Craig Pestell
Staff engineer building tools users adopt by default
Staff software engineer building products that become trusted parts of how people work. I’ve shipped production systems for Apple, Google, and major consumer brands, including an Apple workflow used by over 60 active production users today, across hardware engineering and factory-floor operations.
Architecture ownership
Frontend, API, and platform decisions that hold together in production.
Ambiguous problems
Turning operational pain into durable workflows.
Engineering leverage
Reusable systems, tooling, documentation, and guidance for teams.
Selected Systems & Platforms
Mission-critical applications built for Apple, Google, and Fortune 500 companies using React, TypeScript, and modern web technologies
Hardware Test Data Platform
Owned end-to-end delivery of confidential internal tooling for Apple's hardware engineering organization.
- Sole architect of the Next.js and React frontend, with contributions to the Flask API gateway and Kubernetes-scheduled sequencer service
- Replaced error-prone parameter entry and deep folder navigation with guided retrieval that reduced pipeline setup from up to an hour to about 30 seconds for simple cases
- Added an in-app media browser and pipeline observability for data volume, downloaded and pending days, excluded files, and test outcomes
- Used by over 60 production users across hardware engineering and factory-floor operations
- Built a Storybook-driven documentation pipeline that keeps end-user documentation aligned with the shipped UI
AI-Powered Healthcare Platform
Architected and delivered a sophisticated healthcare platform leveraging AI large language models to reduce operational costs and deliver measurable value to enterprise customers. Developed comprehensive web dashboard for subscription management, Chrome extension for seamless website integration, and implemented enterprise-grade Auth0 authentication across all platform components.
Silicon Design Collaboration Platform
Designed and prototyped Fuse Manager, an innovative version control system for silicon chip design specifications at Google. Created comprehensive proof-of-concepts and wireframes that guided architectural decisions for a platform enabling seamless collaboration across 20+ hardware engineering teams. Successfully transitioned prototypes to production-ready application using Angular and Google's internal toolchain.
Context-Agnostic Component Library
Architected a context-agnostic component library serving Williams Sonoma's brand portfolio (Pottery Barn, West Elm, Mark and Graham). Components adapt to each brand's design language through CSS variables while maintaining consistent functionality. Implemented configurable behaviors allowing customization of component orientation, initial states, and interaction patterns while preserving accessibility and performance standards.
Earlier Work
Enterprise Micro-Frontend Architecture
Oct 2020 - Dec 2021Large-scale architectural transformation from monolithic e-commerce platform to modular micro-frontend ecosystem
Macys.com Micro-Frontend Migration
Feb 2015 - Apr 2020Co-architected the Macys.com micro-frontend architecture that enabled independent team releases and cut product discovery page load time from 27 seconds to 7 seconds
Custom E-commerce Platform
Jan 2016 - Oct 2019End-to-end development of responsive product catalog with integrated content management system
Travel Insurance Platform
May 2006 - Sep 2013Comprehensive travel insurance web portal for domestic and international policies
Hayes Bicycle Group Website
Jan 2009 - Dec 2009Product catalog and marketing website for bicycle component manufacturer
Race Face Performance Products
Sep 2008 - Mar 2016E-commerce platform for mountain bike component manufacturer
Technical Skills & Enterprise Expertise
Career-spanning experience with modern technologies, enterprise platforms, and scalable solutions at Fortune 500 companies
Frontend
Backend
Languages
Tools & Platforms
My work spans frontend architecture, full-stack delivery, developer tooling, cloud integration, and complex operational workflows.
Experience & Education
A career spanning 1998 to the present, including concurrent consulting engagements and long-term product work.
Professional Experience
Senior Full Stack Engineer (Contract)
Rejoined Apple by request and progressed from establishing the first version of confidential internal tooling to owning end-to-end delivery across hardware engineering and factory operations.
- Built the initial internal web application to simplify hardware engineer access to test results from factory stations in China, establishing the workflow foundation for later platform expansion
Senior Full Stack Developer
Led product and platform work for a Series B healthcare AI startup, building customer-facing and internal tools that reduced operational friction and supported enterprise rollout.
- Architected and delivered customer subscription management dashboard from concept to production
Senior UI Developer (Contract)
Designed and developed innovative collaboration platform for silicon chip design specifications across 20+ engineering teams
- Created comprehensive proof-of-concepts and technical wireframes for Fuse Manager application
Senior UI Developer
Led architectural transformation of legacy monolithic e-commerce platform to modern micro-frontend ecosystem
- Delivered significant performance improvements enhancing end-user experience across all customer touchpoints
Senior UI Developer
Co-architected Macys.com's enterprise-scale micro-frontend architecture with another engineer, while leading comprehensive performance optimization initiatives
- Co-architected the Macys.com micro-frontend architecture with another engineer, enabling teams to build and release website components independently
Earlier Work & Consulting
Earlier roles include database applications, PHP web systems, public-sector software, e-commerce, CMS platforms, web services, and Linux administration. Several were concurrent contract engagements.
Autodesk
Sept 2014 - Dec 2015UI Developer
Developed features for customer subscription portal enabling Autodesk's transition to Software-as-a-Service model
Google Inc.
Feb 2012 - Sept 2014Software Engineer (Contract)
Developed and maintained Google Unified Ticketing System (GUTS), a high-performance internal application serving over 10,000 requests per second
Race Face Performance Products
Jun 2008 - Aug 2016Web Developer
Developed and maintained comprehensive web ecosystem for mountain bike component manufacturer including public catalogs and distributor portals
TIC / The Cooperators
Feb 2006 - Sept 2013Web Developer
Developed multiple web applications and services for domestic and international travel insurance operations
Hayes Bicycle Group
Jan 2009 - Dec 2009Web Developer
Developed comprehensive website featuring product catalog, blog posts, and hierarchical page structure for bicycle component manufacturer
iWasteNot Systems
Jan 2008 - Dec 2010Web Developer
Developed web and mobile software solutions to assist businesses in waste reduction and environmental sustainability
Engine Digital
Jan 2005 - Dec 2006Software Consultant / Developer
Provided consulting and development services for digital marketing consultancy, extending their technical capabilities
Core Solutions Software
Jan 2002 - Dec 2004Software Consultant / Developer
Designed and developed custom software solutions for customers across various industries including education administration
UV Media
Jan 2000 - Dec 2002Software Developer
Designed and developed wide range of web-based software solutions using PHP and MySQL for diverse corporate clients
Canada Reconnect
Jan 2000 - Dec 2000Software Consultant / Developer
Designed custom software solution that streamlined telephone service reseller's customer files, accounting, and call center operations
Ucora Corporation
Jan 1998 - Dec 2000Software Developer
Participated in design and development of medium-sized database applications for large corporate clients including AXA, BC Rail, and BC Supreme Courts
Education
Diploma in Computer Systems Technology
Data Communications & Networking
Achievements:
- Specialized in systems architecture and enterprise network design
- Comprehensive curriculum in data communications infrastructure, system analysis, and enterprise network security
- Foundation in system design methodologies and technology infrastructure evaluation
Programming Concepts and Methodologies
Programming coursework
Achievements:
- Foundational training in software development principles and best practices
- Early specialization in object-oriented programming and system design methodologies
- Completed Java-based projects focusing on enterprise application development patterns
Get In Touch
Have a project in mind or want to collaborate? I'd love to hear from you!
Let's Connect
I'm always open to discussing new opportunities, interesting projects, or just having a chat about technology and development. Feel free to reach out!