Computer Forensics Jobs

Most people who envision working in the field of computer forensics want to be a forensic investigator. On the law enforcement side, computer forensics jobs are generally held by detectives who have served their time as patrolmen and worked their way up the ranks. When a position opens in the Cyber Crimes Division of their police department, they can post or be appointed for that job if they have enough investigative experience.

On the computer forensic consulting agency side of the field, investigators make up the majority of computer forensics jobs. However, there are other positions available in this field. Normally, after someone earns their computer forensics degree, or another information technology degree, and enters the forensic workforce, they become a forensic investigator. After spending a few years in this job, they can start to work their way up the ranks to a computer forensic manager or director of computer forensics.

Below are the different positions found in most computer forensics consulting firms:

Director of Computer Forensics

The director of computer forensics usually oversees the entire computer forensic division of the company. They are usually the liaison between all other departments in the company (Sales, HR, Legal, Training, etc.). The forensic director does not usually participate in the hands on forensic investigations.

Computer Forensic Manager

The computer forensic manager reports to the Director of Computer Forensics and oversees the day to day operations of the computer forensic division. They usually perform peer review on all reports and findings provided to the client, and handle most of the communications with the client. Managers also assign cases and tasks to the forensic investigators, and are more likely to be involved in the hands-on forensic investigations.

Senior Forensic Investigator/Consultant

Senior forensic investigators or consultants are frequently assigned the more complicated cases. They mentor and train the forensic investigators in all aspects of forensic analysis and forensic acquisition. They usually perform peer review on all reports and findings provided to the client. Senior consultants typically have more experience and training than forensic consultants.

Forensic Investigator/Consultant

This position is usually the entry-level position within the company. These individuals will be responsible for the day to day forensic investigations.

Evidence Custodian

Larger consulting firms may employ an evidence custodian. This is frequently an entry-level position within the forensic practice. The evidence custodian is responsible for the intake of digital media. They complete the chain of custody and secure the digital media as evidence. They may also be responsible for the acquisition of digital media.

Below are some common positions found in computer forensic software sales positions:

Business Development Manager

This person manages a territory, develops sales strategies, and helps the business partners close deal.

Partner Development Rep

This individual helps the business partner in product demonstrations, pre sales, and registering deals.

Demand Generation Rep

This is an entry-level position, cold calling, and generating leads for the business partners.