Hello!
Are you a
Senior Python Developer
based in Lisbon or Europe
looking to work on a technically challenging R&D project with real-world scientific impact? At
Altar.io
, we're looking for someone who enjoys working close to the problem space — from hardware to real-time data processing and user-facing applications.
This role is centered around a long-term R&D project for a marine biology research client, combining real-time signal processing, hardware integration, and full-stack development. You'll work closely with researchers and our internal product team to tackle problems without predefined solutions.
About the Project
We're working on an R&D platform for a marine biology research client. The system captures underwater acoustic signals via a multi-sensor array, processes them in real-time, and generates interactive feedback for research experiments.
This is a unique R&D project combining hardware integration, real-time signal processing, and web application development. You'll work directly with researchers and our internal product team to solve genuinely novel technical challenges.
The Challenge
We need someone who can:
Own the Python processing pipeline
— Real-time data acquisition, signal processing, detection algorithms
Integrate hardware and software
— Sensor arrays, data acquisition hardware, real-time data streams
Maintain and extend the full stack
— Node.js API, NextJS frontend, MQTT messaging
Collaborate with domain experts
— Work with our product team and external consultants on algorithm
refinement
Contribute to other projects
— As this project stabilizes, help with other Python/backend/AI initiatives
Technical Stack
Core
Python
— Data acquisition, signal processing, algorithm implementation
Node.js / TypeScript
— Express API, Socket.IO, real-time systems
NextJS
— User-facing application
MQTT
— Real-time messaging between hardware and cloud
Docker
— Containerized deployment
Nice to Have
Signal Processing / DSP
— Frequency analysis, real-time audio, sensor data TensorFlow / ML — Model training, inference pipelines
Hardware integration
— Experience with DAQ systems, sensor arrays
Angular
— Legacy tool maintenance
What We're Looking For
Must Have
5+ years
of
software development
experience
Strong Python skills
— Production-quality code, comfortable with data/signal processing
Backend web
development — Node.js, APIs, real-time systems (WebSockets, MQTT)
Problem-solving in ambiguous contexts
— This is R&D; you'll need to figure things out
Self-directed
— Can work independently with periodic check-ins
Strong Preference
Signal processing / DSP exposure
— Frequency analysis, sensor data, real-time streams
Full-stack capability
— Can work across Python, Node.js, and frontend when needed
Scientific or research background
— Comfortable with experimentation and iteration
Nice to Have
ML/AI experience
— Model training, TensorFlow, data pipelines
Hardware integration
— Sensors, data acquisition, embedded systems
Why This Role
Unique R&D project
— Not another CRUD app; real signal processing, hardware integration, research impact
Technical variety
— Python, Node.js, real-time systems, ML — not siloed into one stack
Growth opportunity
— Lead role with ownership of technical direction
Versatility
— Contribute to this project and help with other Python/backend/AI initiatives as they arise
Strategic position at Altar
— Help rebuild our Python/AI capabilities as we grow
About
Altar.io
Altar.io
is a Lisbon-based product and software development studio.
We partner with entrepreneurs and business leaders to design, build, and launch
innovative digital products
— from
MVPs
to full-scale platforms. We work across
web, mobile, and emerging technology projects
. This role starts with a long-term R&D engagement but includes opportunities to contribute to other projects as capacity allows.
What to Include in Your Application:
Your experience with Python in production
— Data processing, APIs, real-time systems
Examples of R&D or ambiguous problem-solving
— How do you approach problems without clear specs?
Any signal processing or hardware integration experience
— Even if limited
If you got increasingly excited about Altar while reading this, then we're just as excited about you! Apply now and let's see if we can make you the next Altarion.
#LI-Remote