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Seb Smith

Tech lead · Software developer

Seb Smith Tech lead and software developer, building web and mobile apps.

I've built web and mobile apps for agency clients, now work as a tech lead, and build my own projects outside work. I like making useful software and helping teams ship it.

I got into software through a bootcamp in 2020, after working as a bike mechanic. These days I also write about AI tools and how I use them to build software.

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What I work on

  • Leading a team

    I like helping teams make clear technical decisions, plan manageable chunks of work and review what ships. Keeping people unblocked matters as much as the code.

  • Web and mobile apps

    I spent my first few years at agencies building apps for all sorts of clients, mostly with TypeScript, React, React Native and Node. You pick up a new domain every few months.

  • Side projects and AI tools

    Outside work I build my own apps, from fishing tools to a Git client for reviewing AI-generated changes. I also write about where AI helps and where it needs a closer look.

Experience

  1. Now

    Tech Lead at Hunter Healthcare

    BEACON helps healthcare providers benchmark against international peers and learn from each other.

    Technical leadership / Software development

  2. 2023

    Software Developer at The Distance

    Built mobile apps for a range of clients at an app agency in York, mostly in React Native.

    React Native / TypeScript / iOS & Android

  3. 2020 – 2023

    Developer at Silverchip

    My first job in software. Web and mobile projects at a Manchester agency, including an online banking app.

    React / TypeScript / React Native

  4. 2020

    Coding bootcamp at Northcoders

    Retrained during the pandemic after working as a bicycle mechanic.

    JavaScript / Node.js / SQL

There's a longer version on the about page →

Side projects

Things I build outside of work.

Security and compliance experience

I've worked hands-on with SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA and GDPR, mostly from the engineering side. Here's what that experience covers.

My compliance experience and the engineering work it covers
SOC 2 Security controls Access control, change management, monitoring, and keeping evidence that an auditor can actually follow.
ISO 27001 Information security management Risk assessments, policies, supplier reviews and an incident process the team knows how to use.
HIPAA US health data Encryption at rest and in transit, least-privilege access, audit logging, and reviewing vendor agreements for services that handle health data.
GDPR UK and EU personal data Understanding what personal data a product holds and why, retention rules, and handling access and deletion requests properly.

Working through any of these yourself? I might be able to help →

Writing

I write now and then, mostly about AI tools and how I build software.

  1. It's fine not to keep up with the latest AI models

    A short reflection on model-chasing, shiny object syndrome, and why it is fine to settle into the AI tools that already work for you.

    2 min read

  2. The Vibe Coding Movement

    Thoughts on the vibe coding movement, AI product builders, and where generated prototypes still need engineering judgement.

    3 min read

  3. Why I rebuilt my portfolio site in Ruby on Rails

    Why I rebuilt my portfolio in Ruby on Rails, what I enjoyed about the framework, and why simple tools can be refreshing.

    4 min read

All writing →

Get in touch

I'm always happy to chat. Book a quick call, drop me an email or connect with me on LinkedIn.

seb@sebsmith.dev
Book a quick chat

Things I'm happy to talk about

  • Building web and mobile apps
  • Side projects and turning ideas into useful tools
  • Moving from agencies to product work
  • AI tools and how teams actually use them
  • Getting into software from a different career

Connect on LinkedIn ↗