Senior Digital Forensics Automation SME
Linthicum, MD - USA
Job Summary
Peraton is seeking a Senior Digital Forensics Automation SME to optimize and modernize digital forensics workflows in support of a federal government customer. This role sits at the intersection of forensic operations investigative workflow design and lab automation with a primary focus on reducing case backlogs improving examiner efficiency and standardizing processes across ICAC-style investigative workflows and tool-based forensic automation platforms. The SME will work directly with digital forensic examiners investigators and program leadership to identify inefficiencies design scalable solutions and implement repeatable validated workflows that meet legal and accreditation standards. The SME will also support digital forensic criminal trials by ensuring forensic findings methodologies and automated workflows are thoroughly documented and defensible in federal court proceedings.
Key Responsibilities:
- Analyze existing digital forensics workflows to identify bottlenecks redundancies and opportunities for automation and process improvement
- Design build and maintain automated forensic processing workflows that enable parallel unattended evidence processing across multiple evidence types and platforms
- Configure and optimize digital media analysis pipelines for large-scale investigations including automated detection hash matching deduplication and triage workflows
- Support ICAC task force operations by standardizing investigative workflows for mobile forensics cloud acquisition peer-to-peer network investigations and digital media triage
- Develop document and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for digital evidence handling processing triage and reporting aligned with DOJ guidelines ICAC program requirements and evidence admissibility standards
- Track and report on lab throughput capacity utilization and efficiency metrics; produce performance reports for program leadership
- Evaluate new forensic tools and automation platforms for compatibility with existing workflows; serve as the primary liaison with vendors for updates feature requests and technical support
- Develop and deliver training to forensic examiners and investigators on automated workflows tool usage and SOP adherence
- Mentor junior examiners on best practices for tool-based workflows and process standardization
- Ensure all workflows meet lab accreditation requirements (e.g. ASCLD ISO 17025) and support legal defensibility of forensic findings
- Support digital forensic criminal trials by preparing documentation of forensic methodologies workflow processes and findings suitable for court presentation; coordinate with legal teams and serve as a technical resource during proceedings
Required Qualifications:
- Minimum of 12 years with BS/BA; Minimum of 10 years with MS/MA; Minimum of 7 years with Ph.D. A degree in Computer Science Digital Forensics Criminal Justice Information Technology or a related field is highly desired. However an additional four years of experiencecan be considered in lieu of a BS/BA degree.
- 5 years of hands-on digital forensics experience including direct experience with ICAC child exploitation or similar law enforcement investigative workflows
- Demonstrated experience designing or improving forensic lab workflows and automation pipelines
- Proficiency with forensic processing automation platforms and digital media analysis tools
- Broad experience across industry-standard forensic tools for computer mobile and cloud evidence acquisition and analysis
- Strong understanding of digital evidence handling chain-of-custody requirements and forensic best practices
- Experience developing SOPs training materials or process documentation in a forensic or law enforcement environment
- Active Secret clearance required at time of hire
Required Active Certification (at least one): EnCE CFCE CCE MCFE or equivalent digital forensics certification
Desired Qualifications:
- Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma or other process improvement methodologies as applied to forensic lab or investigative operations
- Knowledge of national hash databases and AI-driven media detection capabilities used in digital media investigations
- Experience with rapid device triage tools and workflows for preliminary evidence assessment
- Prior experience in a training mentorship or team lead capacity within a digital forensics unit
- Familiarity with DOJ ICAC program office or federal law enforcement operational standards
- Experience presenting workflow recommendations or performance metrics to senior leadership or government stakeholders
Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the worlds leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider we deliver trusted highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land sea space air and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day our employees do the cant be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit to learn how were keeping people around the world safe and secure.
Required Experience:
Senior IC
About Company
Peraton provides innovative solutions for the most sensitive and critical programs in government today, developed and executed by scientists, engineers, and other experts.