Principal/Source Code & IP Investigations (Forensic Services practice)

Charles River Associates International; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Wellness program

Immigration support

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Charles River Associates seeks a highly experienced Principal in Forensic Services to lead detailed investigations of source code and related systems in copyright/patent infringement matters. You will oversee teams, coordinate with counsel, and deliver technically sound expert analyses.

The role requires 10+ years in liability analysis within litigation, strong programming knowledge (C/Java/Python), and the ability to travel for client projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in source code- and technology-related liability analysis in a litigation context.
• Ability to effectively lead teams, prioritize projects, meet deadlines, and communicate effectively.
• Experience with programming languages including C, Java, or Python.
• Hands-on technical role as a testifying expert.
• Strong understanding of source code analysis, binary reverse engineering, and hardware testing techniques.
• Familiarity with analytical tools (e.g., SciTools Understand).
• Understanding of SDLC and Agile methodologies.
• Experience drafting expert and technical reports; travel for client projects.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary point of contact for clients regarding engagement activities.
• Lead teams to conduct forensic investigations of source code and systems in IP litigation contexts.
• Recruit and retain talent, and manage team morale.
• Support counsel and clients in IP litigation through technical expertise.
• Direct analysis of source code, databases, configurations, and other technical evidence.
• Assist with preparation of expert reports and client deliverables.
• Ensure quality control and documentation of analyses.
• Contribute to practice-building and business development.

Skills

Team leadership

Communication

Client engagement

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in CS/Engineering

Tools

C

Java

Python

Source code analysis

Reverse engineering

Job description

About Charles River Associates

CRA is a leading global consulting firm that provides independent economic and financial analysis behind litigation matters, guides businesses through critical strategy and operational issues to become more profitable, and advises governments on the economic impact of policies and regulations. Our two main services - economic and management consulting are delivered by practice groups that focus on specific areas of expertise or industries.

About Charles River Associates

CRA is a leading global consulting firm that provides independent economic and financial analysis behind litigation matters, guides businesses through critical strategy and operational issues to become more profitable, and advises governments on the economic impact of policies and regulations. Our two main services - economic and management consulting are delivered by practice groups that focus on specific areas of expertise or industries.

Position Overview

CRA’s Forensic Services practice supports companies’ commitment to integrity by assisting them and their counsel in independently responding to allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, misconduct, and non-compliance. We are noted for deploying cross-trained teams of forensic professionals to assist our clients in gaining deeper insights and greater value more quickly.

We are looking for curious, analytical, highly motivated candidates with 10+ years of experience in source code- and technology-related liability analysis in a litigation context, who have majored in Computer Science or an equivalent degree. We value knowledge of software development, system design and implementation, exceptional written and oral communication skills, and a high level of initiative. We expect Principals to use their technical expertise to solve client problems, collaboratively manage teams and projects, effectively manage their time and the time of their team members, prioritize and delegate tasks, and take pride and ownership in their work and in client deliverable. Each Principal reports directly to a Vice President in the Forensic Services practice.

The opportunities to contribute to the Forensic Services team in this role may include (but are not limited to):

• Serve as primary point of contact for clients with regard to all engagement activities;
• Lead teams to conduct detailed forensic investigations of source code and systems in the context of copyright infringement, patent infringement, software failure, and software audit matters;
• Create, lead, and maintain leveraged team environment that is positioned for continued success and expansion by actively recruiting and retaining employees, and managing team morale;
• Leverage personal and team members’ technical and consulting expertise to support counsel and clients in intellectual property litigation or disputes involving complex technology;
• Direct the analysis and inspection of source code, database schemas, system configurations, technical documentation, and other sources of technical evidence typically produced in the context of intellectual property litigation;
• Assist with the preparation of expert reports, of both other experts and your own, describing technical and analytical findings;
• Ensure reliability of analysis and risk management through implementing quality control measures and documentation;
• Participate in practice-building activities including recruiting and training;
• Identify opportunities and implementing improvements to increase the abilities of the Forensic Services practice;
• Participate in and leading business development efforts by building relationships with current and potential clients, drafting and presenting proposals, participating in pitches, and demonstrating firm capabilities to potential clients.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a related field;
• 10+ years of experience in source code- and technology-related liability analysis in a litigation context, including performing the activities listed above;
• Ability to effectively lead teams, prioritize multiple projects, meet timely deadlines, and communicate effectively in both oral and written form;
• Experience and deep understanding of programming languages including C, Java, or Python;
• Experience in a hands‑on technical role functioning as a testifying expert;
• Strong understanding of source code analysis, binary reverse engineering, and hardware functional testing techniques;
• Familiarity of analytical tools (e.g., SciTools Understand) used to visualize and understand software code;
• Understanding of database administration and software development models (SDLC, Agile, etc.);
• Experience with drafting expert reports, technical and investigative reports, and communicating technical findings;
• Willing and able to travel for client projects.

Career Growth And Benefits

• CRA’s robust skills development programs, including both formal and informal programs, encourage you to thrive as an individual and team member. Beginning with research and analysis skill building, training continues with technical training, presentation skills, internal seminars, and career mentoring and performance coaching from an assigned senior colleague. Additional leadership and collaboration opportunities exist through internal firm development activities.
• We offer a comprehensive total rewards program including a superior benefits package, wellness programming to support physical, mental, emotional and financial well-being, and in‑house immigration support for foreign nationals and international business travelers.

Work Location Flexibility

CRA creates a work environment that enables our colleagues to benefit from being together in the office to best deliver on our promise of career growth, mentorship and inclusivity. At the same time, we recognize that individuals realize a range of benefits when working from home periodically. We currently ask that individuals spend 3 to 4 days a week on average working in the office (which may include traveling to another CRA office or to a client's location), with specific days determined in coordination with your practice or team. At certain times of the year (e.g. holiday periods), additional remote work options are offered to those whose work commitments permit it, although our offices remain open for those who choose or need to be there.

Our Commitment to Diversity

Charles River Associates is an equal opportunity employer (EOE/AAE). As part of our focus on equity and inclusion, we work to ensure a fair and consistent hiring process. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to an inclusive work environment.

Salary And Other Compensation

A good‑faith estimate of the annual base salary range for this position is $175,000 - $250,000. Stating pay within this range may vary based on factors such as education level, experience, skills, geographic location, market conditions, and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position may be eligible for additional bonus incentive compensation.

CRA offers a comprehensive benefits package, subject to eligibility requirements, which include: medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) retirement plan with employer match; life and disability insurance; paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays); paid parental leave; wellness programs and employee assistance resources; and commuter benefits.