Samuel is available for hire
Hire SamuelSamuel Szabo
Verified Expert in Engineering
PHP Developer
Bratislava, Bratislava Region, Slovakia
Toptal member since May 10, 2022
Bio
Samuel is a seasoned PHP Developer with over 20 years of experience in web development, specializing in eCommerce solutions and warehouse management systems. Skilled in full-stack development, system architecture, and agile methodologies, he has a proven track record of delivering innovative and efficient solutions.
Portfolio
DBD Distribution Ltd
PHP, Laravel, APIs, SQL, Microsoft SQL Server, XML, Sage, PHP 8...
JobAd portal
PHP, Next.js, React, AWS ELB, AWS Cloud Development Kit (CDK), Microservices...
Tiedemann Globe Incorporated
PHP, MySQL, CSS, JavaScript, HTML, Warehouse Management, Symfony, IT Projects...
Experience
- PHP - 20 years
- Logistics - 15 years
- CakePHP - 10 years
- Testing - 5 years
- APIs - 5 years
- Laravel - 4 years
- Symfony - 2 years
- Shape Up - 2 years
Preferred Environment
PHP, SQL, Frameworks, Planning, Symfony, Agile
The most amazing...
...project I've developed was a warehouse management system created from scratch and completed in record time.
Work Experience
API Developer
2025 - 2026
DBD Distribution Ltd
- Engineered a queued replication system between the operational DB and Sage Intacct, introducing hybrid replicators, retry logic, structured logging, and bulk recalculation to handle high-volume transactions.
- Refactored the monolithic Sales Order Process into namespaced modules, isolating creation, line addition, and whole-order install lookup, improving testability and ownership.
- Built a queue health and alerting stack - failed-job notifications, a public Queue Health Controller, and dashboards - eliminating silent worker outages across the platform.
- Stood up CI test infrastructure with Docker-based test database provisioning, Makefile commands, PHPUnit setup, and unit/integration tests, replacing a brittle Azure DevOps pipeline.
- Delivered an Azure Blob Storage document management module for supplier and project document storage and retrieval, replacing direct disk handling.
Technologies: PHP, Laravel, APIs, SQL, Microsoft SQL Server, XML, Sage, PHP 8, Project Management, Infrastructure, Security
Lead Developer
2024 - 2025
JobAd portal
- Architected and deployed a multi-environment Symfony application on AWS using CDK, Docker, and Fargate, ensuring reproducible, isolated deployments across development, staging, and production accounts.
- Implemented Symfony Messenger with SQS for asynchronous job processing, including separate Fargate tasks for web and background consumers, increasing system scalability and reliability.
- Refactored legacy Symfony components by applying modern PHP 8.3 features such as constructor property promotion and strict type by automated fixers for consistent code style.
- Led a shift toward sustainable, modular code by introducing new planning and working patterns, resulting in increased code maintainability and improved developer satisfaction.
Technologies: PHP, Next.js, React, AWS ELB, AWS Cloud Development Kit (CDK), Microservices, Symfony, Elasticsearch, Search, Amazon Simple Queue Service (SQS), AWS WAF, PHP 8, Frameworks, Open-source LLMs, Large Language Models (LLMs), ChatGPT, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), AI SDK, Node.js, AI Tools, Project Management, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Infrastructure, Security
PHP Developer
2024 - 2024
Tiedemann Globe Incorporated
- Upgraded the custom system to PHP 8 using a modern template and framework.
- Made design adjustments to ensure a unified and visually appealing look.
- Incorporated new global functionalities using modern techniques and tools.
Technologies: PHP, MySQL, CSS, JavaScript, HTML, Warehouse Management, Symfony, IT Projects, Cloud, DevOps, Linux, Vanilla JS, Architecture, PHP 8, Infrastructure, Security
Senior Full-stack Developer
2023 - 2024
Fulfillment company
- Migrated a custom-made system with Symfony components to a full-featured Symfony framework.
- Developed a customer claim assistant system with an API connection in Symfony.
- Enriched the company's to-do application with image previews and automation.
Technologies: PHP, Symfony, Laravel, Laravel Mix, Bootstrap, APIs, jQuery, API Development, Web Development, Back-end, Web Applications, HTML, CSS, API Integration, Database Architecture, Docker, REST APIs, Message Queues, Git Flow, Object-oriented Programming (OOP), Symphony, Docker Compose, PHPUnit, eCommerce, Apache, Vanilla JS, Finance, Tax Accounting, Record Keeping, TypeScript, Vue, React, Scalability, PHP 8, Frameworks, Payment APIs, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Security
Full-stack PHP Developer
2022 - 2023
Austin Limo Management LLC
- Implemented a Twilio two-way SMS verification system.
- Updated the whole custom-made PHP 5 application to PHP 8.
- Migrated the application to the high-availability configuration in AWS Lighthouse.
