Digital Media Forensics SME

Leidos•Odenton, MD

About The Position

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) 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: February 24, 2026 For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above. Pay Range: Pay Range $131,300.00 - $237,350.00 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. Leidos Leidos is a Fortune 500® innovation company rapidly addressing the world's most vexing challenges in national security and health. The company's global workforce of 47,000 collaborates to create smarter technology solutions for customers in heavily regulated industries. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenue of approximately $15.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2023. For more information visit www.Leidos.com. Pay and Benefits Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here. Securing Your Data Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information at any part of the employment application process. And Leidos will communicate with you only through emails that are sent from a Leidos.com email address. If you receive an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information, please report the email to [email protected]. Commitment and Diversity All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

Requirements

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
DoD Certified Digital Forensic Examiner (DFE)
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
Current Top Secret SCI security clearance
Successful pass a polygraph after being hired

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.