Senior Associate - Sales Engineering || Location Mumbai

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: 

• We are big proponents of life-work integration and provide the flexibility and tools to make it a reality with remote work and potentially, part-time work. 

• We believe an inclusive, diverse and barrier-free work environment makes for empowered and committed employees.

• We recognize the importance of well-being and offer programs and benefits to support and sustain the mental and physical health of our employees and their families and also offer a variety of paid family leave programs. 

• We are committed to employee development, offering tuition reimbursement and a variety of in-house learning and mentorship opportunities. 

• We know that financial security is important. We offer competitive salaries and incentive programs, RSU’s (job level specific) and an employee share option purchase program. 

• We realize time away to recharge is non-negotiable. We offer flexible paid time off! 

• Great work deserves recognition. We have a robust recognition program, with ongoing and enhanced awards for exemplary performance. 

How You Will Contribute: 

• Accountable for the defined business outcomes within assigned territory or accounts
• Assist the account teams in identifying, qualifying and engaging the customers at all levels both at a technical and business level.
• Coordinate and collaborate with various departments such as product management, engineering etc. to influence feature and function roadmaps for Ciena’s packet optical portfolio.
• Act as a customer advocate to internal teams and a trusted advisor to the customers
• Assist in assessment of potential product features, providing input on prioritization.
• Be capable of presenting to large audiences on the subject matter.
• Influence and capture customer applications to ensure product fits with Ciena portfolio.
• Understand the evolution of Ciena’s product portfolio and articulate these plans to customers at a senior level.
• Strong business development/commercial acumen to partner and support the regional strategy in moving into adjacent areas and evolving our packet optical Networking portfolio engagement.

What Does Ciena Expect of You? 

• Initiative – you’re a self-starter who works with limited direction and is committed to delivering against aggressive deadlines. 

• Agility – you are readily able to make key decisions and manage competing and ever-changing account priorities and largely driven by the software development process. 

• Communication expertise – you have the ability to influence and tailor your message and ideas to the audience to ensure understanding and consensus. 

• 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. 

• Relationship builder – with an ability to influence, you’re able to get work done through others. 

• A commitment to innovation – you keep abreast of the market and competitive developments and are always keen to formulate new ideas and problem solve.

The Must Haves: 

• Technical Degree; B.E./B.Tech
• Expertise in Layer-0, Layer-1 networks (DCI, metro, long-distance transport); knowledge of Layer-2/3 technologies.
• 4+ years in telecom industry; hands-on experience in planning, designing, or deploying large-scale L0/L1 control plane networks preferred.
• Strong technical foundation with commercial mindset; sales experience is a plus.
• Excellent decision-making, problem-solving, communication (English), presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experienced in engaging diverse market segments: data centers, utilities, Tier 1/2/3 operators, enterprise, etc.
• Knowledge of network management, SDN, network automation, and transport network architecture.
• Ability to drive RFPs, understand competitive sales, and ensure accurate technical quotations.
• Skilled in liaising with engineering to define requirements and position solutions.
• Builds trust, inspires, and influences stakeholders, including senior executives.
• Understanding of Ciena’s strategic pillars and telecom architecture trends; professional demeanor.

Location: Mumbai

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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.