Hi! I'm Max Heidacker

Officer

Max Heidacker

USAF Officer | Offensive Cyber Development | Product Manager | TS-SCI

max.heidacker.ai

I'm a Software and Computer Engineering Leader with 5+ years of experience supporting DoD organizations and external customers. Air Force Officer with expertise in reverse engineering, exploit development, Windows systems, and Agile methodologies. Proficient in C, C++, Python, and Assembly. Experienced in CNO, AI, web development, product management, and mentoring high-performing teams while aligning technical solutions with mission goals. I am always looking for new opportunities to learn and grow!

Work Experience

Division Lead, Windows Development

90th Cyber Operations Squadron

San Antonio, TX
05/2023 - present

Directs a high-performing division to deliver advanced cyber solutions; fosters organizational and individual growth, aligning technical solutions with mission goals.

  • Leads over 30 highly skilled military, civilian, and contractor developers across 5 teams, driving the development of innovative offensive and defensive cyber solutions, ensuring success against complex threats; recognized with team of the year award, 5 individual honors, and 2 promotions.
  • Delivered $20M in cyber tools across 3 combatant commands, equipping warfighters to complete high-priority missions; manages multi-million-dollar projects to provide critical capabilities through collaboration with cross-functional teams.
  • Spearheaded organizational redesign within the Windows division, fostering pathways for technical mastery and high-performing teams; mentored developers to align with USCYBERCOM standards, earning Air Force-wide recognition for their expertise.

Technical Team Lead, Windows

90th Cyber Operations Squadron

San Antonio, TX
04/2022 - 05/2023

Guided the development of cutting-edge cyber tools, driving alignment with mission objectives; optimized communication across multiple commands and departments, ensuring seamless execution of critical operations.

  • Led a team of 11 developers on a $6M project, cutting development timelines by 6 months through efficient planning and Agile / Scrum methodologies.
  • Established and fostered communication pipelines between multiple sub-unified commands and four DoD departments, enabling direct feedback and ensuring alignment with customer needs.
  • Engaged in mission planning to ensure the delivered tool met operational requirements, resulting in its adoption as a high-equity asset for top-priority campaigns.

Cyber Capabilities Developer

Shadow’s Edge Software

San Antonio, TX
06/2020 - 04/2022

Developed advanced software tools; spearheaded collaboration with industry partners to enhance cyber capabilities and mentored service members to strengthen team readiness.

  • Led a key segment of a multi-million-dollar software tool's development, applying advanced reverse engineering and low-level programming in C, python and assembly. Leveraged open-source tools to innovate user-mode exploitation techniques.
  • Collaborated with industry partners to advance innovative cyber tooling through government contracts. Managed contracts and communications, greatly expanding tooling options, enabling broader applicability and driving mission success for customers and partners.
  • Completed a 4-month Senior Developer course, advancing expertise in Windows development and reverse engineering. Mentored service members, guiding them to developer qualification and strengthening mission readiness.

Community

National Advisory Consultant

Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings

Washington, D.C.
12/2019 - present

  • Leads the execution of the yearly Arnold Air Society National Conclave, guiding a 30-person student team through all aspects of planning and coordination for 1,250+ attendees, including top military leaders, Fortune 500 CEOs, and senior government officials. Oversees logistics, speaker engagement, and content strategy, ensuring a seamless and impactful event.
  • Serves as a senior advisor to two national ROTC organizations representing 5,000+ students, dedicating 500+ hours annually to mentor national staff and cadets. Shapes strategic initiatives and fosters professional networks across the military, government, and industry.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science

Michigan Technological University

Houghton, MI
09/2015 - 05/2020

  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, 3.4/4.0, cum laude.
  • Competitively selected to serve as Wing Commander in Air Force ROTC, a prestigious role leading 80+ cadets. Provided mentorship and exemplified leadership as the highest-ranking cadet in the detachment.
  • Elected as National Director of Operations for Arnold Air Society, one of the organization’s top leadership roles, orchestrating operations and logistics for local and national conferences and driving key initiatives that shaped the organization’s success.