Encompasses technical, engineering, data analytics, cyber security, management, operational, logistical, and administrative support for Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Cyber and Technology Security Directorate in three key offices/functional areas: Cyber Monitoring and Operations, Cyber Threat and Investigations, and Technology Innovation and Engineering State.

Peraton is currently seeking to hire a Junior Digital Forensic Analyst to join our Federal Strategic Cyber program in the Cyber & Intelligence sector.

Location: On-site, Arlington, VA

Role:

• The programs' Computer Investigations and Forensics Division (CIF) recovers and analyzes digital evidence in support of Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) criminal, cyber, and administrative investigations.
• CIF’s digital forensics laboratory processes and examines a wide range of digital media using advanced technologies, decryption methods, and forensic tools to support the DSS mission.

In this role, you will:

• Solve complex investigative challenges and ensures digital evidence meets Department of Justice court-admissibility standards.
• Conduct forensic examinations of digital data from cellphones, tablets, computers, removable media, cloud sources, and other platforms.
• Apply recognized scientific practices to identify, analyze, interpret, and present digital evidence for criminal, civil, and administrative matters.
• Perform detailed, targeted examinations in line with investigative objectives, legal process, and search warrant limitations.
• Use industry-standard forensic tools—such as Cellebrite (including Inseyets), Oxygen Forensic Detective, Magnet Forensics GrayKey and Axiom, Nuix, X-Ways, and similar for extraction and examination.
• Analyze data from various operating systems and applications, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, cloud services, and common backup formats.
• Produce clear, comprehensive reports that explain findings for investigators, prosecutors, and other stakeholders.
• Provide expert witness testimony, explaining examination procedures and technical findings to non-technical audiences in federal, state, and local proceedings.
• Provide on-site support during search warrant executions by identifying, collecting, packaging, documenting, and preserving digital evidence while maintaining strict chain of custody.
• Work closely with program leadership and peers to maintain forensically sound procedures and best practices for acquisition, analysis, and presentation of digital evidence.
• Conduct quality checks of artifacts to ensure accuracy, completeness, and clarity before customer delivery.
• Share lessons learned and emerging techniques with colleagues to enhance collective expertise.
• Stay current on developments in digital forensics, cybersecurity, forensic law, mobile devices and applications, social media platforms, and encryption/decryption methods.

Work environment:

• On-site role based in Arlington, VA.
• Collaborative, mission-focused team environment.
• Work may include support during time-sensitive investigative activities.

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and 1+ year of relevant experience. An additional 4 years of relevant experience without a degree.
• One of the following certifications, with continued certification required as a condition of employment:
  • GIAC: GCFE or GASF
  • IACIS: CFCE or ICMDE
  • NCFI: BCERT or MDE
  • DoD: CDFE
  • OpenText: EnCE
  • Cellebrite: CCO+CCPA or CCME
  • Oxygen Forensics: OFC
  • Magnet Forensics: MCFE
  • X-Ways: XPERT
• Demonstrated proficiency with mobile and non-mobile forensic software tools such as Magnet Axiom, Cellebrite, and Oxygen, as well as advanced mobile extraction hardware and software.
• Working knowledge of Windows and macOS, Apple iOS, Android, and their associated backup technologies.
• Experience writing detailed, technically accurate reports that clearly communicate complex digital forensic findings to non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated strong critical thinking, creativity, sound judgment, and awareness to recognize when to seek leadership guidance.
• Ability to collaborate effectively and professionally with leadership, peers, forensic analysts, law enforcement, prosecutors, CIF customers, and other stakeholders at all levels to deliver high quality forensic products.
• Willingness and ability to travel for on-scene evidence seizures, training, and/or testimony.
• Commitment to staying current on advancements in digital forensics, cybersecurity, forensic law, mobile technologies, social media, applications, and encryption.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Ability to obtain an interim Secret clearance before starting.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a final Top-Secret security clearance.

Target Salary Range: $66,000 - $106,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual’s experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

Benefits Statement: Peraton offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, health savings account, short/long term disability, EAP, parental leave, 401(k), paid time off (PTO) for vacation, and company paid holidays. A full listing of available benefits can be viewed at https://www.careers.peraton.com/benefits.

Application Statements: The application period for the job is estimated to be 30 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in the role and the Company. During the review of your application, you may be required to participate in an on-camera interview, as well as participate in a process to verify your identity.