Rob Heilman

Rob is an experienced leader in executive and program management, research and development, systems engineering, and test and evaluation across the commercial sector, as well as the Departments of Transportation and Defense.

Rob’s technology focus has been on the research, experimentation, development, and testing of Autonomous, AI, Connected, and Cyber Systems.

Rob previously served as the inaugural Director of the Highly Automated Systems Safety Center of Excellence (HASS COE) at the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). The HASS COE is responsible for ensuring USDOT is equipped with the expertise to review, assess, and validate the safety of highly automated systems across all modes of transportation.

Rob’s career also includes leadership roles at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, where he oversaw research on automated driving systems and vehicle cybersecurity. He also held senior positions with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, managing research and development investment programs in autonomy and cyber systems.

With experience in both government and private sectors, Rob has played a key role in shaping policies and technologies that ensure the safe deployment of automated systems. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and has furthered his expertise in organizational leadership at the Federal Executive Institute and has attained the government’s highest level of professional certification in Program Management and System Engineering.