REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. (April 30, 2024) – It is not often that a job equally combines the managerial and the technical, but Dr. Martin Heimbeck has the best of both worlds.
Heimbeck is the branch chief for advanced technology at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center. He is currently serving as acting division chief for the newly formed sensors and seekers division.
It is a pivotal role in a pivotal place as the Army strides toward its goal of continuous transformation.
“My job is to develop technologies to allow the air defender to have a robust air picture – to see what's coming and defend, if necessary. We do that through science and technology development, testing and then transitioning technologies to the program offices.”
Heimbeck, a native of Germany, emigrated to the United States in 2003. While completing his doctoral studies at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, he came on board with the Center as a contractor employee. Through that program, he was assigned a mentor -- a common practice. But what is special about Heimbeck’s situation is that his mentor was Dr. Henry Everitt, a Senior Army Scientist and renowned expert in the discipline of optical sciences.
After graduation Heimbeck stayed on with the Center as a civil servant, rising through the ranks while working with another Senior Army Scientist, Dr. Brian Smith. In this world of science and technology many come in with a specialized set of skills, but for Heimbeck it was important to broaden his knowledge base. And while the Center has provided him with opportunities to do so, he said that what has ultimately kept him at the Center is his team.
“We are in an area where we see each other a lot and we interact with each other a lot, so we must be able to work with each other. We have a really great group of technical and non-technical team members that complement each other. If you look forward to going to your office because there's great people to be around, then your mind is prepared to do great technical work.”
As Heimbeck’s career has progressed to a leadership role, he said that he is fortunate to still contribute to science and technology, although he sees the managerial aspects as essential to the branch running smoothly.
“The best branch chief is one who does all the branch chief things but doesn't think of themselves as a chief, but rather thinks of themselves as one of the team."
While his role shepherds next-generation state-of-the-art technology, his advice for the newly minted scientist is simple – advice that can be applied to anyone starting out their career.
“Be the person who gets the stuff done,” Heimbeck said. “Ask the questions, find out the answers and then get stuff done. Whoever is in charge will notice.”
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The DEVCOM Aviation & Missile Center, headquartered at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the Army’s research and development focal point for advanced technology in aviation and missile systems. It is part of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM), a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Futures Command. AvMC is responsible for delivering collaborative and innovative aviation and missile capabilities for responsive and cost-effective research, development and life cycle engineering solutions, as required by the Army’s strategic priorities and support to its Cross-Functional Teams.
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