Digital Media Forensics SME

Digital Media Forensics Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Leidos – Defense Sector

Location - Fort Meade MD

Leidos is seeking an accomplished Digital Media Forensics SME to join our high‑performing team supporting critical national security missions. In this role, you will apply deep technical expertise, investigative acumen, and operational judgment to drive complex forensic examinations and strengthen the nation’s cyber defense posture. This position is ideal for a seasoned professional who thrives at the intersection of digital forensics, cyber operations, and mission‑focused innovation.

What You’ll Do

As a Digital Media Forensics SME, you will play a central role in supporting sensitive national security investigations and advancing forensic tradecraft across the enterprise. Your responsibilities will include:

Mission & Operational Support

• Conduct full‑spectrum digital media forensic examinations, including on‑site and off‑site evidence acquisition, imaging, analysis, and reporting.
• Ensure strict adherence to chain‑of‑custody procedures and all applicable rules of evidence.
• Provide expert operational security assessments and support cyber forensic and cybersecurity activities across diverse mission environments.

Technical Leadership & Innovation

• Research, evaluate, and integrate emerging forensic technologies, tools, and methodologies.
• Design and deploy advanced forensic workflows to enhance investigative effectiveness and mission readiness.
• Lead the development of new capabilities to address evolving threats and digital exploitation challenges.

Training, Mentorship & Collaboration

• Develop, deliver, and lead training events for government and mission partners.
• Mentor junior analysts and contribute to the growth of organizational forensic expertise.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to support complex investigations and multi‑agency operations.

Required Education & Experience

Candidates must meet one of the following experience pathways, with recent experience (within the last 2 years) in digital forensics:

• High School Diploma + 20 years of relevant experience
• Associate’s Degree + 17 years of relevant experience
• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree + 15 years of relevant experience

Required Certifications & Technical Qualifications

To be considered, candidates must possess:

• DoD Certified Digital Forensic Examiner (DFE). Candidates who do not have a DFE must obtain one within 12 months after being hired.
• Minimum 2 years of host‑based forensic experience
• At least one additional digital forensic certification, such as:
  • Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE)
  • GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE)
  • EnCase Certified Examiner
• Minimum 2 years of mobile device forensics experience

Required Security Clearance:

• Current Top Secret SCI security clearance .
• If required ; successful pass a polygraph after being hired.

What Sets You Apart

• Proven ability to perform complex forensic examinations in high‑stakes environments
• Strong understanding of digital evidence handling, exploitation techniques, and investigative workflows
• Ability to communicate technical findings clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences
• Commitment to mission, integrity, and excellence in support of national security operations

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

Pay Range:

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.