Steve Salazar
About Steve Salazar
Steve Salazar serves as the Interim Director of Software Design at IDEO and has over 18 years of experience in software and hardware development. He co-founded Blackbird Studios and previously held various leadership roles at Substantial, Dittit.com, and Citibank.
Work at IDEO
Steve Salazar has been with IDEO since 2010, initially serving as a Software Development Contractor. He transitioned to the role of Software Expert in Residence in 2017 and has held the position of Interim Director of Software Design since 2018. His work at IDEO focuses on integrating design and technology to create innovative software solutions. His tenure at IDEO spans over a decade, during which he has contributed to various projects that emphasize user-centered design and technical strategy.
Background in Software Development
Steve Salazar has over 18 years of experience in software development and engineering. He began his career at Impinj as a Lead Digital Design Engineer and Software Developer from 2001 to 2008. He then worked at Substantial in various roles, including Lead Software Developer and Director of Engineering, from 2009 to 2016. His experience includes significant roles in software architecture and development, which have shaped his expertise in building integrated software and hardware solutions.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Steve co-founded Dittit.com in 2011, serving as CTO for one year in Madrid, Spain. He also co-founded Blackbird Studios in 2016, where he currently serves as CEO. Blackbird Studios focuses on cross-discipline collaboration in new product creation, emphasizing the integration of software and design. His leadership at Blackbird Studios reflects his commitment to fostering innovation through collaborative efforts.
Education and Expertise
Steve Salazar studied at the University of Washington, where he earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. His academic focus included Computer Science, Hardware Engineering, and English. This educational background has equipped him with a diverse skill set that supports his roles in software design and engineering. His expertise lies in technical strategy and refining innovative software products, particularly at Blackbird Studios.
Previous Roles and Experience
Prior to his current positions, Steve held various roles that contributed to his extensive experience in the tech industry. He worked at Citibank as a Software Architect and Lead Developer from 2010 to 2012 in Singapore. He also served as Director of Engineering and GM at Substantial in the San Francisco Bay Area from 2013 to 2016. His diverse roles across different companies and regions have provided him with a broad perspective on software development and team leadership.