Tom Smykowski is a Poland-based software engineer contractor with nearly two decades of experience in product delivery, specializing in B2B engagements for remote teams across the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States. He is the ideal hire for founders, CTOs, and executives seeking a senior or staff-level engineer who takes full ownership from technical discovery through to production deployment, combining hands-on coding with product and UX thinking.
Why Hire a Software Engineer Contractor from Poland
Engaging a software engineer contractor based in Poland offers distinct advantages for international companies. Poland has a robust tech talent pool known for high-quality engineering, strong educational foundations, and a professional work ethic that aligns well with Western business cultures. As a contractor operating on a B2B basis, I provide a flexible, scalable resource without the administrative overhead of direct employment, ideal for project-based work or extending an existing team's capacity.
For teams in the EU and UK, the time zone alignment is nearly perfect, facilitating synchronous collaboration during core working hours. For US-based teams, especially those on the East Coast, a significant daily overlap exists, enabling real-time stand-ups, pair programming sessions, and strategic meetings. This geographical and temporal positioning makes a Poland-based contractor a strategic asset for distributed companies looking to optimize both cost and collaboration efficiency.
Proven Track Record with International Clients
My credibility as a contractor is built on a portfolio of successful engagements with prominent international organizations. I have served as a Staff Software Engineer for Croissant, a workplace platform, working in close partnership with the CEO and CTO on compliance and collaboration features. For Printify, I contributed to a major design system and rebranding initiative ahead of its merger with Printful, supporting a platform used by over 10 million merchants and approximately 60 frontend engineers.
Beyond these high-profile roles, my experience spans industrial SaaS, fintech, and large-scale digital projects. I was the lead frontend engineer at Fream, focusing on industrial SaaS, design systems, and conversion-optimized UX. Earlier in my career, I gained foundational experience in industrial ERP systems at Insoft Serwis and technical writing at Webhosting.pl. This diverse background ensures I can quickly context-switch and add value across different domains and tech stacks.
Full-Stack Product Delivery & Technical Leadership
As a contractor, I don't just write code. I engage as a product engineer, taking responsibility for the entire delivery lifecycle. This begins with collaborating on product discovery, clarifying requirements, and architecting scalable solutions. I then lead or contribute significantly to the implementation, ensuring the final product aligns with business goals and user needs. My approach integrates engineering rigor with product thinking, which is critical for building successful, maintainable software.
My technical expertise is broad and deep, covering modern frontend frameworks like Vue.js and React, robust backend development with TypeScript and Supabase, and complex data presentation using tools like AG Grid. I have extensive experience building and governing design systems, ensuring accessibility, and creating well-documented APIs. This full-stack capability allows me to own features end-to-end, reducing dependencies and accelerating delivery for the teams I contract with.
Flexible Engagement Models for Your Needs
I offer flexible B2B contracting arrangements to suit various project scopes and team structures. These can range from full-time, long-term contracts equivalent to a staff engineer role, to part-time or project-based engagements focused on specific initiatives like modernizing an Angular application, scaling a SaaS platform, or integrating AI capabilities. I am also available for technical leadership roles, such as an interim Tech Lead or a Fractional CTO, providing strategic direction on a retainer basis.
My work is inherently remote-first, optimized for distributed teams. I utilize async communication effectively but am always available for synchronous collaboration during agreed overlap hours. I am also open to occasional on-site workshops, client visits, or team offsites to foster stronger relationships and alignment, understanding that some phases of a project benefit greatly from in-person interaction.
AI Integration and Modern Engineering Practices
In today's landscape, leveraging AI is no longer optional for competitive software products. As a contractor, I bring applied AI engineering expertise to the table. I can help integrate AI features, set up AI-assisted development workflows using tools like Cursor or GitHub Copilot, and even establish what I term "AI Software Factories" to boost team productivity and code quality. This includes implementing AI-native SDLC practices, AI testing, and quality gates.
Beyond AI, I champion modern engineering practices that improve developer experience and product robustness. This includes advocating for and implementing comprehensive CI/CD pipelines, test automation strategies, and performance optimization. I can conduct code and architecture audits to identify risks and opportunities, a valuable service for teams preparing for scale or investment. My focus is always on sustainable, high-velocity engineering that delivers business value.
When This is a Good Fit
Hiring me as your Poland-based software engineer contractor is an excellent fit if you are a founder, CTO, or engineering leader at a company operating in the EU, UK, or US. It is ideal if you need a senior-level, product-minded engineer who can take ownership of complex deliverables, modernize your tech stack, or integrate AI capabilities. This model works perfectly for startups scaling their product, established companies launching new initiatives, or teams needing interim technical leadership without a full-time hire. If you value clear communication, strategic thinking, and hands-on execution from a remote contractor aligned with your business hours, let's connect.