Optical AI Product Line Manager
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Before you apply
SalaryCA$139k – CA$222k
LocationOttawa; Remote-Canada
Work moderemote
Typefull-time
SenioritySenior
Experience10+ yrs
DepartmentProduct Line Management
EquityIncluded
Company size10,000+ people
PostedOct 25, 2026 · 1w ago
Verified live2d ago
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
Deep working knowledge of optical and IP networking architectures across DCI, metro and long-haul
Working knowledge of AI cluster networking: scale-out and scale-across fabrics, distributed training traffic patterns, inference latency and distribution requirements
Ability to build and defend customer business cases, including service monetization models and TCO/capex/opex analysis
Ability to operate credibly across both architecture and commercial strategy
Ability to gather and translate customer and internal stakeholder requirements into product specifications, proposals, and RFI/RFP responses
Ability to work with cross-functional engineering, R&D and PLM teams to define and prioritize roadmap features
Strong analytical and quantitative skills
Clear communication and presentation skills across technical and non-technical audiences
Ability to manage multiple initiatives with minimal direction in a globally matrixed, cross-functional environment
Willingness to travel approximately 25%, primarily within North America
Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Computer Science or related) or equivalent experience
10+ years in telecommunications or data communications
Demonstrated technical engagements on networking for AI workloads with hyperscalers, neoclouds, CSPs or enterprises
Track record of converting a technical architecture position into a customer investment decision
Master's degree
Experience translating cloud networking practice into service provider environments
Experience with coherent optical technologies
Exposure to industry forums, standards bodies or global customer engagements
Ciena is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status
Skills
coherent optics
optical networking
IP networking
AI cluster networking
Benefits
Medical
Dental
Vision
401(k)
Dcpp
Company matching
Employee stock purchase program
Employee assistance program
Holidays
Paid sick leave
Vacation
Paid family leave
About the company
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.
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 are a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.
About the role
As a member of Ciena’s Optical Systems Product Line Management team, you will own the strategy and commercialization of Optical networking solutions for AI connectivity across Data Center Interconnect (DCI), metro and long-haul domains. You will lead engagements with North American Communications Service Providers (CSPs) on how to engineer and monetize their optical networks for AI training and inference traffic. Working with the customer, Sales and Sales Engineering, you will build account-specific solution plans that support CSP business cases for AI connectivity demand, and you will translate what you learn into Ciena’s product roadmap and solution portfolio.
This role sits at the intersection of network architecture and commercial strategy. You will be equally credible debating coherent optics and fabric design with a CSP’s technology and product strategy teams and building the revenue and TCO case that justifies their investment.
Responsibilities
Within twelve months, you will have established Ciena as the architectural reference point for AI connectivity with a defined set of North American CSP accounts.
Requirements
You have personally taken a technical architecture position and converted it into a customer investment decision. You have driven technical engagements on networking for AI workloads with hyperscalers, neoclouds, CSPs or enterprises, and have worked closely with customer influencers across product strategy, engineering and technology introduction functions. Experience translating cloud networking practice into service provider environments is a strong advantage.
This role is based in North America.
Must-have
•
Deep working knowledge of optical and IP networking architectures across DCI, metro and long-haul
•
Working knowledge of AI cluster networking: scale-out and scale-across fabrics, distributed training traffic patterns, inference latency and distribution requirements
•
Ability to build and defend customer business cases, including service monetization models and TCO/capex/opex analysis
•
Ability to operate credibly across both architecture and commercial strategy, engaging a CSP technology office on design, and their strategy and finance stakeholders on the investment case
•
Ability to gather and translate customer and internal stakeholder requirements into product specifications, proposals, and RFI/RFP responses
•
Ability to work with cross-functional engineering, R&D and PLM teams to define and prioritize roadmap features
•
Strong analytical and quantitative skills; able to use data and metrics to support a strategic narrative
•
Clear communication and presentation skills across technical and non-technical audiences, including executive stakeholders
•
Ability to manage multiple initiatives with minimal direction in a globally matrixed, cross-functional environment
•
Willingness to travel approximately 25%, primarily within North America
Education
•
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Computer Science or related), or equivalent experience — required
•
Master’s degree — preferred
Experience
Required
•
10+ years in telecommunications or data communications, spanning networking hardware and software, architecture, product line management or solution development. Prior experience in product management, solutions architecture, technical marketing, or sales engineering
•
Demonstrated technical engagements on networking for AI workloads with hyperscalers, neoclouds, CSPs or enterprises
•
Track record of converting a technical architecture position into a customer investment decision
Nice to have
Preferred
•
Experience translating cloud networking practice into service provider environments
•
Experience with coherent optical technologies
•
Exposure to industry forums, standards bodies or global customer engagements
If you meet most of this and can demonstrate the combination of technical depth and commercial judgment we are describing, we would like to hear from you.
The salary range for this position, in Canada, is:
$138,900.00 - $221,900.00 CAD
Benefits
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.
Legal
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.