Robert Heckman

Experience

• 

  United States Department of Defense

  May 1999 - Feb 2021

  Led 3,000 military, civilian, and contractor personnel executing operations and sustainment of the Air Force’s $9B Ground Developmental Ground Test Enterprise to prove hypersonic, propulsion, aerospace, space, directed energy, landing gear, and survivability system capabilities. • Led $400M Training and Exercise Program and $170M budget execution for 9 geographically dispersed operating 55 world unique test facilities • Performed various levels of system data flow analysis and developed system integration plans supporting RDT&E execution for multi-level secure environments• Oversaw and executed the organization’s professional development and human capital strategy programs• Directed the operations for 15K hours and executed 25 unique test events for $60M mishap recovery and saved $25M• Led $200M Shelf Life Extension Program (SLEP), fielded 4 Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts for 8x upgrades that reduced maintenance costs and extended complex lifecycle 30+ years• Piloted a 6-member mission assurance assessment, identified/assessed risk for multi-secure transition for 18 networks that readied complex for high priority national programs valued at $440M Show less Directed 2,000 military, civilian, and contractor personnel executing operations and sustainment of $19.2B Space-based Infrared Space-Based Infrared Systems delivering global missile warning capabilities to the US and its allies. • Led Group’s compliance programs spanning 5 departments and planned, organized, and oversaw the activities of all personnel• Assisted with development and fielding of weapon system cyber resiliency, survivability, and defense requirements• Guided 194 projects, collaborated with 11 inter-agencies, closed 96 deficiencies, extended operational lifecycle by 25 years, and saved 3.4K man-hours/$290M in project costs• Drove 9K+ operation hours, reported 1K missiles & 28K IR events with less than 3% error rate recognized by headquarters as #1/22 organizations two years in a row • Operated as the Space Mission Task Force stand-up lead and optimized schedule that eliminated a 27% manning shortfall to cut crew errors by 83% saving 135K man-hours per year in error response Show less Oversaw 900 communications professionals delivering classified, unclassified, command and control network services to 90 tenant organizations and 13K personnel. Drove continuous process improvement programs across 6 flights and compliance program initiatives to achieve Effective unit ratings. • Led sustainment and cybersecurity strategy implementation on $1B communications enterprise with zero intrusions and 99.6% service uptime rate• Conducted cybersecurity posture analysis, implemented mitigation strategies on 18 mission networks and $29M Air Force Network with zero incidents • Improved network security for 28 programs, delivered Unit Effectiveness Inspection “Effective” rating and Command Cyber Readiness “Excellent Rating as #2/51 installations• Tackled 36 continuous improvement initiatives which saved over 10.8K of man-hours and built initial qualification training that saved the organization $5.6M in travel costs• Delivered 1st-ever Omaha Trophy in 2016 as best global operations of 22 Wings and established 1st-ever cyber intel element Show less Team lead for 24 military and civilian personnel executing project management on $17.6B Space-Based Infrared System infrastructure and networks supporting 13K personnel and 90 tenant organizations. Oversaw $140M Operations and Maintenance (O&M) budget, contracts, and advised squadron commander on spending targets/limitations. • Developed and implemented cyber security guidance and policy on $1B communications enterprise delivering service to 7 combatant commands, 4 services, and 90 tenant units• Managed Unit Training and Unit Deployment functions tracking taskings for 80 personnel. • Led MILSTAR crypto refit, coordinated transfer with 3 DoD organizations at 2 sites that eliminated rekey requirement and saved the organization 707 man-hours per year• Directed 7 nation IT project and $1.4M fiber project that delivered an Urgent Operational Need to increased bandwidth by 8x• Managed 47 projects valued at $55M that focused on 8 organizations, 7 Nations/18 contracts that saved $1.1M and enabled 1st ever F-22 combat employment Show less Led 150 deployed military and civilians executing operations and maintenance for 15 work centers in support of the $65M Falconer Weapon System. Responsible for the evaluation, configuration management, supply support, and future planning for 1.6K system requirements and cyber upgrades. Managed unit awards, manning, and training programs.• Directed cybersecurity for $5M multi-level secure communications enterprise servicing 1.3K Interdepartmental and Coalition users across 4.3M sq-mile area of responsibility• Piloted $6M video upgrade, meshed 5 systems, and engineered 107 feeds to cut hardware requirements by 70% which saved 180 maintenance hours per year• Guided $46M control facility build and completed projects on schedule despite 15% budget reduction• Launched 48 virtual networks and established 144 TB network that saved the Air Force 4K man-hours and $90K per year in sustainment costs Show less Led communications support of $3B electronic warfare assets delivering secure communications for high-priority DoD and Allied test and training. Commander’s senior enlisted advisor for 120 personnel and led 15 sections at 4 geographically separated locations. • Guided flight chiefs leading 130 contractors and managed a $5M operations and maintenance budget and $5M in IT projects• Provided cybersecurity requirements development and implementation on $200M unique communication enterprise supporting Presidential and Secretary of Defense programs• Drove ops and maintenance support for 90 DoD-directed programs that delivered project success 6 months early and saved $2.3M• Built Wing’s professional development program, authored curriculum/rallied 32 instructors/instructed 7 blocks that instilled leadership skills in 184 Airmen. 2012 Lance P Sijan Leadership Award Winner• Led 12-man fiber expansion project/$725K COMSEC modernization, developed integration plan/synched 32 facility/1K connection install that earned Wing its 1st-ever Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Meritorious Unit Award Show less Developed and implemented information system security guidance/policy and maintained/reviewed system audit records for 8 multi-level secure Special Access Program networks. Supervised 5 technicians and provided network, server, and client administration on $35M communication enterprise. Responsible for System Security Plan JFAN and Risk Management Framework compliance and certifications to operate in support of F-22, C-17, and F-15 operations. • Identified/corrected Integrated Maintenance Information System auditing deficiency that set the standard for all F-22 bases• Lauded by MAJCOM inspectors as “best seen to date” cyber security program and “Outstanding Performer”; set PACAF benchmark• Directed 5 IT projects, reduced secured network outages 75%/reutilized 750 assets that saved $3M Show less Lead IT project manager, provisioned capabilities for military construction valued at $50M. Evaluated mission requirements and provides project management in support of Alaskan Command, NORAD, 11 Air Force, and tenant units. Incorporated emerging technologies and standards into new projects and reviews construction project Request for Proposals and design specifications for shortfalls and deficiencies. Develops projects and installation plans and performs acceptance activities to ensure end-user functionality and mission accomplishment. Wing’s Communication Installation Records Manager and Unit Deployment Manager.• 11AF C&I Professional of the Year 2003 and 3rd Wing C&I Professional of the Year 2004• Took charge of $5.2M project to modernize Elmendorf’s command and control infrastructure, overcame major obstacle for installation bed down and saved $500K in schedule• Handpicked to lead $4.2M classified network upgrade/$1.4M Point of Maintenance install, identified critical flaws/replaced Core 1 facility encryption that increased reliability by 75%• Planned and implemented communication infrastructure requirements for $41M in new construction design, $52M addition/alteration designs, and $203M in military construction Show less Responsible for ensuring the prompt and accurate verification, implementation, coordination, and life cycle maintenance of Command, Control, Communications, and Computer System projects. Managed project status and provided reviews to senior management. Works with units to plan, procure, and provide logistics supports to C4 systems. Monitored and provided guidance for C4 system construction requirements through the approval, design review, and site inspection process. Prepared civil engineering work requests for pre-installation support of C4 projects.• Identified 6 redundant military construction C4 infrastructure projects and saved Air Force $92K• Completely overhauled Communications System Installation Records, built Access database, identified, and updated 467 records that averted critical flaws in 6 projects and saved the Air Force $82.6K• Led $10M Combat Information Transport System project, efforts ensured 172 facilities were engineered on-time that improved communications services for 3.5K users Show less

