Derek Balke
About Derek Balke
Derek Balke is a Research and Development Engineer at Sandia National Laboratories, with a background in electrical and mechanical engineering and experience in security and power systems projects.
Company
Derek Balke is currently working at Sandia National Laboratories. He has been with the organization since 2017, based in the Albuquerque, New Mexico, area. His role involves significant contributions to research and development within the company.
Title
Derek Balke holds the position of Research and Development Engineer. He applies his expertise in power and energy systems, particularly in projects relevant to security and infrastructure.
Education and Expertise
Derek Balke has a Master’s Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering: Power and Energy from the University of Michigan, achieved in 2016. He also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the United States Coast Guard Academy, completed in 2012.
Previous Roles
Derek Balke has previous experience working at One Energy LLC as an Intern in Findlay, Ohio, in 2016. Additionally, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard as a Lieutenant Junior Grade/Student Engineer from 2012 to 2015 in Alameda, California.
Projects and Contributions
During his tenure, Derek Balke has been the technical lead for the Y-12 West End Protected Area Reduction (WEPAR) project. He also served as a subject matter expert for power systems infrastructure in NNSA and Air Force Physical Security upgrade projects. Furthermore, he contributed to the electrical layout design for the Europa Lander Terminal Sterilization System (TSS) Project and conducted field testing of security sensor systems.