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.
How You Will Contribute:
We seek a strategic, customer-facing Senior Systems Engineer supporting a large North America Service Provider. Perform technical tasks, including assisting in written proposals, network design, engineering, and quotes. Must be able to communicate solutions to customers and work with internal Ciena organization for both Ciena Software and Hardware Products to develop new features and functionality based on Customer needs. This job requires travel to customer locations.
- Assist the sales team with analyzing and evaluating customers' technical requirements.
- Perform DWDM network designs using Ciena's network design and modeling tools for customer applications and requirements based on Ciena's networking products.
- Support Account Managers with product and technical expertise to support sales efforts for new business opportunities.
- Lead technical tasks (lab trials & product demonstrations), including written proposals (RFPs) and complex DWDM network designs.
- Must effectively communicate solutions to customers and resellers and work cohesively with Sales teams and other internal Ciena departments.
- Performs other duties as assigned
- End to end Workflow optimization, tool enhancement, automation
- Navigate and resolve complex technical issues by engaging cross-functional teams – PLM, R&D, Tech Support, Services
- Build relationships with one of Ciena’s largest customers and become known as their subject matter expert and trusted advisor
- Drive advanced architectural discussions for optical transport networks that incorporate DWDM, OTN switching, optical control plane, network planning and network management concepts and technologies
- Understand the evolution of Ciena’s product portfolio and articulate these plans to customers at a senior level. Identify gaps in Ciena portfolio and drive them to resolution with internal teams
The Must Haves:
- Must have an expert-level knowledge of DWDM network architectures such as long-haul transport, metro DWDM, and optical evolution. Datacenter Interconnect, network management, and automation
- Software design and development knowledge (Python, REST, JSON) is a plus.
- Detailed understanding of Enterprise customer environments
- Hands-on experience in planning, designing, and deployment of large tier-1 transport networks
- Time management skills: the ability to plan, prioritize, execute & follow up promptly.
- Professionalism in attitude, conduct, and appearance
- Ability to work within a high-performance team
- Flexible and able to handle multiple tasks with minimal supervision
- Ability to build strong customer relationships and support an overall sales strategy
- Expert technical expertise and desire to learn new technologies
- Must be able to work well with Ciena R&D, Engineering, and PLM
- Excellent organizational skills due to the dynamic nature of activities
- Superior verbal and written communication skills
- Technical Degree; BS in Engineering or Computer Science or relevant experience
- 4-6 years of telecommunication industry experience
- Strong Commercial and Sales acumen to add to a strong technical foundation
Pay Range: $144,000 - $230,000 USD
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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.
Top Skills
Ciena San Jose, California, USA Office
3939 N 1st St, San Jose, CA, United States, 95134
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