The Optical Network Technical Sales Engineer Drives Optical Network solution strategy and design for customers across CEWA (Central East & Western Africa), acting as a trusted technical partner throughout the sales cycle. Architects customer-centric solutions, leads RFP and network design activities, and provides expert guidance to maximize network performance, scalability, and value from Nokia's optical portfolio.
Design and deliver innovative Optical Network solutions that address customer business and technical needs.
- Act as a trusted technical advisor, building strong relationships with customers and key stakeholders.
- Lead solution architecture and RFP responses, influencing network design decisions and winning strategies.
- Guide customers on network evolution, providing expert recommendations for scalable, future-ready architectures.
- Drive adoption of Nokia's Optical portfolio, identifying opportunities to expand solution value and business growth.
- Manage new product introductions, roadmap discussions, and customer technical requirements.
- Champion competitive intelligence, translating market insights into differentiated customer solutions.
- Create compelling customer presentations and technical engagements that showcase the value of Nokia's optical innovations.
Must Have:
- Strong expertise in Optical Networking technologies, including network architecture, transport solutions, and optical design principles.
- Hands-on experience designing and optimizing optical networks, with the ability to translate customer requirements into scalable, high-performance solutions.
- Proven experience with Nokia 1830 PSS and deep knowledge of optical networking products and solutions.
- Customer-focused technical consultant with strong problem-solving, analytical, and stakeholder management skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of influencing customer decisions and delivering compelling technical proposals.
Nice-to-Have:
- Experience supporting RFPs, bid responses, and pre-sales technical engagements in the telecommunications industry.
- Strong understanding of service provider network architectures, operational practices, and network evolution strategies.
- Experience managing customer requirements and collaborating with product management, R&D, and cross-functional teams.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and responding to customer requests under tight deadlines.
- Knowledge of competitive optical networking solutions and market trends, with the ability to identify new business and technology opportunities.
Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile and transport networks, powered by the innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we’re advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.
Our recruitment process
We act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Our employment decisions are made regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to a culture of inclusion built upon our core value of respect.
If you’re interested in this role but don’t meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enrich our teams, and you may be just the right candidate for this or another opportunity.
The length of the recruitment process may vary depending on the specific role's requirements. We strive to ensure a smooth and inclusive experience for all candidates. Discover more about the recruitment process at Nokia.
- Flexible and hybrid working schemes
- A minimum of 90 days of Maternity and Paternity Leave, with the option to return to work within a year following the birth or adoption of a child (based on eligibility)
- Life insurance to all employees to provide peace of mind and financial security
- Well-being programs to support your mental and physical health
- Opportunities to join and receive support from Nokia Employee Resource Groups (NERGs)
- Employee Growth Solutions to support your personalized career & skills development
- Diverse pool of Coaches & Mentors to whom you have easy access
- A learning environment which promotes personal growth and professional development - for your role and beyond
Skills Required
- Strong expertise in optical networking technologies, network architecture, transport solutions, and optical design principles
- Hands-on experience designing and optimizing optical networks
- Proven experience with Nokia 1830 PSS and deep knowledge of optical networking products and solutions
- Customer-focused technical consulting, problem-solving, analytical, and stakeholder management skills
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Experience supporting RFPs, bid responses, and pre-sales technical engagements in telecommunications
- Understanding of service provider network architectures, operational practices, and network evolution strategies
- Experience managing customer requirements and collaborating with product management, R&D, and cross-functional teams
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond to customer requests under tight deadlines
- Knowledge of competitive optical networking solutions and market trends
Nokia Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Nokia and has not been reviewed or approved by Nokia.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity programs include a global employee share purchase plan with company matching and multi‑year share awards. These mechanisms broaden participation and tie rewards to long‑term outcomes.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes major medical plans with supplementary options such as vision, legal services, and care navigation. The range of offerings indicates comprehensive support for medical needs.
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Parental & Family Support — A global policy grants paid leave for new parents regardless of gender and provides structured return‑to‑work support. Company‑paid life insurance further strengthens family protection across regions.
Nokia Insights
What We Do
At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. As a trusted partner for critical networks, we are committed to innovation and technology leadership across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. We create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs. Adhering to the highest standards of integrity and security, we help build the capabilities needed for a more productive, sustainable and inclusive world.
