques used to hide or alter evidence. Managing these challenges involves staying current with forensic tools and methodologies, collaborating with IT and legal teams, and following strict chain-of-custody protocols to preserve evidence integrity. Analysts must also document every step meticulously to ensure findings are admissible in legal proceedings.

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

To thrive as a Forensics Analyst, you need a strong background in computer science, digital investigations, and evidence handling, often supported by a relevant degree and industry certifications like GCFA or EnCE. Proficiency with forensic tools such as EnCase, FTK, and Cellebrite, as well as knowledge of operating systems and network protocols, is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are essential soft skills for interpreting complex data and presenting findings. These skills are crucial to accurately uncover digital evidence, ensure legal compliance, and support criminal or corporate investigations.

What is the difference between Forensics Analyst vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectForensics AnalystCybersecurity Analyst
Required CredentialsCertifications like GCFA, GCFE, EnCECertifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH
Work EnvironmentInvestigative labs, law enforcement agencies, legal settingsIT departments, security operations centers, corporate networks
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement, legal firms, government agenciesPrivate companies, tech firms, financial institutions
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding investigative roles in digital forensicsUnderstanding cybersecurity roles in protecting digital assets

While both roles focus on digital security, Forensics Analysts specialize in investigating cybercrimes and analyzing digital evidence, often working with law enforcement. Cybersecurity Analysts focus on protecting systems from attacks and vulnerabilities, working primarily within IT security teams. The roles overlap in technical skills and certifications but differ in their primary objectives and work environments.

Do forensic analysts get paid a lot?

Forensic analysts typically earn a competitive salary that varies based on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start around $50,000 annually, while experienced analysts with specialized skills or certifications can earn over $80,000 or more per year.

How do you become a forensic analyst?

To become a forensic analyst, typically a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, forensic science, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in laboratory techniques and evidence analysis, and obtaining certifications such as the Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) can enhance job prospects.

What qualifications do I need to be a forensic analyst?

To become a forensic analyst, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in forensic science, criminal justice, biology, chemistry, or a related field. Relevant skills include attention to detail, analytical thinking, and proficiency with laboratory equipment and digital forensics tools; some roles may require certifications such as Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) or similar credentials.
More about Forensics Analyst jobs

What cities are hiring for Forensics Analyst jobs?

Cities with the most Forensics Analyst job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Forensics Analyst jobs?

The top employers for Forensics Analyst jobs are:

What states have the most Forensics Analyst jobs?

States with the most job openings for Forensics Analyst jobs include:

Infographic showing various Forensics Analyst job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,474 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

Digital Forensics Analyst

Alexandria, VA • Remote

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Why AIS?

When you join AIS, you're joining a mission-driven team that's passionate about making a difference. You'll work on projects that matter, alongside industry-leading experts, in an environment that fosters innovation, driving client success, and empowering our team to make a lasting impact. As an employee-owned company, we value collaboration, inclusivity, continuous growth, and shared success.

  • Employee Ownership: Your contributions directly impact the company's success, and you share in its achievements.

  • Continuous Learning: Access to resources, training, and mentorship to support your professional growth.

  • Inclusive Culture: A workplace where diversity is celebrated, and everyone's voice is valued.

  • Mission-Driven Work: Engage in projects that make a meaningful difference for our clients and communities.

What are we looking for?

At AIS, we're looking for more than just skills - we're looking for driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference, eager to grow, and aligned with our core principles.

What you will be doing?

This position is contingent upon contract award. We are currently pursuing a proposal and are seeking qualified candidates to include in our submission and identify candidates for future hiring needs on the program once awarded.

At AIS, we are dedicated to providing our employees with diverse opportunities to grow their careers while supporting a variety of impactful projects. For this position, we are seeking a talented individual to join AIS as a Senior Security Engineer.
  • Core Knowledge & Skills: Designs secure architectures, leverages advanced threat detection, leads incident response, and implements security automation.

  • Work & Complexity: Manages complex incidents, conducts threat analysis, leads audits, and implements process improvements.

