Product Line Manager - Routing & Switching Innovation

Ciena is seeking a Product Line Manager to drive innovation strategy, definition, and growth of the IP Routing portfolio with a focus on the expanding role of Artificial Intelligence in Service Provider networks.

This role shapes how market, customer, and AI-driven requirements are integrated into a cohesive routing roadmap to unlock new business opportunities.

• Identify and define differentiated IP routing solution opportunities using qualitative and quantitative analysis
• Engage global Service Providers to understand network evolution, AI‑driven operational models, and new service constructs
• Lead proof‑of‑concept initiatives to validate solutions and drive customer adoption
• Align routing innovation requirements with the broader Ciena portfolio roadmap in partnership with PLM peers
• Translate market and innovation needs into detailed product requirements and multi‑year roadmaps with engineering teams
• Provide thought leadership on AI‑enabled routing capabilities, operational efficiency, and current revenue models
• Produce roadmap narratives, whitepapers, presentations, and value propositions to support customer engagement and sales enablement

• Education:
  • Bachelors degree in Engineering or a related technical field; advanced degree preferred
• Experience:
  • 7+ years of experience in Product Management or technical strategy leadership within routing, networking, telecommunications, or cloud infrastructure
  • Application of IP routing protocols including OSPF, IS‑IS, BGP, MPLS, Segment Routing (SR‑MPLS and SRv6), multicast, QoS, and VXLAN
  • Background in Service Provider network architectures including core, metro, access, edge, cloud, and data center interconnect environments
  • Application of AI‑driven networking use cases such as predictive analytics, anomaly detection, automated optimization, intent‑based operations, and traffic forecasting
  • Collaboration across product teams and portfolios to drive alignment and cohesive solution delivery
  • Communication of technical and strategic concepts to audiences ranging from engineering teams to executive leadership

• Experience defining routing solutions or AI- and automation‑driven network capabilities
• Track record of defining innovative solutions and driving adoption within Service Provider organizations
• Direct engagement with Tier 1 or Tier 2 Service Providers on automation or AI‑focused initiatives
• Familiarity with machine learning analytics platforms, data pipelines, telemetry systems, and cloud‑native architectures

The annual pay range for this position is $114,100 - $182,300 CAD. Non‑Sales employees may be eligible for a discretionary incentive bonus, while Sales employees may be eligible for a sales commission.

• 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
• Compliance with all applicable laws regarding Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence

Ciena values diversity and respects its employees as individuals. Ciena does 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.