Product Line Manager – Intelligent IP/Optical Controller

Ciena Corporation; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 114,000 - 182,000; Full time

Job summary

Ciena Corporation is seeking a Product Line Manager to shape software innovations at the intersection of SDN controller platforms and optical networking. You will influence product strategy, drive roadmaps, and collaborate across R&D, hardware, and sales to deliver impactful software releases.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in product or technical networking roles, deep IP/optical transport knowledge, and experience with AIOps and network design.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CS/EE/telecommunications or related field.
• 5+ years in product management or networking roles.
• Expertise in IP and optical transport technologies and network planning.
• Experience leading telecom software from concept to market adoption.
• Background in AIOps, network design and optimization.
• Proficient with agile development and cross-functional collaboration.
• Excellent communication to influence stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Drive product strategy and roadmap for SDN controller platform applications focused on planning, operations, and optimization.
• Translate customer needs and market trends into prioritized product requirements.
• Lead initiatives in AIOps and Network Digital Twin to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Partner with R&D, Hardware, Navigator, sales, and support to deliver software releases.
• Enable go-to-market through customer engagement, training, and technical presentations.
• Represent the product line at industry events and monitor competitive dynamics.
• Use performance metrics and feedback to refine features and user experience.

Skills

Product management

Networking expertise

AIOps experience

Agile methodologies

Stakeholder influence

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/EE/Telecommunications

Job description

As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena builds the critical infrastructure powering the AI era. We’re a technology company shaping the future of networking, guided by innovation, integrity, and collaboration. Through development opportunities, meaningful work, and flexibility, Ciena supports growth and well-being—on and off the job. Connect with a career that matters. Ciena is the global leader in high-speed connectivity, building adaptive networks that help customers scale, automate, and simplify network planning, deployment, and operations. This Product Line Manager role helps shape software innovation at the intersection of SDN controller platforms and optical networking, enabling more efficient design, deployment, and optimization of Ciena solutions. The position contributes directly to product strategy, market adoption, and customer success.

How you will make an impact:

• Drive product strategy and roadmap execution for SDN controller platform applications focused on network planning, operations, and optimization.
• Translate customer requirements, market insights, and technology trends into prioritized product requirements.
• Lead initiatives across Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations (AIOps) and Network Digital Twin technologies to improve operational efficiency and accuracy.
• Partner with R&D, Hardware, Navigator development, sales, and support teams to deliver software releases.
• Enable go-to-market execution through customer engagement, sales training, and technical presentations.
• Represent the product line at industry events while monitoring competitive dynamics and emerging trends.
• Utilize product performance metrics and customer feedback to refine product features and user experience.

The must haves:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field.
• Experience: 5+ years of experience in product management or technical roles within the networking industry.
• Expertise in IP and optical transport technologies and network planning processes.
• Experience leading telecommunications software applications from concept through market adoption.
• Background in Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations (AIOps), network design, and optimization.
• Application of agile software development methodologies in collaboration with software development teams.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and align stakeholders across functions.

Nice to haves:

• Experience supporting pre-Sales and Services workflows in a global service provider environment.
• Ability to leverage AI agents to augment product line management activities, including competitive analysis, requirements drafting, prioritization, and stakeholder communications.
• Familiarity with Network Digital Twin concepts and implementations.
• Experience growing product adoption and market share through data-driven decision making.
• Prior experience delivering technical workshops or executive-level presentations.
• Exposure to large-scale, multi-vendor network environments.

Pay Range:

The annual pay range for this position is $114,100 - $182,300 CAD. #LI-WH1 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.

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.

Dig deeper into who we are, what we do, and what you can expect as a member of our team. Meet the people who are shaping the future of communication and explore the culture we’ve built together at CienaLife.