Forensics Imaging Lead

Parsons; Columbia (MD); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Paid time off

401(k)

Life insurance

Flexible work schedules

Holiday pay

Job summary

Parsons is seeking an experienced Forensics Imaging Lead to lead a cyber forensics imaging team and manage evidence collection for a critical government mission. You will guide imaging efforts, ensure data integrity, and uphold strict chain-of-custody in secure environments, while mentoring staff.

This role sits within Parsons’ Federal Solutions team in Columbia, MD, offering growth, collaboration, and a culture of excellence in defense and cybersecurity.

Qualifications

• 7+ years hands-on digital forensics, with 5+ years imaging and data extraction.
• Active TS/SCI clearance and experience in secure environments.
• Leadership in supervising a digital forensics team for 3+ years.
• Experience testing/validating forensic imaging tools and write-blockers.
• Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025 and chain-of-custody requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team performing cyber forensics imaging and evidence collection.
• Oversee imaging across multiple systems, devices, and environments.
• Ensure accurate extraction, preservation, and handling of digital evidence.
• Maintain strict chain-of-custody procedures and best practices.
• Mentor team members and promote technical growth and process improvements.
• Collaborate with internal teams to support mission success.

Skills

Active TS/SCI clearance

GCFE

7+ years digital forensics

3+ years leadership

Testing forensic imaging tools

Secure/classified environments

ISO/IEC 17025 awareness

Strong communication

Tools

Write-blockers

Forensic imaging tools

Job description

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next!At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what's possible.

Job Description:

Parsons is looking for an experienced Forensics Imaging Lead to lead a team conducting critical cyber forensics imaging and digital evidence collection in support of an important customer mission. This role offers the opportunity to combine hands-on forensic expertise with leadership, mentorship, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced cybersecurity environment where quality and mission impact matter.

In this role, you will lead a team responsible for conducting cyber forensics imaging and related evidence-handling activities in support of customer requirements. Your team will perform forensic imaging, extract data from a variety of systems, maintain strict chain-of-custody procedures, and help ensure forensic collections are conducted with precision, consistency, and technical rigor. You will play a key role in maintaining quality standards, improving workflows, and helping the team evolve as new tools, technologies, and forensic methods become available.

This position is ideal for someone who combines strong technical forensics experience with proven team leadership skills. You will work closely with a skilled group of cyber professionals, providing day-to-day leadership, mentorship, and guidance while helping team members strengthen their capabilities and grow in their careers. Your leadership will directly influence both mission success and the long-term development of a high-performing forensic imaging team.

You’ll be joining Parsons’ local Analytics & Engineering team, a community known for its strong culture of defensive cyber operations, technical excellence, and collaboration. We invest in both mission success and team connection through regular social events, technical talks, training opportunities, and hands‑on innovation activities at our Cybersecurity Center of Excellence Lab in Columbia, MD. From team lunches and ice cream socials to family-friendly seasonal events and technical learning sessions, we work hard to create an environment where people can do meaningful work and enjoy being part of the team.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead a team performing cyber forensics imaging and evidence collection activities
• Oversee forensic imaging efforts across a variety of systems, devices, and environments
• Ensure accurate extraction, preservation, and handling of digital evidence
• Maintain and enforce strict chain-of-custody procedures and forensic best practices
• Help ensure collections are performed in a repeatable, defensible, and technically sound manner
• Guide the team in adapting to emerging tools, technologies, and forensic methodologies
• Mentor team members and support their technical growth and career development
• Drive process improvements that increase quality, efficiency, and operational effectiveness
• Collaborate with internal technical teams and stakeholders to support mission success

What Required Skills You'll Bring

• Active TS/SCI clearance
• GCFE or equivalent cyber forensics certification
• 7+ years of hands‑on experience in digital forensics, with at least 5 years focused on evidence acquisition, forensic imaging, and data extraction from a variety of media (e.g., hard drives, mobile devices, IoT devices)
• 3+ years in a leadership or supervisory role, responsible for managing a digital forensics team, overseeing laboratory workflows, and maintaining chain of custody documentation
• Demonstrated experience within the last three years in the testing and validation of forensic imaging tools and write‑blockers
• Experience conducting forensic operations and handling evidence within secure and classified environments (e.g., SCIFs, air‑gapped networks, cross‑domain solutions)
• Strong understanding of digital evidence handling, chain‑of‑custody requirements, and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards
• Ability to lead technical teams in a dynamic cybersecurity environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

What Desired Skills You'll Bring

• Experience leading teams performing cyber forensic collection or imaging in support of Government or national security missions
• Experience working with a range of operating systems, storage media, and forensic collection techniques
• Familiarity with evolving forensic technologies, tooling, and evidence‑handling processes
• Proven ability to improve team processes, technical quality, and operational consistency
• Passion for mentoring and developing highly technical cyber professionals

Security Clearance Requirement:

An active Top Secret SCI security clearance is required for this position. This position is part of our Federal Solutions team. The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what's next to deliver the solutions our customers need now.

Salary Range: $125,100.00 - $225,200.00

We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!

We truly invest and care about our employee's wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars!

Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.