Director of Forensics

About the role

The Director of Forensics will lead the company’s digital forensics laboratory in Houston, Texas, overseeing all people, processes, and technologies associated with forensic collection, analysis, and examination.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the digital forensics lab operations, including personnel, workflow management, and quality assurance.
• Schedule examiners for data collections and coordinate assignments based on project timelines and priorities.
• Serve as the lead point of contact for clients on forensic examination engagements.
• Manage the cost structure and profitability of the forensics department, ensuring efficient resource allocation and margin performance.
• Hire, train, and mentor forensics staff, cultivating a culture of technical excellence and accountability.
• Conduct performance evaluations and establish professional development goals for team members.
• Aid in troubleshooting complex technical challenges and define strategies for sophisticated or large-scale engagements.
• Develop the scope of engagements in collaboration with clients, ensuring that objectives, deliverables, and timelines are clearly defined.
• Procure and manage forensic equipment and software licenses, ensuring the lab remains fully operational and compliant with industry standards.
• Collaborate closely with the Head of eDiscovery Operations to coordinate data transitions, ingestion workflows, and evidence preparations for discovery.
• Maintain strict adherence to chain-of-custody protocols and security controls.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in digital forensics, cyber investigations, and eDiscovery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Digital Forensics, Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 8+ years of experience in digital forensics, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management capacity.
• Proven experience managing a digital forensics lab or technical investigations team.
• Strong technical proficiency with forensic tools such as EnCase, FTK, X-Ways, Cellebrite, Axiom, or Nuix.
• Familiarity with eDiscovery processes, data transitions, and review preparation workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to manage department budgets, profitability metrics, and operational KPIs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interface effectively with clients and technical staff.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to travel up to 80% for client site data collections and related engagements.

Preferred Certifications

• EnCE (EnCase Certified Examiner)
• ACE (AccessData Certified Examiner)
• CCME (Cellebrite Certified Mobile Examiner)
• GCFAR (GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst)