Associate Principal/Digital Forensics - Forensic Services practice

About Charles River Associates

Charles River Associates is a leading global consulting firm that provides economic, financial, and business management expertise to major law firms, corporations and governments around the world. CRA advises clients on economic and financial matters pertaining to litigation and regulatory proceedings, and guides corporations through critical business strategy and performance-related issues. Since 1965, clients have engaged CRA for its combination of industry experience and rigorous, fact-based analysis that provide clients with clear, implementable solutions to complex business concerns.

Learn more about our work by reviewing our Services and Industries on our website.

Job 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 provide accounting and forensic services as well as cybercrime investigation services.

As an experienced leader in the forensic & cyber investigations space, your responsibilities as an Associate Principal may include (but are not limited to):

• Leading digital forensic investigations for CRA clients, primarily in preparation of, and in response to theft of trade secret investigation;
• Leading teams or assigning resources to perform onsite data collection and/or triage of MacOS, iOS, Android, Windows and Linux devices;
• Performing forensic analysis MacOS related artifacts such as plists, unified logs, FS Events, spotlight metadata, etc.;
• Remediating data by securely removing it from multiple file systems and data platforms;
• Conducting mobile device extractions (including full file system extractions) and associated forensic examinations to identify user actions including the deletion of text messages;
• Use open-source and commercial tools to examine APFS, HFS+ FAT, NTFS, and other file systems.
• Providing expert witness testimony, if needed;
• Serving as primary point of contact for clients with regard to all engagement activities;
• Supervising project team execution by leading quality assurance efforts and overseeing work product;
• Identifying opportunities and implementing improvements to increase the abilities of the digital forensic team;
• Maintaining effective relationships with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to assist in criminal matters;
• Creating, leading, and maintaining leveraged team environment that is positioned for continued success and expansion by actively recruiting and retaining employees, and managing team morale;
• Participating 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;
• Assist with team recruiting and training efforts as needed;
• Working at the direction of counsel on investigations.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a related field is preferred but can be waived with sufficient experience;
• 7-10+ years’ experience in cyber intrusion investigation, digital forensics or incident response analysis;
• Training, certifications, or working experience investigating MacOS forensic artifacts such as plists, unified logs, FS Events, spotlight metadata, etc.
• Deep knowledge of Mac OS, Windows, and Linux operating systems, and APFS, HFS+, FAT, and NTFS file systems.
• Working knowledge of open-source and commercial forensic software products, particularly those focused on MacOS and iOS analysis.
• Ability to effectively lead teams, prioritize multiple projects and meet timely deadlines;
• Experience in a hands-on technical role functioning as a testifying expert, digital forensic examiner, incident responder, network forensic analyst or malware analyst;
• Experience leading data analytics engagements and managing the execution of technology-based best practices;
• Working knowledge of computer hardware components, operating systems, file systems, computer networks, e-mail systems, mobile devices, IT security or incident response;
• Deep knowledge of networking (TCP/IP, design, traffic flow, protocols, sessions), operating systems (Windows / *nix) and web technologies;
• Willing and able to travel for client projects.

To Apply

To be considered for a position in the United States, we require the following:

• Resume – please include current address, personal email and telephone number;

If you are interested in applying for one of our international locations, please visit our Careers site to view and apply for available jobs.

Career Growth and Benefits 

• CRA’s robust skills development programs, including a commitment to offering 100 hours of training annually through 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.

Responsible AI Use in Recruiting

We believe that recruiting is fundamentally a human process, and we are committed to a hiring process that is consistent, transparent, and people-focused. While AI and other technology-enabled tools help our team operate more efficiently, we strive to provide every candidate with a personalized, thoughtful, and high-touch experience. As CRA invests significant human effort to find qualified members for our teams, we expect candidates to invest corresponding human effort to learn about CRA, prepare thoughtful application materials, and engage with our interviewers. Read more about appropriate hiring manager, recruiting team, and candidate AI at CRA on our website.  

Our Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity

Charles River Associates is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Salary and other compensation

A good-faith estimate of the annual base salary range for this position is $140,000 - $170,000. 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 may 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.