Careers in Forensics and STEM

ATF offers a wide range of career opportunities in forensics and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. The main hub of ATF’s scientific research is the National Laboratory Center in Ammendale, Maryland, which includes the Fire Research Laboratory, National Firearms Examiner Academy, and one of ATF’s three forensic science laboratories.

ATF also offers competitive unpaid internships for students interested in law enforcement forensic careers.

Burn cell located at the Fire Research Lab. The burn is complete and the fire is put out.

Electrical and Fire Research Engineers

ATF's electrical and fire research engineers work with special agents to investigate fire investigations and explosion incidents.

Fingerprint specialist examines fingerprints on a card

Fingerprint Specialists

ATF’s fingerprint specialists conduct forensic examinations of fingerprints collected from crime scenes and analyze them to help generate leads for criminal cases.

An examiner analyzes a firearm in the National Laboratory Center in Atlanta.

Firearm and Toolmark Examiners

ATF’s forensic firearm and toolmark examiners analyze firearms and tools found at crime scenes to help investigators solve criminal cases.

Woman with pen in her hand, reviews financial reports

Forensic Auditors

ATF’s forensic auditors sift through vast amounts of data and crime scene evidence to identify financial charges, establish financial motives for crimes, and track the proceeds of illicit activities.

A forensic biologist works in the lab

Forensic Biologists

ATF's forensic biologists use cutting-edge technology to collect biological evidence from crime scenes and conduct DNA analysis to help solve violent crimes involving firearms, explosives or arson.

Two ATF forensic chemists review evidence canisters

Forensic Chemists

During investigations, ATF’s forensic chemists help to collect and process physical evidence to reconstruct crime scenes. They then interpret scientific data from post-blast debris, fire debris, and trace evidence to identify leads.

 

Last Reviewed February 2, 2023