Associate Director, Digital Forensics

HKA•Chicago, IL

4d•$110,000 - $135,000•Hybrid

About The Position

HKA is seeking an experienced Digital Forensics Consultant to lead and support complex legal, regulatory, and investigative matters. This hands-on, client-facing role involves managing sensitive evidence, making sound technical decisions, and representing the team with attorneys, clients, and senior stakeholders. The position works across computers, mobile devices, cloud platforms, email systems, and other digital sources, combining defensible forensic work with clear communication, practical guidance, and ownership of client matters. The role is hybrid and open to candidates within commuting distance of HKA offices in Denver, Atlanta, Chicago, Washington DC, Miami, or Tampa. It offers the opportunity to take ownership of matters, work alongside legal and technical professionals, and contribute to how digital forensics engagements are delivered. Domestic and occasional international travel may be needed.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Digital Forensics, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
At least 5 years of digital forensics, forensic technology, incident response, or related eDiscovery experience.
Hands-on experience collecting, preserving, and analyzing electronic evidence using defensible methods.
Proficiency with forensic tools such as Magnet AXIOM, EnCase, Cellebrite, Oxygen Forensics, FTK, or Nuix.
Experience with computers, mobile devices, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, or other cloud data sources.
Strong knowledge of chain of custody, forensic imaging, evidence preservation, and data integrity.
Executive presence and sound judgment to lead client discussions, explain technical findings, manage expectations, and escalate risk.
Ability to manage multiple matters, produce clear documentation, and travel as needed.

Nice To Haves

Digital forensics certification such as EnCE, CCE, ACE, CFCE, or GCFA.
Experience with Linux, UNIX, scripting, automation, or open-source forensic tools.
Experience preparing expert reports or supporting testimony in litigation or regulatory matters.

Responsibilities

Plan and conduct defensible forensic collections from computers, mobile devices, cloud platforms, collaboration tools, email systems, and other electronic data sources.
Lead or support on-site data collections at client facilities, including domestic and occasional international travel.
Preserve, verify, document, and securely transfer electronically stored information while maintaining chain of custody.
Perform forensic examinations and analysis for litigation, regulatory matters, internal investigations, and other client engagements.
Use industry-standard forensic tools to identify, recover, analyze, and report on relevant electronic evidence.
Document forensic processes, findings, and conclusions clearly, accurately, and defensibly.
Assist with preparing technical reports, investigation summaries, supporting exhibits, and other client deliverables.
Process and load data into Relativity and support workspace setup, data review, searches, productions, and related eDiscovery activities.
Collaborate with attorneys, investigators, client stakeholders, eDiscovery professionals, and other technical specialists.
Identify technical risks, data gaps, and collection challenges and recommend practical solutions.
Maintain current knowledge of digital forensics tools, emerging technologies, cloud platforms, and industry best practices.
Manage assigned tasks across multiple matters while meeting deadlines and maintaining appropriate quality controls.