Project Manager, Associate - New Grad

Project Manager, Associate - New Grad

As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena is committed to a people‑first approach. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a flexible work environment that empowers individual growth, well‑being, and belonging. We’re a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.

At Blue Planet, a division of Ciena, we empower our teams to shape the future of network technology—delivering solutions that truly matter. Our work transforms how people connect, collaborate, and thrive in a digital world. We believe innovation flourishes in an environment where diversity is embraced, inclusion is celebrated, and every idea is valued. Whether collaborating across the globe or around the table, our success is built on the strength of our people and a culture that encourages curiosity, creativity, and mutual respect.

• Support the Responsibilities of the Project Management (PMO) team to lead, oversee and ensure successful implementation, delivery and management of customer projects within a Customer Solution.
• Ensure PMO target margins are achieved, contributing to accurate revenue recognition, ensuring committed schedules and deliverables are met, and that projects meet Customer’s expectations for quality and service.
• Review the PMO Portfolio and help to ensure that Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are being met.
• Identify and schedule project deliverables, milestones, and required activities and tasks.
• Assist in coordinating project team activities and support senior PMs in resource planning. Establish work plans and staffing for project activities, iterations or phases, and arrange for assignment of project personnel.
• Manage the PMO playbook including ways of working and maintenance of key templates.
• Document and communicate project status, obstacles and resolutions to management.
• Perform risk assessment and implement mitigation plans.
• Project Manager may support pre‑sales activities, providing project management subject matter expertise and contributing to Customer proposals and RFP responses, as required.
• Interface across Blue Planet teams and Customer Success teams, GTM, Customer Support, and Finance to ensure project deliverables and financial targets are met.
• May be required to contribute to process management optimization efforts associated with project management.

• Ability to support a large volume of projects meeting scope requirements and meeting or bettering on‑time commitments and financial objectives.
• Delivers superior customer experience built on responsiveness and quality.
• Demonstrates value of Blue Planet services through superior performance.
• Galvanizes project delivery team in unified action and mindset.
• Possesses positivity and strong work ethic to a “never give up” attitude.
• Mature business “customer first” demeanor.
• Attention to detail is critical.
• Recognizes problems and responds constructively.

• Critical Thinking / Analysis – Analyzes multi‑dimensional problems; gathers information over extended periods of time and applies complex concepts to generate possible solutions.
• Judgment – Evaluates complex decisions considering multiple options.
• Decisiveness – Delivers decisions in the face of competing alternatives.
• Outstanding planning, scheduling, and coordination skills.
• Strong understanding of technology, Professional Services and business acumen.
• Strong business judgment and ability to think through complex business issues.
• Works collaboratively in a matrix environment, with many stakeholders.
• Results oriented, collaborator and accountable.
• Outstanding verbal and written communications.
• Ideally experience with Project Management tools such as Microsoft Project, Kantata, Excel, PowerPoint, Salesforce, Jira, Confluence.
• Knowledge of Software Engineering and software delivery methodologies.

• Bachelor’s degree in software engineering, business or related field.
• Up to 12 months of project management experience (internships, co‑ops, or academic projects…