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Media Forensics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Digital Media Forensics SME

Odenton, MD · On-site

$131.30K - $237.35K/yr

Digital Media Forensics Subject Matter Expert (SME) Leidos - Defense Sector Location - Fort Meade MD Leidos is seeking an accomplished Digital Media Forensics SME to join our high-performing team ...

Leidos

Digital Media Forensics SME

Odenton, MD

$131.30K - $237.35K/yr

Digital Media Forensics Subject Matter Expert (SME) Leidos - Defense Sector Location - Fort Meade MD Leidos is seeking an accomplished Digital Media Forensics SME to join our highperforming team ...

Peraton

Digital Media Forensics Examiner

Bethesda, MD

$135K - $216K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is seeking a Digital Media Forensics Examiner with a strong commitment to teamwork to join our team in Bethesda, MD . This role will be responsible for providing forensic ...

Peraton

Digital Media Forensics Examiner

Bethesda, MD

$135K - $216K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is seeking a Digital Media Forensics Examiner with a strong commitment to teamwork to join our team in Bethesda, MD . This role will be responsible for providing forensic ...

Peraton

Digital Media Forensics Examiner

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$135K - $216K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is seeking a Digital Media Forensics Examiner with a strong commitment to teamwork to join our team in Bethesda, MD . This role will be responsible for providing forensic ...

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Media Forensics information

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$56.5K

$120.2K

$129K

How much do media forensics jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for media forensics in the United States is $120,163.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,000.00 and $128,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Media Forensics professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Media Forensics professional, you need expertise in digital evidence analysis, multimedia processing, and a background in computer science or criminal justice. Familiarity with forensic software tools like Amped FIVE, Adobe Photoshop, and audio/video authentication systems is typically required, along with relevant certifications such as Certified Forensic Video Examiner (CFVE). Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and clear report writing are essential soft skills for this field. These skills are critical for ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and admissibility of digital evidence in legal and investigative contexts.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in media forensics, and how can they be addressed?

Media forensics professionals often encounter challenges such as rapidly evolving digital manipulation techniques, handling large volumes of data, and maintaining the integrity and chain of custody for digital evidence. Staying current with technological advancements and regularly participating in professional training helps address these issues. Collaboration with law enforcement, legal teams, and IT specialists is also critical to ensure comprehensive analysis and accurate reporting.

What is media forensics?

Media forensics is the field focused on analyzing digital media—such as images, videos, and audio recordings—to determine their authenticity, origin, and any evidence of manipulation. Professionals in this field use specialized tools and scientific techniques to detect alterations, verify metadata, and trace the source of the content. Media forensics is essential in law enforcement, journalism, and legal proceedings to ensure digital evidence is trustworthy. This work helps combat misinformation, deepfakes, and digital fraud.

What is the difference between Media Forensics vs Digital Forensics?

AspectMedia ForensicsDigital Forensics
Primary FocusAnalyzing multimedia content (images, videos, audio) for authenticity and tamperingInvestigating digital devices and data to recover, analyze, and preserve electronic evidence
Required CredentialsKnowledge of multimedia formats, forensic tools, certifications like CFCE or EnCEComputer science background, certifications like GCFA or EnCE
Work EnvironmentLabs, courtrooms, media analysis settingsLaw enforcement agencies, corporate security, forensic labs
Industry UsageMedia companies, law enforcement, cybersecurityLaw enforcement, legal, cybersecurity, corporate investigations

Media Forensics and Digital Forensics share overlapping skills but focus on different evidence types. Media Forensics specializes in multimedia content analysis, while Digital Forensics covers a broader range of electronic data. Both roles require technical certifications and are vital in investigations involving digital evidence.

More about Media Forensics jobs
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What are the most commonly searched types of Media Forensics jobs? The most popular types of Media Forensics jobs are:
What states have the most Media Forensics jobs? States with the most job openings for Media Forensics jobs include:
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Media Forensics jobs near you
Digital Media Forensics SME

Digital Media Forensics SME

Leidos

Odenton, MD • On-site

$131.30K - $237.35K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

57th of 425 rated business services

Job description

Digital Media Forensics Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Leidos - Defense Sector
Location - Fort Meade MD
Leidos is seeking an accomplished Digital Media Forensics SME to join our high-performing team supporting critical national security missions. In this role, you will apply deep technical expertise, investigative acumen, and operational judgment to drive complex forensic examinations and strengthen the nation's cyber defense posture. This position is ideal for a seasoned professional who thrives at the intersection of digital forensics, cyber operations, and mission-focused innovation.
What You'll Do
As a Digital Media Forensics SME, you will play a central role in supporting sensitive national security investigations and advancing forensic tradecraft across the enterprise. Your responsibilities will include:
Mission & Operational Support
  • Conduct full-spectrum digital media forensic examinations, including on-site and off-site evidence acquisition, imaging, analysis, and reporting.
  • Ensure strict adherence to chain-of-custody procedures and all applicable rules of evidence.
  • Provide expert operational security assessments and support cyber forensic and cybersecurity activities across diverse mission environments.

Technical Leadership & Innovation
  • Research, evaluate, and integrate emerging forensic technologies, tools, and methodologies.
  • Design and deploy advanced forensic workflows to enhance investigative effectiveness and mission readiness.
  • Lead the development of new capabilities to address evolving threats and digital exploitation challenges.

Training, Mentorship & Collaboration
  • Develop, deliver, and lead training events for government and mission partners.
  • Mentor junior analysts and contribute to the growth of organizational forensic expertise.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support complex investigations and multi-agency operations.

Required Education & Experience
Candidates must meet one of the following experience pathways, with recent experience (within the last 2 years) in digital forensics:
  • High School Diploma + 20 years of relevant experience
  • Associate's Degree + 17 years of relevant experience
  • Bachelor's or Master's Degree + 15 years of relevant experience

Required Certifications & Technical Qualifications
To be considered, candidates must possess:
  • DoD Certified Digital Forensic Examiner (DFE). Candidates who do not have a DFE must obtain one within 12 months after being hired.
  • Minimum 2 years of host-based forensic experience
  • At least one additional digital forensic certification, such as:
    • Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE)
    • GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE)
    • EnCase Certified Examiner
  • Minimum 2 years of mobile device forensics experience

Required Security Clearance:
  • Current Top Secret SCI security clearance .
  • If required ; successful pass a polygraph after being hired.

What Sets You Apart
  • Proven ability to perform complex forensic examinations in high-stakes environments
  • Strong understanding of digital evidence handling, exploitation techniques, and investigative workflows
  • Ability to communicate technical findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
  • Commitment to mission, integrity, and excellence in support of national security operations

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
February 24, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $131,300.00 - $237,350.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

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At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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