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.
Are you ready to lead the charge in driving cutting-edge networking solutions for one of Ciena’s primary hyperscale compute customers?
As Director, Sales Engineering, you’ll be the customer-facing technical leader, driving the adoption of Ciena’s industry-leading portfolio of optical networking, transport products, and datacenter solutions. This is your opportunity to shape the future of hyperscale network architecture while building and managing a high-performing technical team.
This role is based on the West Coast of the US, where the selected candidate must reside or be willing to travel regularly.
How You Will Contribute:
Lead the deployment, integration, and support of Ciena’s portfolio, including DWDM solutions, coherent modems, ZR/ZR+/Coh-lite coherent plugs, and datacenter interconnect technologies, while managing transitions from legacy products.
Build and manage a dedicated team of sales engineers to drive technical proposals, designs, quotes, and customer trials, ensuring alignment with customer roadmaps and driving product requirements into R&D.
Collaborate with customers and partners to co-develop ASIC, hardware, software, and automation programs while consulting on best practices for integrating and automating Ciena’s technology into networks and software infrastructure.
Define and execute the technical strategy for engaging hyperscale customers, ensuring alignment with architectural shifts, customer requirements, and strategic goals.
Prepare RFx responses, forecasts, pricing strategies, scope of work documents, and network designs while supporting certifications, acceptance testing, and network introduction activities.
Articulate the value of Ciena’s solutions to customers, differentiating against competitors and driving engagement through executive-level presentations and technical discussions.
Travel up to 50% to customer sites, R&D locations, and technical conferences for engagements, collaboration, and presentations.
The Must Haves:
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
10+ years of experience in the communications or data center industry, with a background in sales engineering, engineering, operations, or product management.
Expertise in Optical Transport Network Architecture, Design, Deployment, and Operations.
Deep understanding of data center architectures, including spine and leaf designs, edge networking, routing, switching, and optical transport.
Familiarity with automation software architecture, SDN controllers, ZTP methods, APIs, and networking models.
Experience co-developing optical system components, plugs, modems, WDM systems, and software.
Strong skills in building network cost models and product feature/price analysis.
Proven ability to manage complex technical engagements, RFPs, trials, and product acceptance.
Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
The Assets:
Familiarity with cloud architecture and deploying/running applications in a cloud environment.
Experience with sales opportunity and quote tools.
Prior experience working with Internet Content Providers.
Pay Range:
The annual total target compensation pay range for this position is $237,500 - $380,000 USD. This includes both base and incentive compensation.
The annual total target compensation pay range for this position in California is $269,500 - $430,500 USD. This includes both base and incentive compensation.
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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.
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What We Do
Ciena (NYSE: CIEN) is a global leader in networking systems, services, and software. We build the world’s most adaptive networks to enable our customers to deliver richer, more connected experiences for all users. At our core, Ciena is a company rooted in people. We prioritize deep, collaborative relationships within our teams and alongside our customers, partners, and communities around the world.
For three-plus decades, we’ve brought our humanity to our relentless pursuit of innovation. We continue to lead the evolution of networking with a strong track record of industry firsts. As end-user expectations skyrocket, our customers and their networks must transform. Ciena powers this transformation by driving next-generation solutions built for maximum openness and agility—today and into the future.
Corporate/Brand Values:
• Customer First
• Integrity
• Velocity
• Innovation
• Outstanding People
We're the perfect size for you to make an impact. W
Only Ciena has the depth of expertise and the culture of collaboration and partnership required to help our partners evolve. We do this by strategically integrating hardware, services, and software in an open environment to ensure our clients’ networks are ‘fit for flexibility’ today and into the f
Why Work With Us
We are known for our industry-firsts, including the first coherent optical solution, converged packet-optical platform, and intelligence automation platform. Our commitment extends beyond innovation, logging in over 35,000 volunteer hours and $2 million to worthy causes in 2023. We're the perfect size and culture for you to make a difference.
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