Russel Fones

Resume

Russel Fones

Staff-level full-stack engineer. React, TypeScript, Node.js, AWS.

Staff-level software engineer focused on frontend-heavy, data-intensive SaaS platforms in regulated enterprise environments. Led architecture and delivery of multi-tenant React and TypeScript systems supporting thousands of enterprise users. Known for high ownership, pragmatic technical judgment, and shipping reliable systems in fast-moving organizations.

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Portrait of Russel Fones

Experience

Case studies

  1. Cribl

    Remote

    Staff Software Engineer

    Nov 2022 - Aug 2025

    • Architected a large-scale, multi-tenant React and TypeScript frontend platform supporting thousands of enterprise users.
    • Led end-to-end design and delivery of multi-tenant authorization systems used in SOC 2 and FedRAMP-aligned environments.
    • Replaced JWT-embedded RBAC with Fine-Grained Authorization (FGA) to support multi-workspace permission scoping; drove adoption across the cloud portal and product teams.
    • Delivered Auth0, OIDC, and SAML SSO integrations, enabling bring-your-own-IdP support and reducing enterprise onboarding time.
    • Led a Next.js migration that improved performance, accessibility, and developer velocity while lowering maintenance risk.

    Senior Frontend Software Engineer

    Feb 2021 - Nov 2022

    • Migrated live user base from AWS Cognito to Auth0 using a trickle migration—validating credentials against Cognito on Auth0 miss and silently creating Auth0 profiles, with zero forced password resets.
    • Built reusable UI primitives for user provisioning, role assignment, and invitations across product teams.
    • Partnered with product and design to improve account creation, login, and invite workflows.
    • Expanded frontend test coverage and delivered targeted fixes to stabilize high-traffic identity and account workflows.

  2. One Legal

    Petaluma, CA

    Senior Software Engineer

    Sep 2018 - Feb 2021

    • Replaced legacy .NET MVC components with mobile-first React SPAs to modernize UX and improve performance.
    • Developed internal data-driven tools that reduced SLA times and improved customer satisfaction.
    • Spearheaded accessibility improvements toward WCAG compliance, reducing legal and usability risk.

  3. AVRS

    Petaluma, CA

    Senior Software Engineer

    2011 - 2017

    • Joined as the first engineering hire and partnered directly with founders to scale the product.
    • Re-architected legacy applications with modern JavaScript approaches to improve maintainability and velocity.
    • Built VIN decoding tools and interactive AJAX workflows that reduced manual data entry.
    • Acted as technical lead for high-impact initiatives with direct visibility to senior leadership.

  4. Maritz Travel Company

    Walnut Creek, CA

    Senior Web Developer

    2002 - 2011

    • Owned end-to-end delivery of 20-30 custom registration sites annually for major corporate events.
    • Built bulk import tools for internal teams, reducing operational overhead and manual processing.
    • Developed an interactive 2D floorplan tool that improved customer self-service and reduced manual coordination.

  5. Zelerate

    San Mateo, CA

    Lead Template / UI Specialist

    2000 - 2001

    • Designed UI for an open-source eCommerce platform and enterprise client implementations.
    • Promoted from professional services to development based on delivery quality and technical contributions.