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Senior Associate Programmatic AdTech Engineer Forensic Services practice

Charles River Associates
Location not specified
Full Time
Posted January 27, 2026
$130k - $153k
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Job Description

The Senior Associate at CRA's Forensic Services practice will lead technical investigations into advertising technology systems, privacy compliance, and data flows, utilizing data engineering, AI, and forensic analysis to solve complex client challenges and advise legal and executive teams.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and support forensic investigations of advertising technology systems, privacy compliance, and data flows across web, mobile, and programmatic platforms.
  • Reverse-engineer complex AdTech products, supply chains, tracking tools, identity frameworks, and monetization controls.
  • Design and build forensic data pipelines, processing infrastructure, and investigatory tools for large-scale datasets.
  • Deploy AI and advanced tools to support investigations, identify privacy compliance gaps, and develop data monetization strategies.
  • Advise legal counsel and executives on complex data, engineering, privacy, and AdTech challenges, translating technical findings into business insights.
  • Coordinate cross-functional efforts across technical analysis, legal strategy, data engineering, and stakeholder communication under tight deadlines.
  • Mentor junior team members and contribute to internal initiatives.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree required in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Information Systems or related technical field.
  • 5-7 years of experience in software engineering, with progressive experience in at least two of the following domains: Programmatic advertising technology, marketing technology platforms, or digital media ecosystems; Data engineering, analytics engineering, or large-scale data pipeline development; Privacy engineering, compliance technology, or regulatory risk assessment; Consulting delivery, expert services, or client-facing technical advisory roles.
  • Deep understanding of programmatic advertising architectures including supply-side platforms (SSPs), demand-side platforms (DSPs), data management platforms (DMPs), customer data platforms (CDPs), and ad exchanges.
  • Knowledge of real-time bidding protocols, OpenRTB specifications, header bidding mechanics, prebid.js, and programmatic supply chain data flows.
  • Understanding of identity graph methodologies including deterministic matching, probabilistic linkage, device graphs, and privacy-preserving cohort approaches.
  • Advanced proficiency in at least two programming languages such as Python, SQL, R, JavaScript, or similar languages applicable to data analysis and tool development.
  • Experience with data engineering frameworks and tools including Apache Spark, Airflow, and modern data warehousing platforms such as Snowflake, BigQuery, or Redshift.
  • Competency in data manipulation, transformation, and analysis using libraries like pandas, NumPy, or equivalent.
  • Familiarity with cloud platforms AWS, GCP, Azure and infrastructure-as-code approaches.
  • Experience building custom analytical applications.
  • Ability to serve as a technical subject matter expert advising legal counsel and corporate executives on complex data, engineering, privacy, and AdTech challenges, translating technical findings into actionable business insights.
  • Experience leading and supporting technical vision and execution for forensic investigations of advertising technology systems, privacy compliance, and data flows across web, mobile, and programmatic platforms.
  • Ability to reverse-engineer complex AdTech products, programmatic supply chains, tracking tools, identity graphing frameworks, real-time bidding systems, and monetization controls.
  • Experience designing and building forensic data pipelines, processing infrastructure, and investigatory tools used to process and analyze large-scale datasets such as bid streams, impression logs, and consent records.
  • Experience deploying AI and advanced tooling to support investigations, detect privacy compliance gaps, and develop compliant data monetization strategies.
  • Strong communication skills to serve as a technical advisor to legal counsel and corporate executives, translating complex technical findings into actionable insights.
  • Ability to lead and support cross-functional engagements requiring coordination across technical analysis, legal strategy, data engineering, and stakeholder communication under aggressive deadlines.
  • Mentoring junior team members and contributing to internal initiatives.

Benefits & Perks

Salary range of $130,000 - $152,500 with potential bonus incentive compensation
Work location flexibility with at least 3 to 4 days in the office per week
Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) retirement plan with employer match
Life and disability insurance
Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, holidays, and paid parental leave
Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
In-house immigration support for foreign nationals and international business travelers
Skills development programs with 100 hours of annual training, including technical training, seminars, and mentoring
Opportunities for internal leadership and collaboration activities

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