Hi, my name is
Derek Nagel.
See what I've been working on.
I’m a Mechanical Engineering student at George Mason University concentrating in Aerospace. Scroll through to see what I’ve been building, where I’ve worked, and what’s next.
About Me
I’m a Mechanical Engineering student at George Mason University with a concentration in Aerospace and a minor in Aviation Flight Training and Management. I’m driven by hands-on problem solving—whether that’s rebuilding a 260,000-mile Tesla battery pack, designing an ADS-B aircraft tracking system, or building custom electronics from scratch.
I’m currently a Mechanical Engineering Intern at Astronics Connectivity Systems & Certification in Waukegan, IL, working on aerospace LRU design, structural modeling in SolidWorks, and environmental qualification testing for in-flight connectivity systems. Last summer I interned at Tesla, supporting EV delivery operations and shadowing manufacturing at the Elgin facility. I hold a Private Pilot certificate (single and multi-engine) and compete on George Mason’s Division I Men’s Volleyball team.
Here are a few technologies and tools I work with:
- SolidWorks
- MATLAB
- Autodesk Inventor
- Embedded Systems
- Mechanical Design
- 3D Printing
- HV Electrical Systems
- Microsoft Office
Where I’ve Worked
Mechanical Engineer Intern @ Astronics
May 2026 – Present • Waukegan, IL
- Mechanical engineering intern at Astronics Connectivity Systems & Certification (ACSC), supporting aerospace LRU design for in-flight connectivity and entertainment systems on Airbus and Boeing aircraft
- Converting a 4-MCU ARINC 600 tray assembly into a structural model in SolidWorks for modal analysis, working to qualification requirements under DO-160G and AS9100 QMS procedures
- Leading recovery of a Qualmark Typhoon 3.0 HALT environmental test chamber — coordinating with electricians and ESPEC service to restore qualification testing capability
- Scoping a Software Division antenna remake with custom PVC standoffs; navigating ENOVIA PLM, Intuitive ERP, and the 625-document QMS index
Summer Intern @ Tesla
May 2025 – Aug 2025
- Supported end-to-end EV delivery operations including vehicle staging, quality checks, and final inspection
- Communicated technical EV systems (battery, drivetrain, charging, software) to customers, translating complex engineering concepts into clear explanations
- Shadowed operations at Tesla’s Elgin manufacturing facility, observing battery production, electric motor assembly, and manufacturing workflows
Volleyball Coach @ Pipeline Volleyball
May 2024 – Aug 2024 • Schaumburg, IL
- Coached youth volleyball athletes on technique, positioning, and game strategy
- Planned and led practices, drills, and scrimmages for players at varying skill levels
- Developed communication and leadership skills through daily mentorship and team management
Event Coordinator @ Salt Creek Park District
May 2023 – Aug 2023
- Coordinated and executed community events, managing logistics, scheduling, and on-site operations
- Collaborated with staff and vendors to ensure smooth event setup, execution, and teardown
- Communicated with community members and stakeholders to promote programming and gather feedback
Things I’ve Built
Featured Project
Tesla Model S P85 — Battery & Drivetrain Rebuild
- HV Electrical
- ·
- Mechanical Disassembly
- ·
- Corrosion Treatment
- ·
- Systems Integration
In Progress
Plane Pointer — Automated Aircraft Tracking System
- Embedded Systems
- ·
- Servo Control
- ·
- ADS-B / RF
- ·
- Mechanical Design
03.1 Creative & Robotics
3D LED Display System
Dynamic volumetric light display using custom circuits and optical principles. LED matrix, control circuitry, and display patterns all built from scratch.
- Circuit Design
- ·
- Embedded
- ·
- Soldering
The “Leave Me Alone” Machine
Electromechanical device that turns itself off in various comedic ways. Servo mechanisms, 3D-printed components, and precision actuation design.
- Robotics
- ·
- 3D Printing
- ·
- AutoCAD
More Coming Soon
Additional projects in progress. Check back or reach out directly.
- In progress
Education & Background
George Mason University — Fairfax, VA
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Concentration in Aerospace · Expected May 2027
Minor: Aviation Flight Training and Management
Presidential Academic Scholarship
Coursework: Thermodynamics, Solid Mechanics, Dynamics, Statics, Differential Equations, Air Transportation System Engineering, Human Factors
Aviation — Private Pilot Certificate
Single-Engine & Multi-Engine Rated · Licensed Summer 2023
Licensed to fly single and multi-engine aircraft. Trained at multiple airports across Illinois and Virginia.
Division I Athlete & Leadership
George Mason University Men’s Volleyball · #17
Competed at the Division I level. Served as President of Athletes in Action, leading community service initiatives and mental health outreach for student-athletes.
05.What’s Next?
Get In Touch
I’m currently interning at Astronics and always open to talking aerospace, EVs, aviation, or future opportunities. Whether you have a question or just want to connect — my inbox is open.