Ciena - Technical Sales Development Program

Ciena is committed to our people-first philosophy. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a personalized and flexible work environment that empowers an individual’s passions, growth, wellbeing and belonging. We’re a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.

Why Ciena?

Ciena is a $4.39B powerhouse, employing 8,500+ high performers globally and ranked #1 in North American Data Center Interconnect, Metro Optical Networking, Carrier Ethernet and Submarine Ultra Long Haul sales. We have delivered some of the very first Software Defined Networking (SDN), Network Function Virtualization (NFV) solutions, and power networks for some of the world’s largest companies.

We are a technology company that’s rooted in people. Our purpose is to innovate through the lens of our humanity—driving business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.

We’re at the cutting edge of technological innovation, but we credit our success to the people behind that advancement. This is why our teams enjoy flexible paid time off, professional development resources, mental and physical well-being support, as well as volunteer programs to effect positive change in our communities. If you value a full, balanced life, while growing your career, Ciena is where you can make that happen.

How You Will Contribute

Our comprehensive, 24- month, Atlanta, GA based Technical Sales Development Program (TSDP) will prepare you for a successful career in technical sales as an Account Manager (AM) or in sales engineering as a Sales Engineer (SE).

An Account Manager (AM) has a relentless drive to achieve results and is pivotal to Ciena’s success. They are trusted partners and strategic thinkers with exceptional communication and negotiation skills. An AM focuses on strengthening connections with current customers and identifying new business opportunities.

A Sales Engineer (SE) serves as the technical bridge between Ciena’s current and future customers. They engage with customers in a consultative capacity, utilizing their technical aptitude to design networks, cultivate sales and profitability within current accounts, and develop business strategies to drive new client opportunities by taking ownership of the prime technical relationship.

As a participant in this classroom-based and hands-on training program, you’ll have ample opportunities for networking, mentoring, and coaching with engineers, architects, and other professional/technical personnel enterprise-wide.

You’ll not only work with our sophisticated technology, but you’ll also learn how to prospect for new business, solve problems, and learn to understand what excellent customer service looks like.

You’ll undertake deep dives into Ciena’s product portfolios and organization, customer landscape, network and engineering design, the end-to-end sales cycle and key functional groups such as Field Service, Technical Support, Professional Services, and Program Management. 

At the conclusion of the training program, you may be asked to relocate to one of Ciena’s nationwide markets.

What Does Ciena Expect of You?

• Initiative –you’re a self-starter who works with limited direction and is committed to delivering against aggressive project deadlines from inception through to deployment.
• Agility – you thrive in ever-changing, high-pressure situations during customer presentations and technical design discussion.
• Customer first – what’s important to the customer is equally important to you. You make understanding their needs, expectations, and circumstances a priority.
• Relationship builder – you’re able to build trusted relationships quickly, allowing you to influence, mentor and collaborate.
• Communication expertise – the ability to work with customers and account teams to understand requirements and priorities, tailor and present your message to the audience to ensure understanding and agreement.
• The flexibility to work independently and as part of a broader team – you thrive in a multi-disciplinary team environment, but are comfortable working independently as required.
• A commitment to ongoing learning and curiosity – allowing you to acquire information, undertake analysis and understand new technologies to solve complex problems.

The Must Haves

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Business

Desired Assets

• Prior technical and/or sales co-op/work experience.

Compensation and Benefits  

The annual pay for this position is: $74,000 + 25% Target Commission

Pay ranges at Ciena are designed to accommodate variations in knowledge, skills, experience, market conditions, and locations, reflecting our diverse products, industries, and lines of business. Please note that the pay range information provided in this posting pertains specifically to the primary location, which is the top location listed in case multiple locations are available. 

Non-Sales employees may be eligible for a discretionary incentive bonus, while Sales employees may be eligible for a sales commission. 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

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At Ciena, we are committed to building and fostering an environment in which our employees feel respected, valued, and heard. 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.