Consulting Associate/Computer Scientist (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.

Position Overview

CRA’s Forensic Services practice supports companies involved in litigation concerning computer technology by assisting them and their counsel in analyzing source code, software, and hardware to better understand the relevant technical issues and help resolve the dispute. 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 value knowledge of software development, system design and implementation, exceptional written and oral communication skills, a high level of initiative, and a willingness to proactively raise issues to keep projects running smoothly. We expect Consulting Associates to use their technical expertise to solve client problems, work collaboratively with a team, effectively manage their time, prioritize tasks, and take pride and ownership in their work.

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

• Conduct detailed investigations of source code and systems in the context of alleged copyright infringement, patent infringement, trade secret misappropriation, software failure, and software audit matters;
• Leverage technical and consulting expertise to support counsel and clients in intellectual property litigation or disputes involving complex technology;
• Analyze and inspect 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 and declarations 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.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or other programming-focused discipline, advanced degree preferred;
• 2-5 years of related work experience;
• Experience and deep understanding of programming languages including C, Java, or Python;
• Strong understanding of source code analysis, binary reverse engineering, and/or hardware functional testing techniques;
• Familiarity with 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 technical and investigative reports and communicating technical findings;
• No legal experience is necessary; we can teach you what you need to know in that area as long as you bring an open and curious mind.

To Apply

To be considered for this position, we require the following:

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

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 expect that individuals spend at least 3 to 4 days a week working in the office (which may include traveling to another CRA office or to client meetings), with specific days determined in coordination with your practice or team.

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 $100,000 - $126,500. 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.