Derek Mc Vay
About Derek Mc Vay
Derek Mc Vay is the Manager of Fuel Cell Simulation & Analysis at BLUE ORIGIN in Phoenix, Arizona, with extensive experience in thermal and aero-thermal systems engineering.
Current Role at BLUE ORIGIN
Derek Mc Vay currently works as Manager of Fuel Cell Simulation & Analysis at BLUE ORIGIN. He began this role in 2023 and continues to contribute his expertise in Phoenix, Arizona, United States. His responsibilities focus on managing and optimizing simulations related to fuel cell technologies, which are critical components in space exploration and transportation.
Experience at Nikola Motor Company
Derek Mc Vay worked at Nikola Motor Company in various roles from 2020 to 2023. He started as a Senior Thermal Modeling Engineer and progressed to Lead Thermal Modeling Engineer, then Technical Manager of Aero-Thermal Systems Engineering. His roles involved developing and managing thermal systems engineering projects, contributing to the advancement of sustainable vehicle technologies.
Academic Background and Research
Derek Mc Vay holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from UC Irvine, obtained between 2012 and 2017. His doctoral research specialized in chemical energy storage through reversible high-temperature electrochemical cells. Additionally, his master’s thesis involved integrating an absorption chiller with a fuel cell system for combined generation of power, hydrogen, heating, and cooling. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Virginia, graduating with distinction.
Previous Engineering Roles
Prior to his current position, Derek Mc Vay has held various engineering roles. He worked as a Thermal Engineer at Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems, Inc. and as a Spacecraft Thermal Engineer at The Aerospace Corporation. He has also contributed as a Graduate Student Researcher at UC Irvine and interned in Manufacturing Engineering at Canon Virginia, Inc. Early in his career, he worked as an Electrician at Buhl Electric Co, Inc., and as a Carpenter's Helper at Decks Incorporated.
Qualifications in Mechanical Engineering
Derek Mc Vay’s formal education in engineering is substantial. He received an Associate's Degree in Engineering from Piedmont Virginia Community College from 2007 to 2010. Following this, he completed his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Virginia between 2010 and 2012. His advanced studies culminated in a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from UC Irvine. At each stage, Derek developed a strong foundation that has supported his various specialized roles in the engineering sector.