Technologies: PHP, Databases, Database Design, Relational Databases, Twilio, Cloud Migration, Full-stack, Full-stack Development, Git, LAMP Server, Web Development, Back-end, Web Applications, HTML, CSS, Linux, SSL Certificates, Front-end, Git Flow, Object-oriented Programming (OOP), Symphony, PHPUnit, Apache, Vanilla JS, IT Security, Twilio API, PHP 8, PHP 7, Infrastructure, Security
Lead Developer
2017 - 2023
Martinus
- Integrated data from an existing eCommerce shop in the year following a competitor acquisition. Worked on synchronizing the product, customer, and order data from the competitor's system.
- Developed the JavaScript ES6 module for communicating with the POS terminal through a JSON:API client. The solution included Jest tests and processed hundreds of thousands of store receipts.
- Integrated new payment gateways, including card payments and PayU, as well as the delivery services such as GLS and Post that allowed instant payment processing and label printing.
- Created a unique paperless solution for a new warehouse. The process included planning, making simulations, and handling the system release.
- Devised an inbox concept to develop new administrative features easily.
Technologies: JavaScript, PHP, APIs, Logistics, Invoicing, Leadership, Team Leadership, Remote Team Leadership, Architecture, Planning, Shape Up, Git, CakePHP, SQL, MySQL, Invoices, Warehouses, Testing, PhpStorm, Priority Job Queue, API Development, Web Development, Back-end, Web Applications, HTML, CSS, Linux, SSL Certificates, API Integration, VoIP, Agile, Technical Leadership, Front-end, Database Architecture, Docker, REST APIs, Message Queues, Git Flow, Object-oriented Programming (OOP), GraphQL, Docker Compose, PHPUnit, eCommerce, Apache, Vanilla JS, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Finance, Tax Accounting, Record Keeping, Cash Flow, Online Accounting, Cloudflare, IT Security, Scalability, PHP 8, PHP 7, Frameworks, Payment APIs, Project Management, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Infrastructure, Security
Full-stack Freelance Developer
2009 - 2017
Ebys, s.r.o
- Developed a web recruitment campaign for the Slovak Amazon warehouse, leading to hundreds of employments.
- Managed a mailing list for Slovak television company's tens of thousands of receivers using AWS.
- Reduced the portal's video cache creation time to ten milliseconds using simple virtual servers.
- Bypassed paying for a streaming service by using the YouTube API and continuously updating unlisted videos.
- Created a unique front-end editor for a personal CMS system that uses a click-and-edit feature to make the process effortless.
Technologies: JavaScript, LAMP, Linux Virtual Server (LVS), Debian, PHP, HTML, MySQL, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Amazon S3 (AWS S3), YouTube API, jQuery, Full-stack, Full-stack Development, LAMP Server, Web Development, Web Applications, CSS, Linux, SSL Certificates, API Integration, Front-end, Database Architecture, Git Flow, Object-oriented Programming (OOP), WordPress, Apache, Vanilla JS, Cloudflare, IT Security, Architecture, PHP 7, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Laravel, Project Management, Infrastructure, Security
CEO
2008 - 2016
Packservice (Acquired by Shipmall)
- Developed a logistic system to manage 40+ client shops and process hundreds of daily shipments.
- Managed a high-availability system that includes an interface for clients and employees.
- Connected to tens of eCommerce APIs to import new client orders.
- Created a camera system to record every individual packaging and shipment.
- Tracked shipments of multiple delivery services to provide clients with additional information.
Technologies: CakePHP, Logistics, Invoicing, APIs, SAP, Exports, Email, Amazon Web Services (AWS), SMS, PHP, Python, Raspberry Pi, API Development, Web Development, Back-end, Web Applications, HTML, CSS, Linux, SSL Certificates, API Integration, Agile, Front-end, Database Architecture, REST APIs, Object-oriented Programming (OOP), eCommerce, Apache, Vanilla JS, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Cloudflare, IT Security, Architecture, Scalability, Twilio API, PayPal API, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Project Management, Security
Owner and Full-stack Developer
2003 - 2009
NovyPocitac.sk
- Developed the eCommerce front-end and back-end solutions.
- Ranked first in Slovak Google SERP for generic words like "notebook."
- Synced tens of thousands of items from multiple suppliers in a short amount of time.
Technologies: JavaScript, PHP, MySQL, Product Imports, Exports, Invoicing, APIs, Local SEO, Web Development, Web Applications, HTML, WordPress, eCommerce, Apache, Vanilla JS, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Security
Experience
Paperless Warehouse Management
The company needed to quickly develop new paperless warehouse solutions for selecting and packaging shipments. I initially created a simulator that highlighted the best processes by comparing different selection procedures.
For the rest of the project, I was focused on developing and delivering the entire system in three cycles using Shape Up product development. It meant starting from the MVP that was used alongside the old solution.
