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.
Ciena is a global leader in high-speed connectivity, enabling innovation across optical networks, routing and switching, and network control systems. This role contributes to the "AI for Engineering" vision by advancing secure, on-premises AI capabilities for product development. The position plays a critical role in establishing and scaling an internal AI platform that supports innovation across Global R&D.
How you will make an impact:
- Design and deploy on-premises AI infrastructure using Kubernetes and Docker to host open-source and open-weight models
- Implement and manage model serving solutions including SGLang to optimize inference performance on shared infrastructure
- Configure and maintain AI application stack components including LiteLLM, Open WebUI, Milvus, and Langfuse
- Ensure adherence to enterprise security policies to protect intellectual property and maintain compliance with R&D governance standards
- Collaborate with AI architects and product teams to identify requirements and deliver scalable platform capabilities
- Deliver documentation and guidance to enable internal users to effectively utilize AI platform services
The must haves:
- Experience: 3+ years of experience developing and administering on-premises AI/ML platforms
- Utilization of Kubernetes, Docker, and Linux environments (Oracle Linux exposure noted)
- Application of LLM serving frameworks such as SGLang or vLLM, orchestration layers including LiteLLM, and vector databases such as Milvus
- Implementation of observability solutions for AI workflows including Langfuse or Prometheus/Grafana
- Application of network security, container security, and data privacy practices in enterprise environments
- Ability to translate technical constraints into business-aligned outcomes for stakeholders
Nice to haves:
- Experience: Application of Atlassian tools including Agile Jira, Confluence, and Bitbucket for project tracking and code management
- Application of private cloud architectures, including OpenStack-based environments
- Experience: Support of design workstations or CI/CD pipeline environments
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or Math/Stats
#LI-BS1
Pay Range:
The annual pay range for this position is C$93,900 - C$150,100.
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.
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.
Skills Required
- 3+ years developing and administering on-premises AI/ML platforms
- Experience with Kubernetes
- Experience with Docker
- Experience administering Linux environments (Oracle Linux exposure noted)
- Experience with LLM serving frameworks such as SGLang or vLLM
- Experience with orchestration layers including LiteLLM
- Experience with vector databases such as Milvus
- Implementing observability for AI workflows (Langfuse or Prometheus/Grafana)
- Application of network security, container security, and data privacy practices in enterprise environments
- Ability to translate technical constraints into business-aligned outcomes for stakeholders
- Experience with Atlassian tools (Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket)
- Experience with private cloud architectures (OpenStack-based environments)
- Experience supporting design workstations or CI/CD pipeline environments
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or Math/Stats
Ciena Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Ciena and has not been reviewed or approved by Ciena.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay is often characterized as competitive or above-market in certain roles and regions, with references to market-aligned salary ranges and transparency around pay bands.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is frequently framed as comprehensive, including medical, dental, and vision, with indications that coverage can extend to dependents and is viewed as a meaningful component of total rewards.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time-off offerings are described as flexible and generous, including Flex/uncapped PTO in many cases and additional paid time for volunteering.
Ciena Insights
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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