Derek Kilmer

Derek Kilmer's work experience includes various roles in transportation engineering and product development. Derek currently serves as the Director of Transportation Engineering at Plug Power since July 2021. Prior to this, they were the Lead Engineer for Transportation Systems at Plug Power from September 2020 to July 2021. Before joining Plug Power, Kilmer worked at AeroSafe Global as an R&D Engineer from April 2013 to September 2020, where they specialized in developing cold chain solutions for the bio and pharmaceutical industries. Their earlier experience includes serving as a Senior Project Engineer at General Motors from January 1998 to January 2013, where they led the design integration of fuel cell systems into powertrains and vehicles. Kilmer also worked as an Engineer at Boeing from November 1996 to January 1998, where they focused on electrical and mechanical design for the 767 passenger deck. Derek started their career as a Student Co-Op Computer Programmer at the California Air Resources Board, creating data gathering and display programs for the Meteorology Department while attending UC Davis from 1992 to 1995.

Derek Kilmer earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Davis. Derek also obtained another BS degree from the same university, specializing in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical Engineering. In 2003, Derek Kilmer obtained a certification as a Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in Mechanical - Thermal & Fluid Systems from the New York State institution.