Derek Kultgen serves as the Group Leader for the Mechanisms Engineering Test Loop (METL) at Argonne National Laboratory. METL is an experimental facility dedicated to developing small-to-intermediate scale components for Sodium Fast Reactors. His team conceptualizes, fabricates, and demonstrates equipment and instrumentation and assists scientists/engineers who conduct experiments in the METL.

Previously, Derek was the Lead Test Development Engineer for a leading lubricant and additive manufacturer. In this role he created a mechanical testing laboratory for compressor lubricant evaluation, managed capital expenditure projects and served as a technical expert to customers and high-level management. He has also produced numerous peer-reviewed research papers domestically and internationally.

Derek received his B.S and M.S. degrees from Purdue University, is a licensed Professional Engineer and Certified LabVIEW developer.