Technical Solutions Engineer – Data Center PON

Ciena Corporation; California, Northern (MO, KY); Hybrid; USD 148,000 - 237,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) with company matching

Employee stock purchase program (ESPP)

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Paid holidays, sick leave, and paid-vs

Job summary

Ciena Corporation is seeking a Technical Solutions Engineer to contribute to next-generation DCOM networks built on PON technology for AI hyperscalers. You will gather requirements for 10Gbps PON networks, provide SAOS PON software expertise, and drive deployment readiness across global teams.

The role emphasizes reliability, scalability, and security in data center management networks, with collaboration across cross-functional groups and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent discipline.
• 7+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Experience with Passive Optical Networking (PON) technologies (OLT, ONT/ONU) and FTTx architectures.
• Experience with Layer 2/3 networking (Ethernet, VLAN, QoS, IPv4/IPv6).
• Experience with network management interfaces (NETCONF/YANG, gRPC/gNMI, REST).
• Experience collaborating with remote/globally distributed teams.

Responsibilities

• Gather and analyze requirements for routing and switching software solutions for 10Gbps PON networks.
• Provide technical expertise for SAOS embedded PON software and platforms.
• Translate requirements into scalable networking solutions.
• Collaborate across requirements analysis, integration, verification, and solution validation.
• Ensure deployment/readiness of PON-based data center management networks for reliability and security.
• Contribute to enhancing DCOM PON capabilities and customer experience.
• Identify and resolve technical challenges across stakeholders.

Skills

PON technology

Layer 2/Layer 3 networking

NETCONF/YANG

gRPC/gNMI

REST APIs

Remote collaboration

Enterprise/data center networking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Docker

MongoDB

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, delivering adaptive networking solutions that help customers scale and simplify operations. This Technical Solutions Engineer role contributes to next-generation Data Center Out-of-Band Management (DCOM) networks built on Passive Optical Networking (PON) technology for AI hyperscalers and neoscalers. The position drives successful solution delivery, deployment readiness, and customer outcomes across complex networking environments.

How you will make an impact:

• Gather and analyze requirements for routing and switching software solutions supporting 10Gbps PON network technologies and Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking applications.
• Provide technical expertise for SAOS embedded PON software and platforms to enable customer adoption and accelerate solution deployment.
• Translate customer and business requirements into scalable and operationally efficient networking solutions.
• Collaborate across requirements analysis, integration, verification, solution validation, and customer engagement activities.
• Ensure deployment and operational readiness of PON-based data center management networks with a focus on reliability, scalability, and security.
• Contribute to the enhancement of DCOM PON capabilities and customer experience.
• Identify, analyze, and resolve technical challenges while aligning internal and external stakeholders.

The must haves:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent discipline.
• Experience: 7+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Application of Passive Optical Networking (PON) technologies, including OLT, ONT/ONU, and broadband access architectures such as FTTx.
• Utilization of Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking technologies, including Ethernet, VLAN, QoS, IPv4, IPv6, switching, and routing.
• Application of network management and automation interfaces, including NETCONF/YANG, gRPC/gNMI, telemetry, and REST APIs.
• Experience collaborating with remote and globally distributed teams and engaging technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience supporting or designing network solutions within complex enterprise or data center environments.

Nice to haves:

• Familiarity with containerized and modern network architectures, including Docker, SDN, NFV, and disaggregated networking solutions.
• Experience with database technologies, including MongoDB or JSON-based databases.
• Knowledge of secure networking technologies, including SSH, TLS, and X.509 certificates.
• Experience supporting data center networking environments used by hyperscale or large cloud infrastructure operators.

The annual pay range for this position is $115,500 - $184,500 CAD. The annual pay range for this position in California is $148, 200 - $236,800 USD #LI-WH1 #LI-Remote 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.