David Kaplan

Bio

David Kaplan

www.davidkaplan.io

dkappy@gmail.com

781-258-6644

Oakland, CA

 

SUMMARY

 

Seeking a role that combines technical engineering with creative design in the areas of installation pieces, productions, and/or performances. Experienced at directing and integrating work between technical and creative disciplines.  Skilled at writing robust software, working with 3D data, projection mapping, CAD, and rapid prototyping; while also focused on strong aesthetic sensibilities with a proven art direction track record.

 

EXPERIENCE

 

Self

Architectural 3D Modeling & Rendering Consultant

Oakland, CA

2023

Provided client 3D modeling & rendering services using procedural modeling and scripting techniques.

 

Say Nothing and Leave Collective

Assistant Technical Director

San Francisco, CA

2023

Technical direction & software developer for Change Your Mind, an immersive theater installation. Developed software orchestrating participant experiences and maintained system functionality on-call during production.

 

Numina Studio

Creative Technologist

San Francisco, CA

2021

Collaborated with over 50 local artists to produce NOCTURNE-X, a large-scale immersive art installation at Gray Area Foundation.  Developed logic and control firmware for the installation’s mechanical systems handling stepper motor, LED, audio, and serial communication across multiple microcontroller systems.

 

Digital Ambiance

Software Developer

Berkeley, CA

2020 – 2021

Developed commercial office space lighting automation control software in accordance with California Title 24 energy efficiency standards.

 

Autodesk Inc.

Software Engineer & 3D Printing Specialist

San Francisco, CA

2014 – 2018

Developed and maintained slicing, toolpath, and G-Code generation libraries for consumer and professional 3D printing applications. Led a long-term advanced research project with external manufacturing partners. Responsibilities included project scoping, software development, on-site testing, and DevOps management.

 

Industrial Light & Magic

Associate Production Engineer

San Francisco, CA

2014

Worked with production, art, and technology departments to ensure smooth pipeline operation. Maintained the studio’s complex Python-based backend, including asset management, tool configuration, and media creation.

 

Tippett Studio

Pipeline Technical Assistant

Berkeley, CA

2011 – 2013

Developed technical tools for visual effects artists in a fast-paced production environment. Maintained studio production software and repositories responsible for rendering, queueing, asset publishing, show configurations, and daily media. Wrote plugins for 3D packages including Maya scripts and user interfaces.

 

EDUCATION

 

Cornell University

M.S. Computer Graphics

Ithaca, NY

2010

Advisor: Professor Donald P. Greenberg.  One of three students admitted to this fully-funded research-based program. Defended a master’s thesis entitled Aerodynamics of Bird Flight, studying avian wingbeat kinematics.

 

Cornell University

B.S. MECHANICAL & Aerospace Engineering

Ithaca, NY

2006

Concentration: Aerospace Engineering. Held leadership roles on two student-led competitive design teams, the 2005 DARPA Grand Challenge autonomous vehicle team (DGC) and 2006 Formula SAE (FSAE) racing team.

 

SKILLS

 

Programming: C++, C, Python, Bash/shell, Lua, Java.

Tools & Plaforms: Git, Perforce, Subversion, Jenkins, Docker, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Unix, Mac, Windows.

Graphics: Maya (C++ & Python APIs), 3D Studio Max, TouchDesigner, Houdini.

CAD: Fusion360, SolidWorks, OnShape, Ansys/Fluent.

Fabrication: 3D Printing, CNC Machining, Laser Cutting, Machine Shop.

INTERESTS

 

Immersive art, interactive theater, photography, astronomy, aviation, music technology, wilderness sports.