DB

Dave Babcock

Project Lead, IBM 1620 Jr. at Computer History Museum

Dave Babcock has a diverse work experience spanning several decades. Dave began their career at California State University, Northridge, where they served as a Supervising Programmer and Programmer II. Dave managed the Academic Applications group and was responsible for maintaining and enhancing the university's computer systems. Dave also provided consultation to faculty and students and handled application porting.

After their tenure at the university, Dave joined ROLM as a Senior Staff Engineer and Manager. Dave played a crucial role in leading the development of multiple compilers and served as the Compiler Development Manager. Dave also managed all software development activities.

Dave then joined Tiburon Systems as a Senior Scientist, where they proposed, designed, and implemented a groundbreaking real-time communication product. Dave also provided technical reviews for all engineering projects.

Dave later worked at Silicon Graphics as a Senior Technical Staff and Manager. During their time there, Dave designed and implemented various compiler code transformation phases, led the transition of the compiler group to a Linux-hosted development environment, and implemented a web-based bug tracking system.

Dave's next venture was with HP, where they served as a Software Architect. Dave led the development of a next-generation secure key management product and was responsible for designing a multi-platform development and test environment. Dave also created an advanced performance measurement and analysis tool for HP enterprise servers.

Dave then joined the Computer History Museum as a Volunteer, where they served as a Senior Docent with full responsibility for the museum, volunteers, and visitors. Dave led tours, trained docent tour guides, and provided informative experiences to general visitors and VIPs.

After their volunteer role, Dave worked at Hewlett Packard Enterprise Security Fortify as a Runtime Architect. Dave held this position for several years before their departure in 2017.

Currently, Dave is working as a Project Lead for the Computer History Museum. Dave leads an all-volunteer effort to recreate the experience of running historic software on a 1960s-era computer, specifically the IBM 1620 Jr. Dave is responsible for building an operational replica of the IBM 1620, complete with a real front panel, a console typewriter, and a virtual punched card reader/punch.

Dave Babcock attended California State University, Northridge between 1969 and 1979, where they obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science.

Links

Previous companies

California State University, Northridge logo
Hewlett Packard Enterprise logo

Timeline

  • Project Lead, IBM 1620 Jr.

    November, 2016 - present

  • Volunteer

    January, 1997