Simon Betton

Simon Betton

Principal Software Engineer

Contact

Use this page to reach Simon Betton, a principal software engineer based in Auckland, New Zealand. I take contract and freelance work on architecture, technical strategy, and delivery for TypeScript, React, React Native, and Node.js systems. With 19 years in production software, I am the right person to email when you have a real product, a real constraint, and need a senior engineer who can own the long-term shape of the work.

The fastest way to start is email. Say what you are building, what is blocked, and whether you need a short review, a defined delivery window, or an embedded lead. I read every message myself. There is no intake form, ticket queue, or assistant screening mail on this site.


How to reach me

  • Email — me@simonbetton.com — the address I actually answer. Use it for hiring, architecture reviews, contract scopes, and follow-ups on published work.
  • LinkedIn — Useful for a public introduction or a role brief. Email is still better once we are talking about a specific system.
  • GitHub — Source for open-source projects, including OnlyDoge, ratesapi.nz, and the Expo modules listed on the home page.
  • CV — A PDF resume if you need dates, employers, and a compact history before we talk.

What to include

A useful first message names the product, the stack you already have, the outcome you want, and the window you are working to. If the work is a rescue, say what is failing. If it is a greenfield build, say what must stay simple six months from now. I do not need a long pitch deck. I do need enough context to tell you honestly whether I am the right hire.

I am based in Auckland and typically work with teams in New Zealand, Australia, and remote-first companies. I do not run a sales team, and I do not take every brief. If the job is a better fit for a specialist or a larger studio, I will say so.