Consultant Sales Engineering

Ciena Limited (DMCC Branch); Abu Dhabi; Hybrid; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A global connectivity leader is looking for a seasoned Sales Engineering Consultant in Abu Dhabi. The role requires advanced knowledge in optical and Data Center Interconnect solutions, with an emphasis on driving strategic customer relationships and technical solution designs. Candidates need 10+ years’ experience in telecommunications and strong communication skills. In this position, you'll collaborate across global teams to deliver cutting-edge solutions, supporting major cloud and content platforms. A Bachelor's in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering is essential, and a Master's is preferred.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of telecommunications or related industry experience.
• Strong background in Transport Engineering or Product Management.
• Proven track record in Sales and business development.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted technical and strategic advisor to hyperscalers.
• Drive end-to-end solution strategy and market development.
• Monitor and anticipate trends across the optical and DCI ecosystem.

Skills

Sales and business development skills

Strong communication skills

Technical domain expertise

Relationship management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering

Master’s preferred

Job description

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.

The Opportunity

We are the global leader in high-speed connectivity. We build adaptive networks to support the exponential growth in bandwidth demand—empowering our customers, partners, and communities to thrive in the AI era.

We’re looking for a seasoned Sales Engineering Consultant with advanced knowledge and expertise addressing optical and Data Center Interconnect (DCI) network solutions. Someone who combines strong technical acumen with commercial awareness, stakeholder influence, and business development capability.

You will collaborate across Ciena’s global teams and customer organizations, including both Content Providers and Service Provider Sales teams, to identify opportunities, shape network solutions, and position Ciena as a trusted partner.

In this role, you’ll help shape how some of the world’s largest cloud and content platforms scale their optical and DCI infrastructure using Ciena’s WaveLogic‑powered solutions.

Location

Flexible within Europe, with a preference for a location close to the hyperscaler hubs. Final location will be determined based on the successful candidate’s profile and business needs.

How You Will Contribute

As a Consultant – Regional Sales Engineering for MOFN Business, you will serve as a trusted technical and strategic advisor to hyperscalers and large‑scale datacentre customers, and you will also serve as a DCI SME to CSP teams. You’ll drive end‑to‑end solution strategy, architecture discussions, and market development across optical transport, Data Center Interconnect, and subsea domains—leveraging your strong communication and relationship management skills to create impactful customer experiences.

Your Key Impact Areas

Market & Opportunity Leadership

• Monitor and anticipate trends across the optical, subsea, and DCI ecosystem, including AI core networks expansion, cloud edge buildouts, and data sovereignty frameworks.
• Identify strategic growth opportunities within carrier‑neutral, content, and hyperscaler customer segments.
• Translate technology shifts (e.g., coherent optics, flexible grid, AI‑driven operations) into actionable business strategies.
• Apply strategic thinking and technical curiosity to uncover emerging opportunities and shape Ciena’s positioning in new and evolving markets.

Customer & Ecosystem Influence

• Build deep, trusted relationships with senior technology executives, strategic negotiators, and infrastructure architects at hyperscalers, large content providers, and carrier‑neutral datacenter operators across Europe.
• Act as a subject matter expert and solution evangelist—advising on architectures that optimize performance, scalability, and cost efficiency.
• Partner with Ciena’s Service Provider and Global Cloud Networking (GCN) teams to co‑develop go‑to‑market strategies and capture high‑value opportunities.
• Demonstrate strong relationship management and influencing skills to align customer objectives with Ciena’s strategic direction.

Solution Leadership

• Lead architecture design sessions for optical and MOFN solutions, including latest Ciena optical transport solutions; WaveLogic™, WL5e, and WL6‑powered DCI platforms.
• Translate complex technical concepts into clear, outcome‑driven value propositions for executive audiences.
• Guide the preparation of technical proposals, RFP responses, and business forecasts, ensuring alignment between Ciena’s portfolio and customer transformation goals.
• Exhibit thought leadership and domain expertise to drive business growth from a sales engineering perspective.

Internal Collaboration & Enablement

• Serve as the regional voice of the customer, informing product management and R&D teams of evolving hyperscaler and subsea requirements.
• Mentor and collaborate across multicultural, cross‑functional teams to strengthen regional sales engineering capabilities.
• Promote a culture of innovation, agility, and accountability within the EMEA region and with a Saudi and broader MEA organization.
• Operate effectively across multiple time zones with global stakeholders to ensure seamless coordination and execution.

Travel

Travel up to 25% as required.

The Must Haves

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering (Master’s preferred)
• 10+ years of telecommunications or related industry experience, including significant exposure to hyperscaler, content, or large-scale data center environments
• Strong background in Transport Engineering or Product Management
• Proven track record in Sales and business development skills to drive business growth from an SE expert perspective
• Technical domain expert with thought leadership skills and experience
• Strong communication skills both written and verbal to create impactful customer experiences
• Prior experience working with or for Internet Content Providers (preferred)
• Senior Relationship Management and influencing skills are critical

Assets

• Proven collaboration skills and ability to operate effectively in cross‑functional, multicultural teams.
• High degree of strategic thinking, technical curiosity, and customer‑centric mindset.

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.