At Crane Aerospace & Electronics, Luke Helvey is known for his curiosity and versatility. From embracing new challenges to exploring different roles, he exemplifies what it means to be a lifelong learner. 

At 18, Luke joined the Navy and embarked on a six-year career as an electronics technician, specializing in radar systems. In 2005, he transitioned from the Navy to Crane A&E. Starting as a Production Technician, he balanced his role with pursuing a college education, initially aspiring to become an electrical engineer. He continued deepening his knowledge in the technical field at Crane A&E’s Fort Walton Beach site, where he helped design and manufacture custom test equipment for production and engineering.

However, as his career progressed, he discovered a passion for roles beyond the technical realm, transitioning into customer service and cross-functional management roles. Now, as Business Director, he plays a vital role in earning business with major defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, and more. Through these partnerships, Crane A&E supplies cutting-edge solutions to innovative platforms like Raytheon's Lower Tier Air & Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) and Lockheed Martin's TPY-4 radar and Space Fence. 

Looking back, Luke attributes his success to the supportive culture at Crane A&E. “I’ve always had mentors,” he said. “There’s always been really good and smart people that have helped me along the way and supported me. Continuing school was always part of my development objectives, and I received so much encouragement from my managers. It’s just a great environment for personal and professional development.”

Crane A&E’s tuition reimbursement program played a vital role in his growth. Passionate about lifelong learning, Luke encourages others to seize similar opportunities: "I made the most of this benefit. I strongly encourage anyone who wants to advance their education or earn applicable credits to take full advantage of it."

"I received so much encouragement from my managers. It's just a great environment for personal and professional development."

— Luke Helvey, Business Director

Although Luke has experienced many successes throughout his career, his best memories come from overcoming adverse situations. One notable instance was when a crucial contract's delivery schedule was unexpectedly delayed by a year. Luke discovered this just before traveling to New York to meet with government officials and military officers from Israel. “I had to sit in a room and explain it to them,” Luke said. “It was an uncomfortable situation. But walking out of there, having survived it, left me with the feeling that I would have a great story to tell later, and that it was just another challenge to work through.”

Luke reflects on moments like these, saying, “There are times when you’re confronted with a challenge and you think, ‘How am I going to possibly get through this?’ And there’s always a way to get through it. You have to work hard, put one foot in front of the other, and do your best to attack the problem. Continue to have confidence in yourself and be persistent because nothing is easy. Anything you're trying to accomplish will come with ups and downs, but if you believe in yourself and don’t give up, you’ll eventually achieve your goals and objectives.”

Still looking for ways to improve and advance, Luke remains open to new opportunities. He believes in surrounding himself with people he admires, learning from them to enhance his leadership and performance. At new-hire orientations, he shares this advice: “If you have the chance to pursue a degree or any educational advancement, and there are resources like tuition reimbursement, make the most of them. Invest the time and effort needed to achieve your goals. Taking advantage of these opportunities is crucial for achieving your objectives and advancing in your career.”

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