  • Site Superintendent

    May 2018 - Feb 2021

  • Operations Superintendent

    May 2017 - May 2018

  • Superintendent, Communications

    May 2015 - May 2017

  • Project Superintendent

    May 2014 - Nov 2015

  • Site Superintendent

    Oct 2013 - Nov 2014

  • Superintendent, Communications

    May 2009 - Oct 2013

  • Cyber Security Site Lead

    May 2006 - May 2009

  • Project Manager

    May 2002 - May 2006

  • Communications Construction Program Manager

    May 2001 - May 2002

  • Project Manager

    May 1999 - May 2001
• 

  Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI)

  Mar 2021 - Mar 2022

  Senior Cybersecurity Analyst

  Served as the Information System Security Manager (ISSM) for the LRO Platform IT weapon system. Performed risk assessments and analysis on system architectures and designs to meet warfighter requirements encompassing all weapon system, support equipment, and RDT&E infrastructure. • Ensured system security complies with applicable government policies and assessed the impact of designs, modifications, and vulnerabilities for each system• Maintained a thorough understanding of NIST 800-53 controls to determine which controls apply to the application and documents their implementation in the Security Controls Traceability Matrix• Conducted reviews and technical inspections to identify and mitigate potential security weaknesses and validate that all security features applied to the system are functional • Drafted system security Assessment and Authorization documents and drafts strategic cybersecurity policy and guidance Show less

• 

  United States Department of the Air Force

  Feb 2022 - Feb 2023

  Lead ISSM/IT Infrastructure/Cybersecurity SME, Guided Weapons Evaluation Facility

  Serves as the lead for information technology infrastructure and Information System Security Manager for 16 ATOs. Provides oversight and direction for 22 Government/contractor personnel performing system administration, information assurance and O&M tasks on 9 different independent enclaves supporting RDT&E activities.• Ensures systems meet customer requirements and control implementation complies with DoD, Air Force and National cybersecurity standards • Advises leaders on system security architecture improvements and modifications to support strategic business testing and operations objectives• Performs risk assessments on all IT configuration changes and recommends system security architecture changes to authorization personnel• Oversees continuous monitoring, incident response and disaster recovery programs• Prevented 2 authorizations from expiring which rescued 3 tests valued at $1.4M• Standardized 14 business processes and establish ticketing system which saved 350 man-hours and freed 3 personnel for reutilization imitative Show less

• 

  Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI)

  Feb 2023 - now

  Security Controls Assessor Representative/Cybersecurity Engineer

  Serves as Security Control Assessor representative (SCAR) for Air Force Test Center. Responsible for conducting security assessments of information systems to ensure they are compliant with JSIG/RMF security requirements. Works directly with system owners and security personnel to identify and document security risks, and recommends security controls and develops technical solutions to mitigate those risks. Conducts independent comprehensive assessments of the management, operational, and technical security controls and control enhancements employed within or inherited by an information technology (IT) system to determine the overall effectiveness of the controls on 42 Research and Developmental Test and Evaluation Systems. Serves as Subject Matter Expert for AFTC authorization and accreditation process and RMF/JSIG implementation. Show less