Optical AI Product Line Manager

Ciena

. Own the strategy and commercialization of Optical networking solutions for AI connectivity across DCI, metro and long-haul domains .

Posted 10/25/2026full-timeRemote • CanadaSeniorLead💰 CA$138,900 - CA$221,900 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Optical and IP Networking Architectures, particularly for AI connectivity, with a strong ability to translate customer insights into actionable product specifications and business cases. Proven track record in engaging with Communications Service Providers and leading cross-functional teams to drive product strategy and commercialization.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Optical Networking SolutionsAI Cluster NetworkingTCO/CAPEX/OPEX AnalysisProduct ManagementCoherent Optical Technologies

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Optical Networking ArchitecturesIP Networking ArchitecturesAI ConnectivityService Monetization ModelsProduct SpecificationsRFI/RFP ResponsesQuantitative AnalysisTechnical MarketingSolutions ArchitectureNetworking Hardware and Software

Soft Skills

Clear CommunicationPresentation SkillsAnalytical SkillsCross-Functional CollaborationProject Management

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Industry Keywords

TelecommunicationsData CommunicationsCSP EngagementsCloud NetworkingHyperscalers

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cloud

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own the strategy and commercialization of Optical networking solutions for AI connectivity across DCI, metro and long-haul domains
Lead engagements with North American Communications Service Providers on engineering and monetizing optical networks for AI training and inference traffic
Build account-specific solution plans with customers, Sales and Sales Engineering to support CSP business cases for AI connectivity demand
Translate customer insights into Ciena's product roadmap and solution portfolio
Establish Ciena as the architectural reference point for AI connectivity with a defined set of North American CSP accounts within twelve months
Engage CSP technology and product strategy teams on coherent optics and fabric design
Build revenue and TCO cases to justify customer investment
Gather and translate customer and internal stakeholder requirements into product specifications, proposals, and RFI/RFP responses
Define and prioritize roadmap features with engineering, R&D and PLM teams

Requirements

What you’ll need

Deep working knowledge of optical and IP networking architectures across DCI, metro and long-haul
Working knowledge of AI cluster networking, including scale-out and scale-across fabrics, distributed training traffic patterns, and 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 across architecture and commercial strategy
Ability to gather and translate 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 — 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
Experience translating cloud networking practice into service provider environments
Experience with coherent optical technologies
Exposure to industry forums, standards bodies or global customer engagements

Benefits

Comp & perks

Development opportunities
Flexible work environment
Medical, dental, and vision plans
DCPP (Canada) with company matching
Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Company-paid holidays
Paid sick leave
Vacation time
Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence
Discretionary incentive bonus eligibility for non-Sales employees
Sales commission eligibility for Sales employees