Product Line Manager – Intelligent IP/Optical Controller

Ciena; United States; On-site; USD 83,278 - 133,055; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(K) with company matching

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Paid sick leave and vacation time

Job summary

Ciena is seeking a Product Line Manager to drive product strategy and execution for SDN controller platform applications in the United States. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree, 5+ years of experience in product management or technical roles within the networking industry, and deep expertise in IP and optical transport technologies. This position offers competitive compensation with a pay range between $114,100 - $182,300 CAD and includes comprehensive benefits such as medical, dental, and 401(K) participation.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in product management or technical roles within the networking industry.
• Proven experience leading Telco software applications from concept through market adoption.
• Deep expertise in IP and optical transport technologies.

Responsibilities

• Drive product strategy and roadmap execution for SDN controller platform applications.
• Translate customer needs, market insights, and technology trends into clear product requirements.
• Lead initiatives across AIOps and Network Digital Twin technologies.

Skills

Product management

Technical roles in networking

Communication

AIOps expertise

Agile methodologies

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications or related field

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 high‑speed connectivity. We build adaptive networks that help our customers scale, automate, and simplify how networks are planned, deployed, and operated. This Product Line Manager role sits at the intersection of software innovation and optical networking, shaping market‑leading SDN controller platform applications—an opportunity to join a winning team and help make Ciena’s hardware portfolio easier to design, deploy, and optimize for customers, Services teams, and pre‑Sales organizations. Ciena is looking for a PLM who knows how to win—combining customer obsession, strong execution, and a can‑do attitude.

How You Will Make An Impact

• Drive product strategy and roadmap execution for SDN controller platform applications, with a focus on network planning, operations, and optimization capabilities.
• Translate customer needs, market insights, and technology trends into clear, prioritized product requirements.
• Lead initiatives across Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations (AIOps) and Network Digital Twin technologies to improve operational efficiency and accuracy.
• Partner closely with R&D, Hardware, Navigator development, sales, and support teams to deliver differentiated, high‑quality software releases.
• Enable successful go‑to‑market execution through customer engagement, sales training, and technical presentations.
• Represent the product line externally at industry events while maintaining deep awareness of competitive dynamics and emerging trends.
• Use product performance metrics and customer feedback to continuously refine features and user experience.

The Must Haves

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in product management or technical roles within the networking industry.
• Deep expertise in IP and optical transport technologies and network planning processes.
• Proven experience leading Telco software applications from concept through market adoption.
• Strong background in Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations (AIOps), network design, and optimization.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with agile 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 output (e.g., competitive analysis, requirements drafting, prioritization, and stakeholder communications).
• Familiarity with Network Digital Twin concepts and implementations.
• Experience growing product adoption and increasing market share through data‑driven decision making.
• Prior customer‑facing 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.

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.

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.