I am Jeroen Derks, a developer with a strong focus on security and web platforms. Since 2001 I have been a freelancer, and I have used PHP since 1996 and Laravel since 2017. I've seen many different companies from the inside and learned how to solve real issues. I value high-quality, secure code and enjoy working as part of a team where I can learn from colleagues. I am seeking remote freelance work, ideally with Laravel or security roles, or non-programming roles such as Pre/Post Sales Engineer, Project Manager, Product Owner, Scrum Master, or CTO/Co-Founder.

Jeroen Derks

I am Jeroen Derks, a developer with a strong focus on security and web platforms. Since 2001 I have been a freelancer, and I have used PHP since 1996 and Laravel since 2017. I've seen many different companies from the inside and learned how to solve real issues. I value high-quality, secure code and enjoy working as part of a team where I can learn from colleagues. I am seeking remote freelance work, ideally with Laravel or security roles, or non-programming roles such as Pre/Post Sales Engineer, Project Manager, Product Owner, Scrum Master, or CTO/Co-Founder.

Available to hire

I am Jeroen Derks, a developer with a strong focus on security and web platforms. Since 2001 I have been a freelancer, and I have used PHP since 1996 and Laravel since 2017. I’ve seen many different companies from the inside and learned how to solve real issues.

I value high-quality, secure code and enjoy working as part of a team where I can learn from colleagues. I am seeking remote freelance work, ideally with Laravel or security roles, or non-programming roles such as Pre/Post Sales Engineer, Project Manager, Product Owner, Scrum Master, or CTO/Co-Founder.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert

Language

Dutch
Fluent
English
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Fluent

Work Experience

AI Amplified Engineer at Self-employed (Derks.IT Alicante)
November 1, 2025 - Present
Developed a new website for a local bar, including menu, events and a CMS. Used Claude Code, Codex, claudex and other AI coding tools; static hosting via Cloudflare Pages with a Worker-based contact form; set up AI tooling locally with picoclaw.
Chief Technology Officer / Co-founder at Smoove Exchange
September 1, 2021 - Present
Led international development teams to build a digital marketplace connecting farmers directly with end distributors. Implemented real-time price updates, secure transactions, and enhanced efficiency; focused on fair, sustainable margins and localized provincial marketplaces.
Owner / Director at Derks.IT Alicante
January 1, 2006 - Present
Web hosting provider offering hosting services with automation and system administration, including DNS, mail, firewall, and server orchestration; ongoing client work and self-managed infrastructure.
Laravel Developer (remote) at Derks.IT Alicante
November 1, 2025 - January 1, 2026
Laravel development for invoicing integration project; evaluated API providers and integration approaches; initial exploration with AI coding tools; delivering a cost-effective solution for a Dutch dentist practice management app.
Lead Backend Laravel Developer at Altix Capital
November 1, 2022 - September 1, 2025
Bootstrapped the application frontend and backend; implemented sign-up and investment flows; integrated KYC and contract signing providers; led DevOps, code quality initiatives, and knowledge sharing; secured data access.
Security Analyst / PHP Developer at Derks.IT Alicante
June 1, 2021 - January 1, 2022
Inventoryed PHP 5.x legacy application; migrated to PHP 7.4; introduced GitLab-based workflows, migrations, tests, dotenv config, and Docker-based local environment; Azure DevOps pipeline for automated testing.
Laravel Programmer at Derks.IT Alicante
March 1, 2021 - July 1, 2021
Led inventorying and development for a mobile e-wallet application; established GitLab-based development processes, Docker, and automated deployments; contributed to API and control panel improvements.
Laravel Developer at Restocks
December 1, 2020 - May 1, 2021
Implemented DHL Express integration for EU-wide shipping; redesigned API using OpenAPI 3.0; implemented bug fixes and feature enhancements for a sneakers reselling platform.
Senior Backend Developer at Iristrace
December 1, 2018 - June 1, 2020
Helped improve code quality, reduce security vulnerabilities, and scale the platform; stack included PHP, Python, Go, Docker, Symfony; introduced GitLab, RabbitMQ, and improved deployment practices.
Lead Developer at Stackscale
July 1, 2012 - July 1, 2017
Developed authentication/authorization API, queue library, VMware/NAS management components, and an API built with Django REST Framework; contributed to an ExtJS-based UI.

Education

M.Sc. Information Sciences (Computer Science) at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
September 1, 1990 - August 1, 1998

Qualifications

CISSP
November 1, 2007 - May 12, 2026
ZCE - Zend Certified Engineer
November 1, 2004 - May 12, 2026
SCJP - Sun Certified Programmer for Java 2 Platform
September 1, 2001 - May 12, 2026
MCC - MySQL Core Certification
January 1, 2005 - May 12, 2026
Magento Developer's Paradise
October 1, 2010 - May 12, 2026
Scrum Master Accredited Certification
December 1, 2016 - May 12, 2026

Industry Experience

Software & Internet, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Education

Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert