Product Lifecycle & NPI Program Manager

Ciena; United States; Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Ciena is seeking a Senior PM for Service Operations Enablement to drive the NPI process and delivery across the product lifecycle. You will own the enablement roadmap, collaborate with IPTs and engineering, and coordinate repair NPI activities with internal teams and global partners.

This role emphasizes strong leadership, data-driven decisions, and cross-functional coordination. Qualified candidates bring 10+ years in product or project management within high-technology environments, PLM

Qualifications

• Experience leading complex projects from concept to execution in high-tech environments.
• Strong collaboration with global, cross-functional teams in fast-paced settings.
• Proven ability to deliver operational improvements and cost reductions.

Responsibilities

• Drive service operations enablement as part of NPI.
• Own the enablement roadmap and Plan of Record for all NPI activities.
• Coordinate PM activities across internal teams and external partners.
• Analyze demand to plan and scale repair capacity with partners.
• Lead initiatives delivering measurable cost reductions and improved cycle time.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Communications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

PMP certification

Tools

PLM software

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.

Ciena is the global leader in networking systems, services, and software, and this role is central to keeping advanced optical and routing technology performing at its best. The role strengthens service operations processes and performance by identifying product process improvements, streamlining workflows, and implementing engineered solutions that improve quality, reduce cost, and accelerate cycle time. The position works within a highly collaborative, people-first environment focused on flexible work, individual growth, well-being, belonging, and meaningful social, community, and societal impact.

How you will make an impact:

• Drive Service Operations Enablement as part of the Ciena New Product Introduction (NPI) process.
• Own the Service Operations Enablement roadmap and Plan of Record for all NPI activities and throughout the product lifecycle.
• Serve as the single point of contact between the Service Operations team, Integrated Product Teams (IPT), and Ciena NPI stakeholders.
• Coordinate Repair NPI project management activities across Ciena internal stakeholders, Service Operations teams, and external global partners.
• Partner with Ciena Engineering and Design teams to enable service operations to aggressive schedules that deliver customer service and business value.
• Analyze demand forecasts to plan, enable, and scale repair capacity at partners.
• Lead initiatives that deliver significant cost reduction or avoidance through early service operations enablement; define, manage, and report key operational metrics.

The must haves:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Engineering (Electrical, Electronics, Industrial), Supply Chain Management, or a relevant field.
• Experience: 10+ years of experience in product or project management within high-technology, telecoms, networking, or complex electronics environments.
• Proven track record of managing complex projects from concept to execution and driving operational improvements.
• Communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills applied to collaboration with global, cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Experience with product lifecycle management (PLM).
• Occasional travel, as required, to collaborate with colleagues on critical projects.
• Fluency in English.

Nice to haves:

• Knowledge of telecommunications or complex electronic hardware supply chain.
• Prior experience in service operations or after-sales support environments.
• Application of analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Certifications: PMP certification or similar project management qualification.

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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 anEqual 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.