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 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.

We are looking for a strategic, customer facing, Solution Architect responsible for identifying, selling and driving new business initiatives that increase Ciena's market share and drive long-term, profitable growth for our Routing/Switching solutions for Regional Service Provider, Utility, and MSO customers. 

This is a presales role which requires prior experience as a contributor on a sales account team, preference given to vendor sales.

How You Will Contribute:

• Works directly with dedicated account teams across the assigned region to provide Engineering and Architectural leadership
• Drive advanced architecture discussions to ensure Ciena’s technology direction aligns with customer needs, work collaboratively with key influencers in the industry to drive technology direction, and engage with customer personnel from Engineering to C-Level Executives
• Lead technical tasks (product demonstrations, POCs & lab trials), including written proposals (RFPs), and complex network designs.
• Must be able to effectively communicate solutions to customers, resellers and work cohesively with Sales teams and other internal CIENA departments
• Provide strategic direction to Ciena’s PLM/R&D organizations on technology required to capture the business of existing and developing customers
• Travel (or engage virtually) a significant amount of time in the US to build account team and customer relationships needed to execute business initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Must Haves:

• Strong understanding of current and future trends in routing/switching (core, access and aggregation), Automation, Data Center Interconnect, Campus Networking, AI, and other emerging Edge technologies
• Expert level knowledge, of multi-layer network architectures (IP, SR, MPLS & Carrier Ethernet) and Routing/Switching technologies and protocols (BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, IGRP, G.8032, MPLS-TP, 802.1ag, 2544/1564, etc) is required
• Detailed understanding of Service Provider Network deployments and architectures
• Detailed understanding of Utility & MSO customer environments
• Expert level hands-on systems level understanding and an ability to learn and apply new concepts and technologies quickly
• Software design and development knowledge (Linux, C/C++, Java, Python, REST, JSON, OpenFlow, OpenDaylight, OpenStack, OPNFV, SDN, VMWare, etc.) is a plus
• Understanding of backbone long-haul transport, metro DWDM, optical evolution and packet transport a plus
• Time management skills; ability to plan, prioritize, execute & follow-up within a timely manner
• Professionalism in attitude, conduct, and appearance
• Ability to work within a high-performance team
• Flexible, able to handle multiple tasks with minimal supervision
• Ability to build strong customer relationships and support an overall sales strategy
• Expert technical expertise and desire to learn new technologies
• Needs to have demonstrated lead in management of on-going activities such as RFP activity, trials and product acceptance
• Must be able to work well with Ciena R&D, Engineering and PLM
• Ability to integrate into and contribute to a high performing Team
• Excellent organizational skills due to dynamic nature of activities
• Superior verbal and written communication skills

Education:

• Technical Degree; BS in Engineering or Computer Science or relevant experience
• Expert in architecting complex IP and Carrier Ethernet Networks
• In-depth knowledge of multilayer networking systems
• 10+ years telecommunication industry experience
• Prior experience as a contributor on a sales account team

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.