  • Quality & Independence: Delivers high-quality reports, aligns practices with industry standards, and operates with high autonomy.

  • Teamwork & Communication: Leads team projects, collaborates cross-functionally, mentors juniors, and resolves conflicts.

  • Consulting & Engagement: Provides strategic consulting, leads improvement initiatives, recommends advanced technologies, and manages vendor relationships.

As your initial project assignment, you will support the unique needs of our client as a Digital Forensics Analyst. Project Summary

The Digital Forensics Analyst is responsible for conducting advanced forensic examinations across a wide range of digital systems, environments, and devices. This role performs deep-dive investigations involving endpoint activity, network traffic, malware, cloud platforms, and virtualized environments. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with digital media acquisition, malware analysis, cloud forensics, and the use of modern security technologies to support threat hunting and investigative operations.

This is a proposal-based position; employment is contingent upon contract award and funding availability.

Key Responsibilities


Digital Forensic Analysis

  • Conduct forensic examinations on Windows, Linux, and MacOS systems.

  • Perform digital media acquisition, including disk imaging, preservation, and chain-of-custody documentation.

  • Execute mobile device acquisition and analysis, including iOS and Android platforms.

  • Perform malware analysis to determine behavior, indicators of compromise (IOCs), and impact.

Cloud & Virtual Environment Forensics

  • Investigate virtualized environments, including Virtual Machines and associated logs/artifacts.

  • Perform cloud-based forensic analysis using:

    • Microsoft 365

    • Azure

    • AWS

  • Analyze cloud-native logs such as CloudTrail, IAM logs, and other platform security telemetry.

Threat Hunting & Investigative Activities

  • Utilize EDR, SIEM, and full packet capture tools to examine endpoint behavior, network activity, and anomalous patterns.

  • Conduct proactive threat hunting to identify previously undetected malicious activity.

  • Correlate forensic data with threat intelligence to support broader investigations.

Tools, Documentation & Reporting

  • Leverage industry-standard forensic tools, including EnCase and SANS methodologies.

  • Generate detailed forensic reports for technical stakeholders, legal teams, and leadership.

  • Maintain strict adherence to evidence handling, analysis integrity, and investigative best practices.

Required For This Opportunity
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience conducting or supporting digital forensic investigations, including:

    • Windows, Linux, and MacOS forensic analysis

    • Disk imaging and media preservation

    • Mobile device forensic acquisition and analysis

    • Malware analysis

  • Experience conducting forensic investigations in M365, Azure, and AWS environments.

  • Ability to analyze virtualized systems and cloud-native telemetry (CloudTrail, IAM logs).

  • Extensive experience using:

    • Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)

    • Security Information & Event Management (SIEM)

    • Full packet capture platforms

  • Strong analytical, documentation, and evidence-handling skills.

  • Clearance: Secret

Certifications: One or more of these certifications

  • SANS GIAC

  • GCIH - Incident Handler

  • GCFA - Forensic Analyst

  • GCFE - Forensic Examiner

  • GREM - Malware Reverse Engineering

  • GISF - Information Security Fundamentals

  • GXPN - Exploit Research & Advanced Pen Testing

  • GCTI - Cyber Threat Intelligence

  • GOSI - Open-Source Intelligence

  • EnCase Certifications (EnCE, CFSR, ENCEP)


Nice To Have Skills
  • Experience working in federal, law enforcement, or regulated environments.

  • Background in threat intelligence and advanced incident response.

  • Familiarity with scripting or automation (Python, PowerShell) for forensic workflows.

At AIS, we are committed to offering competitive and fair compensation that reflects the skills, experience, and contributions of each team member. The targeted base salary range for this role is $101,000-$152,000 per year. Please note that this range is provided as a guideline and the final offer will be based on several factors, including but not limited to, skillset and competencies, level of experience, education, certifications, and location. We value transparency in our hiring process and are happy to discuss how your unique qualifications align with our compensation structure during the interview process.

Applied Information Sciences does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis. Employment decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs.