Derek Navratil Email & Phone Number

Pella, Ia, Us

I've had the pleasure of leading multiple teams throughout my time with Vermeer in Agile engineering research and development efforts. Our technology-focused investigations explore high-complexity, up-and-coming hardware and software technology stacks, systems, processes, and equipment. Areas of exploration have included embedded system design, AI-based environment perception, innovative machine lighting, electric vehicle powerplant design, and autonomous off-highway machine control systems.

Pella, Ia, Us

I've had the pleasure of leading multiple teams throughout my time with Vermeer in Agile engineering research and development efforts. Our technology-focused investigations explore high-complexity, up-and-coming hardware and software technology stacks, systems, processes, and equipment. Areas of exploration have included embedded system design, artificial intelligence-based machine-environment perception, innovative machine lighting, electric vehicle powerplant design, and autonomous off-highway machine control systems.

Rendr is an open source community dedicated to building waste conversion equipment for use in developing countries. I lead a small group of engineers, business owners, and enthusiasts through the research, ideation, design, and development of a small-scale mobile gasification plant that takes in household garbage as feedstock and outputs electricity. Being an open source initiative, all hardware and software designs are available to anyone for use in an effort to further collaboration amidst the online community.

At Harvest, I've had the privilege of working with and learning from emotionally healthy church leaders. In early 2017, I designed the data network for their new building to support 10 wireless access points and 60 surveillance cameras via fiber optics and led a team of volunteers during the 3-month installation of that system.I acted as their standing "tech-guy", connecting staff and volunteers with tech requests to our Audio-Video-Lighting and IT teams with a clear goal and plan for execution and a focus on continuous improvement for weekly processes and new personnel training.

I started with IT, developing system improvements to existing technology infrastructure - updating their phones to an all IP phone system, implementing an open directory server, reliable onsite and off-site backups, developing key databases and spreadsheets, updating their website - then put my passion for building solutions to use in other areas. Here's a few projects I've completed during my time at Essential Water Solutions: - Network Overhaul - Website Update - Product Label and Logo Redesign - ERP Implementation - Conducted Hiring Interviews - EOS Organizational Restructuring - Facility Relocation Project Management - Product Quality Development

Designed and tested network infrastructure elements for an internet café including a router, wireless access point, 10 client computers, raspberry pi-based UniFi controller, and video surveillance camera.Led two-day seminar, educating a team of trainers on networking basics, (IP addresses, subnetting, DNS, and network management) to deliver the equipment and train technicians for installation in Haiti.

Rented audio production equipment for recording and live sound reinforcement applications.Recorded artists, bands, ensembles, seminars. In studio and live event settings.

Developed wirelessly controlled high-voltage power control system for design lab power tool lock-out.

In 2010, the earthquake in Haiti that rocked a lot of people's worlds with little to no income got me right in the feeler. After a short consideration period I decided I could do something about it.I got connected with a non-profit called Living Media International, an educational organization aimed and bettering lives through school sponsorships and art-related programs in Music, Haiti. I spent 3 months living in Haiti learning the language, the culture, whats working, what isn't. I brought with me a DIY 1kW hybrid solar and wind-powered generator to install in their newly-aquired school building. Turns out that erecting a 40-ft tall wind turbine and setting guy wires without cranes, metal scaffolding, ladders or easy access to common hand tools or non-hand-woven rope with a real load rating proved to be quite challenging. The process took the better part of my stay with rain delays and other side-projects along the way. I managed to help my host family get powered up with their PV system too after they had some solar panel theft issues from their roof.I made lasting friendships during this trip and I think I've left a lasting impression on the people of Musac too. I still stay connected with many of them and manage to conjure up my broken Haitian Creole whenever we talk. I've since been back to Musac once in 2013, installed equipment for a recording studio, helped outfit the Musac Internet cafe with network equipment, and have plans to return again when the time is right.

Designed and implemented a portable technical theater setup and related systems for 200-1000 seat venues including, audio, lighting, video and special effects systems.Designed and built a 200a mains 240v 3-phase electrical power distribution system.Designed, tested and trained crew on DMX-controled lighting fixtures.Designed and built multiple equipment road cases, stage sets and properties.Trained and led a crew of technicians each year to operate lights, audio, video and special effects equipment.