Looking for a job

Den Odell

@denodell

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Frontend architect & author. Built UIs for millions. Wrote the books that teach others. Remote ideal

Sweden

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What I'm looking for

Looking for a senior/staff frontend role focused on architecture, performance, or accessibility. I value strong DX, thoughtful systems, and teams that care about quality. Prefer remote-first or EU-based roles, but open to U.S. opportunities with O-1 visa support.

I’m a frontend architect with over two decades of experience building high-performance web applications for global brands like Nike, MINI, Riot Games, and Volvo Cars. I specialize in JavaScript, performance optimization, and web architecture — with a deep focus on accessibility, design systems, and resilient UI engineering.

I’ve authored two books on JavaScript development, Pro JavaScript RIA Techniques and Pro JavaScript Development, both of which are held in university libraries worldwide and taught in academic programs across the US, Europe, and Asia. My technical writing continues through my blog, focused on the history and future of frontend development.

I’m also the creator of ShrinkRay, a real-user monitoring and performance linting tool for modern frontend teams. I’m an individual member of the OpenJS Foundation and a judge for the WebAwards, and I’m currently O-1 visa eligible in the U.S.

I’m passionate about developer experience, web standards, and building tools that help others ship better software. I’m especially interested in roles where performance, architecture, and accessibility are treated as first-class concerns.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Lead Web Engineer

Current

Volvo Cars

May 2016 - Jul 2025 (9 years 2 months)

Led frontend architecture at Volvo Cars, helping modernize their global web platform. Designed scalable UI systems, optimized performance across markets, and guided teams on accessibility, Core Web Vitals, and resilient rendering. Though a contractor, I operated at Staff level, shaping strategy and mentoring developers across squads.

Next.js React TypeScript JavaScript NodeJS

Current

Principal Consultant

Current

Pixel Dandy

Oct 2015 - Jun 2025 (9 years 8 months)

Founded and ran Pixel Dandy, a boutique frontend consultancy focused on high-quality web builds. Delivered performant, accessible, and maintainable interfaces for clients across industries. Specialized in solving complex UI challenges and collaborating closely with designers, agencies, and in-house teams to elevate frontend craft.

JavaScript HTML5 CSS3 Next.js React

International Head of Web Development

AKQA

Jul 2002 - Sep 2015 (13 years 2 months)

I led large-scale builds for global brands like Nike, and MINI. Directed cross-regional dev teams, defined frontend standards, and delivered high-profile, award-winning sites. I also launched TECH.insight, a global developer meetup series to share best practices and strengthen technical culture across studios.

JavaScript HTML5 CSS3