STEM OPT Forensic Analyst Jobs
Forensic Analyst roles in digital forensics, crime lab analysis, and fraud investigation qualify for STEM OPT when your degree maps to an eligible CIP code. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and the 24-month STEM OPT extension gives you up to 36 months total to build your career in this field.
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The Department of Public Safety Technology Investigation Unit is seeking qualified candidates to join its team in support of criminal investigations through digital forensic analysis.
The Digital Forensic Examiner is based at the Technology Investigation Unit Lab in Waterbury, Vermont. While occasional remote work may be permitted through flex scheduling, the role is primarily office-based. The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with voluntary overtime opportunities occasionally available during evenings and weekends.
The selected candidate will analyze data from a wide range of electronic devices, including cell phones, computers, laptops, and other mobile devices. Using state-of-the-art technology, industry tools, and law enforcement-specific software, the candidate will produce detailed forensic reports and maintain accurate evidence records. Regular collaboration with law enforcement officers is expected to support ongoing investigations. This position will focus primarily on CDR and Geolocation Analysis. Secondary responsibilities will include mobile device acquisitions and processing.
Additional responsibilities include the extraction of digital evidence, routine evidence maintenance, and participation in court proceedings, including providing expert testimony as needed.
Ongoing training is a key part of this role. Candidates will be expected to participate in both in-state and out-of-state training programs. These may range from one day to five weeks in duration, with all associated expenses covered by the employer or host training site.
Who May Apply
This position, Digital Forensic Examiner I (Job Requisition #55232), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact Lieutenant Michael Dion at michael.dion@vermont.gov.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.
PUBLIC SAFETY BACKGROUND CHECKS: Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position to include Motor Vehicle/Criminal Records, Personal History, Credit and any additional background check(s).
Environmental Factors
Duties are performed primarily in standard office and/or laboratory settings. Significant exposure to images and videos depicting child sexual exploitation. Sedentary work environment with long hours sitting at a desk viewing computer screens. Considerable pressure due to large backlog of cases and court imposed deadlines for analysis.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or higher in computer science, cyber security, intelligence analysis or related field.
OR
Associate's degree or two (2) years of college coursework in computer science, cyber security, intelligence analysis or related field AND two (2) years or more of experience in digital forensics.
OR
Three (3) years or more of experience in digital forensics, or forensic and geolocation analysis.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree.
Experience in the field of law enforcement.
Total Compensation
As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:
- 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
- Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
- State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
- Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
- Low cost group life insurance
- Incentive-based Wellness Program
- Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.
Overview
The Department of Public Safety Technology Investigation Unit is seeking qualified candidates to join its team in support of criminal investigations through digital forensic analysis.
The Digital Forensic Examiner is based at the Technology Investigation Unit Lab in Waterbury, Vermont. While occasional remote work may be permitted through flex scheduling, the role is primarily office-based. The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with voluntary overtime opportunities occasionally available during evenings and weekends.
The selected candidate will analyze data from a wide range of electronic devices, including cell phones, computers, laptops, and other mobile devices. Using state-of-the-art technology, industry tools, and law enforcement-specific software, the candidate will produce detailed forensic reports and maintain accurate evidence records. Regular collaboration with law enforcement officers is expected to support ongoing investigations. This position will focus primarily on CDR and Geolocation Analysis. Secondary responsibilities will include mobile device acquisitions and processing.
Additional responsibilities include the extraction of digital evidence, routine evidence maintenance, and participation in court proceedings, including providing expert testimony as needed.
Ongoing training is a key part of this role. Candidates will be expected to participate in both in-state and out-of-state training programs. These may range from one day to five weeks in duration, with all associated expenses covered by the employer or host training site.
Who May Apply
This position, Digital Forensic Examiner I (Job Requisition #55232), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact Lieutenant Michael Dion at michael.dion@vermont.gov.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.
PUBLIC SAFETY BACKGROUND CHECKS: Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position to include Motor Vehicle/Criminal Records, Personal History, Credit and any additional background check(s).
