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Senior Investigator Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Federal Trade Commission

Senior Investigator

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$143K - $187K/yr

Learn more about this agency Duties Help General Duties for Senior Investigators include: * Coordinating cross agency efforts. Such coordination would include working with others throughout the ...

New

American

Senior Police Investigator

Washington, DC

$42.83 - $44/hr

The Senior Investigator develops and implements advanced investigative strategies, coordinates multi-agency investigative efforts, and provides senior-level consultation to AUPD leadership on crime ...

10a Labs

Senior Cyber Investigator

Washington, DC · Remote

$114K - $140K/yr

Please note: this is a one-year position, with the potential for extension. 10a Labs' Investigations Team is looking for a Senior Cyber Investigator to handle escalated exchange review and org-level ...

10a Labs

Senior Cyber Investigator

Washington, DC · On-site

$114K - $140K/yr

Please note: this is a one-year position, with the potential for extension. 10a Labs' Investigations Team is looking for a Senior Cyber Investigator to handle escalated exchange review and org-level ...

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All JobsInvestigator JobsSenior Investigator JobsSenior Investigator Jobs in Reston, VA

Senior Investigator information

See Reston, VA salary details

$29.6K

$79.7K

$143K

How much do senior investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior investigator in Reston, VA is $79,698.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $102,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior investigator?

A Senior Investigator is an experienced professional responsible for leading and managing complex investigations, often within law enforcement, corporate, or regulatory settings. Their duties typically include gathering and analyzing evidence, interviewing witnesses, compiling reports, and providing expert testimony. Senior Investigators often supervise junior staff, ensure compliance with legal procedures, and may specialize in areas such as fraud, criminal, or internal investigations. Their extensive experience enables them to handle high-profile or sensitive cases. This role requires strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.

What does a senior investigator do?

A senior investigator manages investigations for various crimes including fraud, corruption, and organized crime. As a senior investigator, you work for the district attorney, and your primary responsibilities revolve around collaborating with law enforcement to take on these crime issues. You may have additional duties, such as interviewing witnesses and filing evidence and reports as required by the district attorney. Excellent communication skills are imperative as you’ll encounter a variety of different people on the job. While qualifications vary by state, you likely need an associate’s degree, and at least a year of experience as an investigator with the D.A. Your employer will conduct a criminal background check.

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

To thrive as a Senior Investigator, you need expertise in investigative techniques, analytical thinking, and a background in law enforcement or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications. Familiarity with case management systems, digital forensics tools, and legal research databases is typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to maintain confidentiality set top performers apart. These skills ensure thorough investigations, accurate reporting, and effective resolution of complex cases.

What are some common challenges senior investigators face when managing complex cases, and how can they effectively address them?

Senior Investigators frequently encounter challenges such as coordinating multidisciplinary teams, handling sensitive information, and navigating regulatory or legal constraints. Successfully addressing these issues requires strong leadership, clear communication, and meticulous documentation. Senior Investigators often rely on advanced investigative techniques and foster collaboration with legal, compliance, and technical experts to ensure thorough, compliant case resolution. Staying current with industry best practices and maintaining professional integrity are essential for overcoming these obstacles.

What is the difference between Senior Investigator vs Investigator?

AspectSenior InvestigatorInvestigator
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree, relevant certifications, and several years of experienceUsually requires a bachelor's degree, entry-level certifications, and less experience
Work EnvironmentLeads investigations, supervises junior staff, and handles complex casesConducts investigations under supervision, handles routine cases
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in law enforcement, insurance, and corporate investigationsCommon in law enforcement, private investigation firms, and regulatory agencies

The main difference between a Senior Investigator and an Investigator lies in experience, responsibilities, and leadership roles. Senior Investigators typically have more experience, handle complex cases, and supervise others, whereas Investigators focus on routine investigations under supervision. Both roles are essential in investigative fields, but the senior position involves greater expertise and leadership.

More about Senior Investigator jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Investigator jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Investigator jobs in Reston, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Investigator jobs in Reston, VA?

For Senior Investigator jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Investigator jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Investigator jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Senior Investigator jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Senior Investigator job openings:

Senior Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Investigator job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,698 per year, or $38.3 per hour.

Senior Investigator

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

Federal Trade Commission
Public Administration • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Federal Trade Commissionexternal

$143K - $187K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Summary
The position is in the Bureau of Consumer Protection's Division of Financial Practices (DFP). The primary purpose of this position is to manage investigative and research support efforts, independently formulate and develop complex investigations. The position coordinates major projects with significant impact across the agency and that are essential to the mission and smooth function of the Bureau.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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General Duties for Senior Investigators include:
  • Coordinating cross agency efforts. Such coordination would include working with others throughout the agency in different Bureaus/offices or in different roles (e.g., investigators, attorneys, technologists, forensic analysts) to coordinate research and investigative work, initiatives, and resources.
  • Creating fraud work templates and updating them. Such templates would tackle common issues and create models on topics such as how to locate individuals and assets and how to put together evidence in an investigator declaration in a manner that presents a coherent story for submission to court. Templates and models would also need to be regularly updated.
  • Testing and onboarding investigative tools, getting more staff access to such tools, and providing training.

Duties for (DFP's) senior investigators include:
  • Guiding case selection. Proactively identifying, researching, and investigating possible targets for investigation, including practices involving large and sophisticated frauds that cause massive consumer harm. In resulting investigations, possible targets may be highly complex in structure and financing, with a large number of primary and subsidiary entities, activities, and components that span local, national, and international markets.
  • Effectively and independently plans, arranges, and executes highly sophisticated investigative actions and projects for consumer protection investigations of the most complexity and greatest scope.
  • Serving as a subject matter expert on investigative techniques, including money tracing, financial analysis, evidence capture, and analysis in complex investigations involving financial technologies and entities such as payment processors and internet service providers; anticipating and addressing evidence collection issues, including those related to sophisticated frauds and those utilizing new technologies; electronically capturing evidence from a variety of Internet sources using advanced technological techniques and preserving the evidence in admissible form; maintaining chain of custody for physical evidence; and testifying in court proceedings as necessary.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • U.S. citizenship requirement must be met by the closing date of this vacancy.
  • This position is subject to a background investigation.
  • Males born after December 31, 1959 must register with Selective Service.
  • You may serve a one-year probationary period under this appointment.
  • You must meet time in grade requirement by the closing date of the vacancy.
  • You must submit a copy of your performance appraisal with your application.
  • You must be a current title 5, status employee of the Federal Trade Commission.

Qualifications
To qualify for a Senior Investigator at the GS-14 level, you must meet the following requirements:
You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: conducting and directing the full range of functions for highly complex consumer protection investigations, including, but not limited to, generating case leads and developing new investigations; planning and implementing investigative steps based on the nature of the investigation and following leads developed from the information obtained; executing of the investigation, including interviewing witnesses, obtaining and analyzing financial, company records and documents, and consumer complaint data, as well as managing other personnel assigned to assist the investigation, such as paralegals, data analysts, and accountants; drafting investigative affidavits or declarations; testifying at depositions, trials, hearings, or before grand juries; and identifying areas in need of further inquiry; and revising investigative plans based on acquired evidence and feedback; formulating accurate findings and detailing them in a declaration as needed; managing extensive projects with agency-wide impact that involve consumer protection initiatives and organizational strategic and program goals.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
There is no education requirement for this position or substitution of education for specialized experience at this grade level.
Additional information
Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP eligibility.
For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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