Solution Architect, Sales Engineering

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.

As a global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena brings a people-first mindset to advancing how the world connects. This role plays a critical part in expanding Ciena’s Routing and Switching footprint by shaping customer architectures and influencing long-term technology direction. The position combines deep technical leadership with customer engagement to drive sustainable growth across service provider, utility, and MSO markets.

How you will make an impact:

• Partner with regional account teams to deliver engineering and architectural leadership across assigned customers
• Lead advanced network architecture discussions that align Ciena’s routing and switching strategy with customer business and technical objectives
• Execute technical sales activities including product demonstrations, proofs of concept, lab trials, RFP responses, and complex network designs
• Engage customer stakeholders ranging from engineering teams to executive leadership to influence technology direction and solution adoption
• Collaborate with sales, engineering, PLM, and R&D teams to position solutions and capture new and expanding business opportunities
• Provide structured feedback to PLM and R&D on customer requirements, competitive insights, and technology gaps
• Travel or engage virtually across the United States to build and maintain strong customer and account team relationships

The must haves:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Computer Science, or relevant experience
• Experience: 10+ years of telecommunication industry experience
• Application of routing and switching technologies across core, aggregation, and access networks, including automation, data center interconnect, campus networking, AI, and edge technologies
• Utilization of multi-layer network architectures including IP, Segment Routing, MPLS, MPLS-TP, and Carrier Ethernet
• Application of routing and switching protocols such as BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, IGRP, G.8032, 802.1ag, and RFC 2544/1564 testing methodologies
• Background in service provider network deployments and architectures
• Background working within utility and MSO network environments
• Hands-on systems-level technical capability with the ability to learn and apply new networking concepts quickly
• Demonstrated leadership of technical sales activities including RFPs, trials, and product acceptance processes
• Ability to collaborate effectively with sales teams and cross-functional internal organizations including R&D, Engineering, and PLM
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple concurrent initiatives in a dynamic environment
• Clear verbal and written communication skills with customers, partners, and internal stakeholders

Nice to haves:

• Background in software design or development using technologies such as Linux, C/C++, Java, Python, REST, JSON, SDN, or virtualization platforms
• Exposure to backbone long-haul transport, metro DWDM, optical networking evolution, and packet transport technologies
• Prior experience contributing to vendor-based sales account teams
• Ability to integrate into and contribute within high-performing technical sales teams
• Demonstrated capability to manage priorities with minimal supervision
• Experience influencing technology strategy through customer and industry engagement
• Willingness to travel extensively or engage virtually to support customer and business needs

Pay Range:

The annual total target compensation pay range for this position is $204,200 - $326,200 USD. This includes both base and incentive compensation.

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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.