Environmental Factors
Duties are performed primarily in standard office and/or laboratory settings. Significant exposure to images and videos depicting child sexual exploitation. Sedentary work environment with long hours sitting at a desk viewing computer screens. Considerable pressure due to large backlog of cases and court imposed deadlines for analysis.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or higher in computer science, cyber security, intelligence analysis or related field.
OR
Associate's degree or two (2) years of college coursework in computer science, cyber security, intelligence analysis or related field AND two (2) years or more of experience in digital forensics.
OR
Three (3) years or more of experience in digital forensics, or forensic and geolocation analysis.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree.
Experience in the field of law enforcement.
Total Compensation
As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:
- 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
- Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
- State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
- Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
- Low cost group life insurance
- Incentive-based Wellness Program
- Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Forensic Analyst
Verify your CIP code before applying
Cross-check your degree's CIP code against the official STEM Designated Degree Program list on USCIS. Forensic Science (43.0106), Computer Forensics (11.1003), and Chemistry (40.0501) all qualify, but your transcript's exact program title must match.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment during screening
Ask recruiters directly whether their organization is enrolled in E-Verify before accepting interviews. Forensic roles at private labs, consulting firms, and insurance carriers often lack E-Verify enrollment, even when government-contractor positions at the same company do.
Target agencies with active I-9 audit exposure
Federal agencies, defense contractors, and regulated financial institutions are required to use E-Verify by law or contract, making them reliable STEM OPT employers. Focus your search on these sectors rather than smaller independent labs.
Draft your I-983 training plan before your offer
Prepare a draft I-983 outlining how forensic casework, evidence analysis, and laboratory procedures connect to your STEM degree. Having this ready shortens employer review time and signals you understand the mutual training obligations both sides must sign.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for E-Verify employers
Search for Forensic Analyst roles on Migrate Mate, which surfaces employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and DOL Labor Condition Application history so you're not guessing whether a company can legally onboard a STEM OPT student.
Time your extension filing against cap-gap protection
If you're on STEM OPT and selected in the H-1B lottery, your work authorization automatically extends under cap-gap rules until October 1. Coordinate your forensic employer's I-129 filing timeline with your DSO to avoid any gap in your work authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Forensic Analyst job qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on whether your underlying degree has a qualifying CIP code, not the job title itself. Degrees in Forensic Science, Computer Forensics, Chemistry, or Criminal Justice with a STEM concentration commonly qualify. Your DSO confirms eligibility by matching your program's CIP code to the USCIS STEM Designated Degree Program list before recommending the extension on your I-20.
Does my Forensic Analyst employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement for any employer hiring a STEM OPT student. Without it, your employer cannot sign the I-983 training plan and your extension is invalid. Ask the recruiter or HR contact to confirm enrollment status before you accept an offer. Federal agencies and defense contractors are typically enrolled by mandate, but private forensic labs and consulting firms vary.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Forensic Analyst role?
The I-983 must document how your day-to-day forensic work, such as evidence collection protocols, digital imaging, chain-of-custody procedures, or spectroscopic analysis, directly relates to your STEM degree field. It requires signatures from both you and an authorized employer representative. Your DSO reviews it before submitting the STEM OPT extension application. Vague descriptions that don't connect lab duties to your degree coursework are the most common reason DSOs send the plan back for revision.
How long can I work as a Forensic Analyst on STEM OPT?
Your initial OPT period runs 12 months. A timely STEM OPT extension adds 24 more months, giving you up to 36 months of total OPT work authorization. You must apply for the extension before your initial OPT expires. USCIS recommends filing at least 90 days before that end date to avoid gaps in authorization while the extension application is pending.
Where can I find Forensic Analyst jobs from E-Verify employers?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for STEM OPT students and filters Forensic Analyst listings by employers with E-Verify enrollment and active sponsorship history. That means you're not spending time on roles where the employer can't legally hire you. You can also cross-reference the O*NET occupation profile for Forensic Science Technicians to understand which industries post the most positions.