Product Line Manager - Intelligent IP/Optical Controller

Ciena; United States; On-site; USD 82,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

Ciena, a global leader in high-speed connectivity, seeks a Product Line Manager to shape software innovation at the intersection of SDN controller platforms and optical networking. The role drives strategy, market adoption, and customer success.

You will translate requirements, lead AIOps initiatives, and collaborate with R&D, hardware, Navigator development, sales, and support to deliver software releases and go-to-market activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field.
• 5+ years of product management or technical roles in 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Product management

Networking

AIOps

Agile

Stakeholder alignment

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher 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.

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 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.