Derek Fons

Introduction

Hi, I'm Derek, a software engineer with over 20 years of experience, driven by a deep passion for coding and a commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful solutions. For me, engineering goes beyond writing code—it's about creating meaningful connections, with users and within my team. My goal is to empower users with innovative, performant, and accessible software, and I take pride in mentoring, leading, and collaborating to foster a shared enthusiasm for excellence.

Skills

Languages: TypeScript ● JavaScript ● HTML ● CSS

Frontend: React ● React Query ● Apollo ● Tailwind ● Sass ● Styled Components ● Redux ● Storybook

Backend: Node ● Express ● Next.js ● Astro ● GraphQL ● PostgreSQL ● MongoDB ● Prisma

Testing / Tooling: Jest ● Playwright ● Cypress ● Testing Library ● Vitest ● ESlint ● CI/CD

Mobile: React Native

Experience

Senior Software Engineer - Outschool

Jan 2024 - Aug 2024

React ● TypeScript ● Node ● Next.JS ● GraphQL ● Elasticsearch ● Jest ● Playwright

  • Delivered review system for teachers and classes while working cross-functionally with design. Improved engagement by 20% and increased buyer confidence.
  • Enhanced class listings to include state standards and curriculums to improve discovery.
  • Lead engineer on multiple UX improvement projects that leveraged A/B testing to make informed decisions to increase conversions.
  • Presented on topics around React performance & TypeScript improvements which was met with support and adoption.
  • Improved unit and end-to-end testing to improve CI/CD times and increase code coverage.
  • Mentored and paired with other engineers.

Staff Software Engineer - Restore Hyper Wellness

Nov 2022 - Jan 2024

React ● TypeScript ● React Native ● Tailwind ● React Query ● AWS ● Jest ● Playwright ● Webflow

  • Gathered business requirements to architect and deliver a responsive web app for booking wellness appointments and account management for over 200 retail stores.
  • Set up tooling for CI and CD with build, linting, testing, and deployment to AWS.
  • Developed iOS and Android booking and account management apps.
  • Refactored custom and 3rd party integrations for the marketing website built ontop of Webflow. Reducing monthly costs by 70%.
  • Optimized lighthouse scores to improve SEO and accessibility on marketing website.

Senior Frontend Software Engineer - CrossFit HQ

Dec 2017 - Nov 2022

React ● Redux ● TypeScript ● Storybook ● Puppeteer ● Node ● AWS

  • Led the redesign of CrossFit.com to deliver a modern and performant experience.
  • Built custom prerendering pipeline with Puppeteer and Node to optimize performance and SEO.
  • Developed and deployed a video-based learning web platform that was used by affiliates and trainers. Used Shopify for subscription management.
  • Worked with designers to build out a custom video experience that worked across all devices.
  • Established frontend architecture and documented best practices for the engineering teams.
  • Created a shared design system and component library with StoryBook to be used across the organization.

Senior Frontend Developer / Team Lead - Spredfast

Nov 2015 - Nov 2017

React ● Redux ● CSS ● Backbone.js

  • Led a team of 5 developers to build and maintain a social experience tools.
  • Delivered photo booth experience for the NFL to be used at the Super Bowl.
  • Worked closely with Target to build out social media analytics dashboards to track engagement.
  • Collaborated with project management to establish Agile methodologies and best practices to increase efficiency and transparency.

Part-time instructor - General Assembly

Apr 2015 - Aug 2016

Ruby on Rails ● JavaScript ● HTML/CSS

  • Taught a 12-week course on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to students looking to transition into web development.
  • Ran multiple workshops on Ruby on Rails and JavaScript.

iOS and Full Stack Web Developer - Apple, Inc.

Apr 2013 - May 2014

Ruby ● Sinatra ● ElasticSearch ● JavaScript ● Objective-C

  • Developed iOS app for retail support to diagnose battery issues and have better communication with customers.
  • Built and managed internal tools to run static analysis on iOS app store apps to provide insights to multiple teams in the organization.

Freelancer - Farfromrest Web Development, Inc.

2009 - 2013 & 2014 - 2015

PHP ● MySQL ● JavaScript ● HTML/CSS ● Ruby on Rails ● iOS Development

Web Developer - DPro Marketing

2007 - 2009

PHP ● MySQL ● JavaScript ● HTML/CSS ● Ruby on Rails ● Flash ● Graphic Design ● SEO

Outside of work

Mentoring other engineers

For the past couple of years, I have mentored engineers through G2i. This rewarding experience focused on engineering challenges and supporting their career growth. G2i published an article about my experience and the engineers I mentored.

Teaching and public speaking

I have taught courses and workshops over the years with The Iron Yard and General Assembly. These have been web development courses and workshops on Ruby on Rails, React, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. I have also spoken at the UT Austin Coding Bootcamp about my journey.

Podcast guest

I was a guest on the Building with people for people podcast talking about inclusivity and accessibility in web development.