Description
We are looking for an experienced Optical Product Line Manager to own the end-to-end product lifecycle for Zhone DWDM optical networking products. This role is responsible for defining product strategy, roadmap, and execution for solutions supporting 100G, 400G, and 800G networks, with strong alignment to IP and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) architectures. The ideal candidate combines deep technical understanding of optical and IP networks with strong product management and cross-functional leadership skills
Key Responsibilities:
- Own the product lifecycle from concept, requirements, and roadmap through launch, sustainment, and end-of-life
- Define product vision and strategy for DWDM optical transport products supporting 100G / 400G / 800G coherent technologies
- Develop and maintain multi-year product roadmaps aligned with market trends, customer needs, and technology evolution
- Translate market and customer requirements into product requirements documents (PRDs) and feature definitions
- Work closely with R&D, hardware, software, and TQA teams to ensure on-time and on-spec delivery
- Ensure strong integration between optical transport, Optical (PON) Access, and SDN-based control and management
- Drive adoption of model-driven management using NETCONF/YANG and automation frameworks
- Collaborate with sales, marketing, and customer teams to support product positioning, technical enablement, and customer engagements
- Perform competitive analysis and continuously assess market, technology, and standards trends
- Support product launch activities, documentation, training, and customer feedback loops
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (MBA or advanced degree is a plus)
- 7+ years of experience in product management, product line management, or technical leadership roles in optical networking
- Strong understanding of DWDM optical transport systems, including ROADM architectures and coherent optics
- Knowledge of 100G / 400G / 800G optical technologies and deployment considerations
- Prior experience managing products for global telecom or hyperscale customers
- Familiarity with carrier-class service provider environments
- Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams and influence without direct authority
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Exposure to network automation, telemetry, and orchestration platforms
- Experience with IP networking, including routing and IP-over-optical architectures
- Solid understanding of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) concepts and architectures
- Familiarity with NETCONF/YANG, OpenConfig, and model-driven network management
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
- 7+ years of experience in product management, product line management, or technical leadership roles in optical networking
- Strong understanding of DWDM optical transport systems, including ROADM architectures and coherent optics
- Knowledge of 100G / 400G / 800G optical technologies and deployment considerations
- Prior experience managing products for global telecom or hyperscale customers
- Familiarity with carrier-class service provider environments
- Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams and influence without direct authority
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
What We Do
Zhone Technologies is a global leader in Network Edge, Connected Home/Enterprise, and AI Cloud Software solutions that enable gigabit broadband everywhere. They are a provider of access and optical networking infrastructure and AI-driven cloud software solutions.
