Digital Forensics Subject Matter Expert

Job Description:

Athena Sciences is seeking a highly experienced and technically proficient Digital Forensics Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support our law enforcement and national security clients. This role plays a vital part in criminal investigations, counterintelligence operations, and digital evidence analysis for high-profile missions. As a forensics SME, you will collect, preserve, analyze, and interpret digital evidence from a wide range of sources including computers, mobile devices, storage media, video/audio recordings, and cloud-based systems.

You will work closely with law enforcement agents, legal teams, and forensic labs to support real-time investigations, conduct technical reviews, and maintain detailed documentation to support the legal admissibility of digital evidence. Your responsibilities include leading forensic imaging, using industry-standard tools to identify relevant data artifacts, and producing forensic reports with timelines, metadata, and actionable insights. This position also requires court readiness, including expert witness testimony and participation in legal proceedings.

The ideal candidate will possess advanced knowledge in forensic protocols, file system analysis, mobile forensics, and audio/video enhancement. You must be comfortable working independently, supporting secure environments, and advising federal stakeholders on digital investigation strategies. Experience supporting military or homeland security clients in field or classified environments is highly desirable.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) in Digital Forensics, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience conducting digital forensic investigations in federal or law enforcement environments.
• Proficient with forensic tools such as EnCase, Cellebrite, FTK, Magnet AXIOM, X-Ways, and Autopsy.
• Demonstrated expertise in mobile forensics, video/audio analysis, email and network traffic investigation.
• Strong understanding of chain-of-custody, digital evidence preservation, and legal admissibility standards.
• Experience producing courtroom-ready forensic reports and testifying as an expert witness.
• Familiarity with classified or sensitive evidence handling procedures in secure facilities.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent investigations and prioritize urgent field requests.
• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility required.
• Must provide three professional references including a previous supervisor.