Director, Solutions Product Line Management

Director, Solutions Product Line Management

Serves as the technical and strategic interface between product management, sales, and customers—translating complex customer requirements into winning solutions that leverage Ciena’s innovative routing, switching, and optical capabilities.

• Act as the primary PLM interface for strategic tenders and new opportunities—defining solution approaches, product recommendations, and competitive positioning.
• Lead consultative engagements with service providers, MSOs, and large enterprises to define optimal solutions based on technical and business needs.
• Serve as a thought leader in the IP networking domain, representing Ciena at customer events, industry forums, and conferences.
• Develop solution frameworks and value propositions that showcase how Ciena’s routing & switching portfolio solves real‑world challenges—focusing on IP/optical convergence, metro/aggregation, IP service edge, cloud interconnect, and mobile transport.
• Identify emerging applications and technologies that can drive demand and revenue growth across multiple market segments.
• Collaborate with sales teams to define target solution/application opportunities and go‑to‑market priorities.
• Coordinate cross‑functional resources across RSD—Solutions Engineering & Introduction, hardware and software PLMs, and network/product line architects—to design, validate, and launch integrated customer solutions.
• Provide direct input to product PLMs on roadmap priorities based on customer feedback, competitive dynamics, and evolving market needs.
• Partner with solution and product marketing to create compelling collateral (presentations, white papers, solution briefs) and support Ciena events such as Power Hours, Connections, and key trade shows.

• 10+ years of experience in product management, network architecture/design, or technical pre‑sales within the telecom or networking industry.
• Deep knowledge of IP/MPLS, SR‑MPLS, SRv6, EVPN/IPVPN, BGP/MP‑BGP, OSPF, IS‑IS, Ethernet technologies, including MEF services, Ethernet OAM, and FlexE.
• Solid understanding of network timing and synchronization (PTP, SyncE, G.8275), QoS, and OAM concepts.
• In‑depth knowledge of relevant IETF, IEEE, and MEF standards.
• Strong understanding of network management, orchestration, and SDN implementations and their role in a solutions context.
• Awareness of optical networking fundamentals such as coherent DWDM, photonic line systems/ROADMs, and OTN (highly desirable).
• Strong grasp of IP/Optical convergence, AI infrastructure, data center and cloud connectivity, mobile transport (4G/5G/6G), and enterprise multi‑cloud/SASE architectures.
• Understanding of virtualization (VMware, Hyper‑V, KVM), containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and SDN concepts (centralized control, PCE, Netconf/YANG, open APIs).
• Proven ability to lead complex, cross‑functional initiatives with minimal oversight.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage both technical and executive audiences.
• Entrepreneurial mindset—comfortable taking ownership, driving clarity, and executing with speed.
• Willingness to travel globally as needed.

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.

The annual pay range for this position is $157,900–$252,200 USD. In California, the range is $175,600–$280,400 USD.

In addition to competitive compensation, Ciena offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans; participation in 401(k) (USA) & DCPP (Canada) with company matching;
Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP);
Employee Assistance Program (EAP); company‑paid holidays, paid sick leave, and vacation time. We also comply with all applicable laws regarding Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence.

Ciena values the diversity of its workforce and respects its employees as individuals. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination. Ciena is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity, please advise Ciena of any accommodation measures you may require.