This process enabled a quick launch of the new operational warehouse. In addition, I created helpful tools, including a dashboard and the connection to our partner's path optimization API.
For the rest of the project, I was focused on developing and delivering the entire system in three cycles using Shape Up product development. It meant starting from the MVP that was used alongside the old solution.
This process enabled a quick launch of the new operational warehouse. In addition, I created helpful tools, including a dashboard and the connection to our partner's path optimization API.
Supplier Order Management Wizard
The system was designed to improve the clients' order efficiency and record and organize items before shipping.
It combines different data sources such as client orders, expected deliveries, and stock-or-sale predictions. The final product needs fewer manual interventions because of its semi-automatic features.
It combines different data sources such as client orders, expected deliveries, and stock-or-sale predictions. The final product needs fewer manual interventions because of its semi-automatic features.
Ruby on Rails Ebook eShop Playground
https://github.com/samuelszabo/ror-ebooks-eshopI created a simple ebook store that contains a payment gateway connection and an option to deliver books using a web service.
Ordering ebooks is enabled by using an API Gem created in Ruby. This was the first project I developed in Ruby as part of a self-learning initiative.
Ordering ebooks is enabled by using an API Gem created in Ruby. This was the first project I developed in Ruby as part of a self-learning initiative.
How-to Video Portal
https://www.akosatorobi.skA Slovak how-to video portal with tens of thousands of page views. I supported the whole network, configured LAMP on virtual servers, and customized the ClipShare tool to meet the client's requirements.
The most challenging part was staying within the budget, and I had to create strong cache to save server resources. Helped by a flexible purge system and strong cache, the homepage and landing pages' response time was under ten milliseconds on a single low-cost Apache server.
In addition, hundreds of videos were connected to the YouTube API, and the new unlisted videos were being regularly uploaded to reduce video hosting costs.
The most challenging part was staying within the budget, and I had to create strong cache to save server resources. Helped by a flexible purge system and strong cache, the homepage and landing pages' response time was under ten milliseconds on a single low-cost Apache server.
In addition, hundreds of videos were connected to the YouTube API, and the new unlisted videos were being regularly uploaded to reduce video hosting costs.
Skills
Libraries/APIs
jQuery, API Development, REST APIs, React, YouTube API, PayPal API, YUI, Vue, Twilio API, Node.js, Sage
Tools
PhpStorm, Git, Docker Compose, Apache, ChatGPT, Linux Virtual Server (LVS), AWS ELB, AWS Cloud Development Kit (CDK), Amazon Simple Queue Service (SQS), AI SDK
Languages
JavaScript, PHP, PHP 7, HTML, SQL, CSS, PHP 8, Ruby, Python, GraphQL, TypeScript, XML
Frameworks
CakePHP, Laravel, PHPUnit, Priority Job Queue, Symfony, Vanilla JS, Next.js, Ruby on Rails (RoR), Laravel Mix, Bootstrap
Paradigms
Testing, Object-oriented Programming (OOP), Agile, Database Design, DevOps, Microservices
Storage
MySQL, Database Architecture, LAMP Server, Amazon S3 (AWS S3), Databases, Relational Databases, Elasticsearch, Microsoft SQL Server
Industry Expertise
Project Management
Platforms
Docker, Linux, Amazon Web Services (AWS), LAMP, Debian, Raspberry Pi, Twilio, WordPress, Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
Other
Logistics, Invoicing, Shape Up, Warehouses, Architecture, Full-stack, Full-stack Development, Web Development, Back-end, Web Applications, API Integration, Technical Leadership, Git Flow, eCommerce, Payment APIs, AI Tools, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Infrastructure, Security, Team Leadership & Supervision, Code Review, Web App Security, Web Application Security (Web AppSec), Product Security, APIs, Frameworks, SSL Certificates, VoIP, Front-end, Message Queues, Symphony, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Finance, Tax Accounting, Record Keeping, Cash Flow, Online Accounting, Cloudflare, IT Security, Scalability, Open-source LLMs, AI Security, Applied AI, Planning, Warehouse Management PHP, Agile Sprints, Predictive Learning, SAP, Exports, Email, SMS, Product Imports, Local SEO, Leadership, Team Leadership, Remote Team Leadership, Cloud Migration, Invoices, Warehouse Management, IT Projects, Cloud, Search, AWS WAF, Large Language Models (LLMs), AI Agents, AI Assistants, AI Chatbots, AI Adoption
Collaboration That Works
How to Work with Toptal
Toptal matches you directly with global industry experts from our network in hours—not weeks or months.
1
Share your needs
Discuss your requirements and refine your scope in a call with a Toptal domain expert.
2
Choose your talent
Get a short list of expertly matched talent within 24 hours to review, interview, and choose from.
3
Start your risk-free talent trial
Work with your chosen talent on a trial basis for up to two weeks. Pay only if you decide to hire them.
Top talent is in high demand.
Start hiring