Senior Python Developer - R&D Project

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 dataTensorFlow / 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:

1. Your experience with Python in production — Data processing, APIs, real-time systems
2. Examples of R&D or ambiguous problem-solving — How do you approach problems without clear specs?
3. 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.

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