Project/Program Engineer - New Grad

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.

What will you do at Ciena?

We’re looking for a highly motivated and talented individual for a program management role supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) and strategic projects for the Routing and Switching Portfolio (RSP). The role will be responsible for supporting the RSP design team to meet required deliverables for NPI, and the successful transition of products to full production ramp, while meeting yield targets and forecasted volumes. You will also support strategic projects to include the qualification of new suppliers and factory locations, as well as product re-spins and phase-in, phase-out transitions. You will also interact with Product Line Managers (PLM), R&D, supply chain colleagues and suppliers to manage products throughout their lifecycles. You will work with the leadership, co-workers, and cross functional teams to develop strategies, proposals, process documents, integrated plans and schedules to meet project objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Develops and tracks metrics related to supplier performance and Ciena customer deliverables.

· Key interface with R&D and supplier to ensure NPI build plans are created and updated on an on-going basis for assigned products.

· Ensure all key resources from the Ciena supply chain team and supplier, including materials management, procurement, product engineering, test engineering, quality and design are assigned and provide the required support to meet project deliverables.

· Works with PLM to ensure forecast for new products are implemented as part of every product launch to ensure material drive and capacity planning supports future customer demand.

· Ensures effective communication with project teams and leadership on project commitments, and schedule changes.

· Builds and maintains long-term strategic relationships with key suppliers and cross functional team members.

· Prepares various analyses and report requests for senior management.

· Leads efforts to ensure that technical issues are resolved quickly, avoiding delays.

· Ensures proper transition of new products into Ciena supply chain.

· Create and/or maintain processes and documented procedures as required.

· Identify areas of risk or inefficiency and work collaboratively to put processes in place to mitigate the issues.

· Drive continuous improvement to supply chain capabilities in process and solutions.

· Ensures proper consideration of new products into supply chain strategies and projects.

SKILLS

· Strong team building skills

· Fluency in project management and planning, risk assessment and resolution

· Strong communication skills, written, verbal and in formal presentations

· Ability to balance multiple priorities within the framework of timelines and budget objectives.

· Demonstrated skills in PC applications such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Smartsheet, Visio and project planning software

· Excellent analytical, problem-solving skills, and analytics-based scenario modelling

· Excellent interpersonal skills to work will employees at all levels throughout the organization

DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS

· Organizational skills and attention to detail

· Team player, organized, self-motivated, and capable of independent work

· Ability to work in fast paced, very diverse and changing environment

· Multitasking: able to prioritize and lead many aspects of a project or program simultaneously

· Able to negotiate with both collaborators and with internal resource owners.

· Ability to indirectly influence and lead cross-functional and/or cross-organizational teams, including a demonstrated ability to work across all organizational levels and with outside professionals.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

· B.S. / B.A. or equivalent.

· Five years of related experience.

· Ability to travel, including international travel

· Project/Program Management training and certifications

· Equivalent combination of education and experience.

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.

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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.